- Sarpsborg is the third oldest town in Norway, and was founded by St Olav himself back in 1016.

- Sarpsborg has more golf greens than any other municipality in Østfold. It is also home to Østfold Golfsenter, the largest indoors golf center in Scandinavia.

- Sarpsborg Bowlingsenter is one of the best in the country. The complex boasts 16 lanes, as well as a laser world, billiards, a cafeteria, a child playroom and more.

- The Sørnesuret, one of the most advanced astronomical clocks ever built, can be found in the Borgarsyssel Museum in Sarpsborg. It was the brainchild of Rasmus Sørnes (1893-1967), who built the clock single-handedly in his spare time.

- People who come from Sarpsborg are called ’sarpinger’ (singular: en sarping).

- Sparta Warriors, Sarpsborg’s ice-hockey team, is one of the best in Norway, and enjoys a fervent supporter following. They train, and play their home matches in Sparta Amfi, Norway’s first purpose-built ice-hockey hall.

- The Sarpsfossen in Sarpsborg is Scandinavia’s most powerful waterfall – it has a water debit of 577 m³ per second. It has played a crucial role in the development of industry in the area.