Østfold is known as the ‘county of manors’ (herregård), as about half of all the manors in Norway can be found here. Most of them date back to the 17th and 18th century, when Norway was under Danish rule. There are 25 manors in total in Østfold, so you probably won’t have the time (or even the inclination) to see them all, but here are five well worth a visit:
- Rød Herregård, Halden: One of the best preserved manors in Norway, with carefully restored buildings, a baroque garden and an English landscaped park. The interior has retained its original style, with furniture dating back to the 18th century.
- Alby Gård, Jeløya: The main building houses Galleri F15, one of Norway’s foremost contemporary art galleries, while the stabburet (granary) is home to Jeløy Naturhus, where you can learn about the area’s fauna and flora.
- Elingård, Onsøy (Fredrikstad municipality): One of Norway’s oldest manors, dating back to the late Middle Ages. Once the home of Jens Bjelke, in his days Norway’s richest man. The manor is today part of Fredrikstad Museum.
- Hafslund, Sarpsborg: Located by Sarpsfossen, Norway’s most powerful waterfall, and owned by a big industrial company that bears its name. The main building dates back to 1761 (the earlier baroque building burnt down 1757). The pleasant park, with its long tree-lined alleys, is often used for concerts and special events in summer.
- Borregård, Sarpsborg: Another manor with ties to the local industry, Borregård once stood opposite Hafslund, but most of the buildings were lost in a mudslide in 1702, and disappeared in the Glomma river. The main building was moved to Kulås, where it stands to this day.