It’s hot, it’s sunny, so what better way to spend the day than at sea? Here are a few boat trip options in the area:
- M/S Sagasund arranges two-hour trips (each way) between Fredrikstad and Strömstad in Sweden, where you can spend a couple of hours before heading back to Fredrikstad. Daily during the summer holidays, departs Toldbodkaia, Fredrikstad 11am, Strömstad at 3pm. A return ticket costs 150Kr (children under 8 free), you can buy lunch and refreshments on board. Tel: 90 99 81 11, www.mssagasund.no (Norwegian only)
- If this sounds too tame, why not go for a spin with RIB Adventures instead, and explore the Oslofjord at full throttle on board one of their speed boats? A guaranteed adrenaline kick! Tel: 40 00 69 89 or 92 81 01 01, www.riboslo.no
- No time to spend a whole day at sea? Take a mini-cruise on the Glomma, Norway’s longest river. The iconic little red and white Gamlebyen ferry links Gamlebyen and the centre of Fredrikstad in 10 minutes, and you can take bikes on board. Departs Gamlebyen on the hour every day from 7am during the week, Sat 11am, Sun noon in summer (from the pier furthest from the entrance to Gamlebyen), and the city centre (pier next to Pizzanini Restaurant) at 35 minutes past the hour. A ticket costs 10Kr.
- Engelsviken Båtskole & Charter in Engelsviken, 15km west of Fredrikstad, arranges boat charters for anglers, as well as island and diving cruises along the Østfold coast. Ideal for small groups (the boat can take up to 9 passengers), but not cheap. Rental rate per hour is 1,500Kr + VAT. Tel: 91 39 08 75, www.engelsvikencharter.com
- M/S Falkungen in Fredrikstad (moored on Kråkerøy) is a 15m aluminium boat that can also be chartered for mini cruises, and provides taxi services. Maximum 10 passengers. Tel: 90 16 70 70, www.falkungen.no
- Or rent your own. Olseng Marina on Ullerøy, Skjeberg, also have a 39ft sailing boat for hire. It will set you back 14,000Kr for a week (Sunday to Sunday) in July and August, 12,000Kr in June and Sep. Deposit of 25,000Kr, insurance included (sleeps 6). Weekends Fri-Sun 9,500Kr (June to Sep). What better way to explore the Hvaler Archipelago eh?! Tel: 69 16 95 95, www.olsengmarina.no (Norwegian only)