Did you know that Scandinavia’s highest set of locks could be found in Østfold, a few kilometres east of Halden? The four locks at Brekke, on the Stenselva along the Halden Canal, have a total elevation difference of almost 27m.

In summer many people kayak along the Halden Canal, one of Norway’s only two man-made waterways, which is also plied by small leisure boats. Going through the locks, which are still manually operated, is a highlight of the trip. You can watch the action every day, from early June to mid-Aug, at 10am, 2pm and 5pm, when the locks are in operation.

Brekke Hydroelectric Power Station is nearby. There is also a flood tunnel on the north side of the locks. The tunnel has a capacity of up to 150 cubic metres per second, and is used to regulate water levels in extreme conditions.

How to get there: From Halden centre, follow Rv21 towards Tistedal. Continue on the Rv21 for about 5km – when you’ll see a sign for Brekke on your left. Take it left – the locks are about 2km away on that dirt road (Asveien).

More info at www.haldenkanalen.no (Norwegian only)