Thinking of coming to Østfold this summer? There are tons of reasons why you should, but I’ve tried to narrow it down to 10 here (and no, of course it wasn’t easy!!!):
- Sail the stunning Hvaler Archipelago, a summer paradise in the Oslofjord, and home to Norway’s first, and only, marine national park.
- Join the locals and enjoy lunch alfresco by the river in one of Fredrikstad’s many waterfront restaurants.
- Take the hike to Linnekleppen, Northern Europe’s last manned fire-watch tower – from the top you’ll see the huge forests of Indre-Østfold reach as far as the Swedish border.
- Wander the quaint cobbled-stoned streets of Gamlebyen, Scandinavia’s best-preserved fortress town in Fredrikstad.
- Take in the awesome views from the top of the Fredriksten Fortress in Halden, then learn about the town’s fascinating history at the onsite museum.
- Go back in time along Oldtidsveien, where ancient stone circles, rock carvings and burial mounts dating back to the Stone Ages abound.
- Indulge in a soak and/or a massage at Zen Resort, Norway’s first holistic spa in Rømskog. Or just chill out and enjoy the beautiful scenery by Lake Vortungen.
- Go bird-watching: Østfold boasts two of Norway’s best wetland areas, Øra and Kurefjorden nature reserves. Just don’t forget the binoculars!
- Kayak your way along the Halden Canal, passing the Brekke Locks on the way – they are the highest in Scandinavia, and a highlight of the trip.
- Splash out, but stay solvent: The coast up and down the county boasts many beaches, and there are hundreds of lakes to choose from inland if you prefer to swim in fresh water.