- Glommastien: A popular day cycle along the River Glomma between Fredrikstad and Sarpsborg. Start from the ferry departure point on the west side, and come back on the east side, ending your tour in Gamlebyen (30km).

- Ullerøy: Follow signs for Ullerøy off Rv110, and continue on this road, Ullerøyveien, all the way to the little bridge leading to Nordre Karlsøy. You can continue onto the two small islands before starting the return leg of your trip. On the way back take it left at Røaveien, about 1km after the bridge. This dirt road will take you back to Rv110 through the forest (16km).

- Storedal: Combine this easy cycle through pretty kulturlandscap (fields and farms) with a visit to the Storedal Centre before heading back the way you came. Starts just past Årum off Rv111 (11km).

- Vikane: Start at Slevik on Rv117 and head for Vikane. You will follow a beautiful stretch of coastline before turning inland towards Rv116. Take it right here, and stay on this road for about 1km, before turning right again back towards Slevik (16km).

- Lannem Pottery: One of Norway’s oldest, using local clay exclusively. Their products are on sale through many outlets in Norway, including at Gardermoen Airport and on the Hurtigruen, as well as in the shop here. More info at http://www.elusivemoose.eu/2010/03/11/

- Hiking: The area around Rakkestad is great for hiking. The walk to Linnekleppen fire watch-tower is a popular one, but the whole of the Rakkestadfjella is worth exploring. More info at http://www.elusivemoose.eu/2009/11/18/

- Fishing: There are myriads of lakes of all sizes in the area, making this a great destination for fishing. Two of the largest ones are Frønesjøen and Kløsa, both easily accessible.

- Buer bakkene (Os): A lovely spot along Varteigveien, and a great stretch of road to cycle or go for a drive. Particularly lovely in early summer when wild flowers line the roadside and the ripening crops in the surrounding fields lend colour to this already beautiful landscape.

- Browse in Fønix record shop, a shop dedicated to 1950s and 60s music and fashion. Retro’s never been so cool! Fisketorget 1. www.nostalgia.no (Norwegian only)

- Visit the Fredrikshalds Teater, dating back to 1838, Norway’s best preserved baroque scene (by appointment only). Tel: 69 18 54 11, www.halden.museum.no/teater.html (Norwegian only)

- Fish for salmon in the Enningdal River, one of the best salmon rivers in Norway. The salmon season lasts from mid-May to mid-Aug.

- Visit Rød Herregård, one of the most famous mansions in the county – complete with original 18th century furniture and baroque gardens. Tel: 69 18 54 11, www.halden.museum.no/herregard.html (Norwegian only)

For more info visit www.visithalden.com

- Bo Grønt Lund’s: This garden centre in Torsnes doubles up as a mini animal park, featuring a pleasant playground with many slides and climbing apparatus, as well as farmyard animals such as sheep, rabbits, etc. Ideal for the little ones. Why not bring a picnic and make an afternoon of it? Torsnesveien, Torsnes (about 5km from Gamlebyen). Prices: 50Kr per person. Open 10am-7pm during the week, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun noon-5pm. Tel: 69 34 92 66, www.bogront.no/lunds/ (Norwegian only)

- Go-karting: Cheap it ain’t (a 9 minute heat, about 10-15 laps, will set you back 155Kr), but go-karing is fun if you want to spoil the kids, or give yourself a bit of an adrenaline kick. Why not indeed. Open Mon-Fri 4pm-9pm, Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 2pm-8pm. Tomteveien 21. Tel: 40 00 19 36, www.activcenter.no (Norwegian only)

- Ice-skating: Nothing better than a spin (or two) on the ice to burn off excess energy. Luckily Stjernehallen, Fredrikstad ice-rink, is open to the general public Wed-Fri 10am-2pm, and Sun 10.30am-12.30pm, and even better, skating here is free! Utfarten 16 (between Bratliparken and Fredrikstadmarka). Tel: 69 36 83 00, www.stjernen.no (Norwegian only)

- Horse riding: There are several riding centres in the area. Try Fredrikstad Riding Centre, just behind the Old Town (Bekkevold 1. Tel: 69 32 31 74) or Hogde Shetland Stud Farm (Hogde 2. Tel. 90 51 74 26), which has Shetland ponies.

- Swimming: Kongstenhall swimming pool complex just outside Gamlebyen is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. It boasts an outdoor Olympic size pool, paddling pool, 10m diving board and pool, and a water slide, plus a smaller indoor pool. Prices: 50Kr adults and 40Kr children for access to the outdoors complex. Open 7 days a week, times vary, ring for info. Trosvikveien 12. Tel: 69 95 82 98.

- Get pampered in Norway’s first holistic spa, Zen Resort, Rømskog, and make the most of the great location on the shores of Lake Vortungen. www.zenresort.no

- Take the hike to Linnekleppen, Scandinavia’s last manned firewatch tower – a cool day-walk in pretty scenery, and great views from the top of the tower.

- Explore the big inland forests and myriad lakes of Marker, Trømborg- and Rakkestadfjella. Here you can fish and swim in summer, pick mushrooms in the autumn, and go cross-country skiing come winter.

- Learn about local history at Høytop Fort, Mysen, Norway’s biggest inland fortress (built 1912–1918) and the seat of heavy fighting against German forces during WW2. www.forthoytorp.com

- Chill out and/or splash out for the day at Østfoldbadet, one of the county’s largest indoor swimming complexes, in Askim. www.ostfoldbadet.no

For more information on Indre-Østfold visit www.visitindre.no

- Café Brandstrup: Tasty sandwiches and salads served in generous portions in a gastro-pub style caf right next to one of Moss’s most famous art galleries. Open late on Fridays and Saturdays. Henrik Gerners gate 7. Tel: 69 25 32 60, www.cafebrandstrup.no

- Farbror Melkers Café: Popular caf by the main square in the centre of town. Serving all manners of pies, salads and sandwiches in charming rustic Scandinavian surrounds. Kongensgate 15. Tel: 69 25 10 55.

- Café at Gallery F15: Spacious café on Jeløya serving salads, cakes and excellent teas. On warm days you can sit outside and enjoy the stunning views over the Oslofjord. Alby Gård, Jeløya. Tel: 69 27 15 98.

- Café Evert: This caf by the canal specialises in traditional Norwegian food, with a special emphasis on regional produce. Værftsgata 2. Tel: 69 27 40 08, www.evert.no

- Råde Bakeri outlet in Moss Amfi: Modern café serving a good selection of sandwiches, cakes and ice-creams in airy, sleek surrounds. Moss Amfi, Prinsens gate 2. Tel: 95 98 48 51.

- Catch a match at the local stadium, housed in a former shipyard, and watch Fredrikstad Football Club (FFK) supporters paint the town red as they cheer their team on. www.fredrikstadfk.no

- Discover the work of talented local artists at the Østfold Kunstnersenter on Fergestedsveien. Exhibitions change regularly, and entry is free. www.kunstnersenter.no/oks/

- Take a stroll in beautiful Gamlebyen, Scandinavia’s best preserved fortress town, on the eastern side of the river Glomma. Or join a guided tour (organised by the tourist office) if you’d like to learn more about the history of this fascinating place.

- Meet some locals in the cosy Verdenspeilet Cafe in winter, or watch life go by from one of the many bars/restaurants along the river in summer.

For more info visit www.opplevfredrikstad.com

- Orion’s Belt: Espionage thriller set in the fishing community of the Svalbard archipelago. (1985)

- Flåklypa Grand Prix: Ivo Caprino’s much loved animated puppet movie was a huge box office hit when it was released in 1975. (1975)

- The Pathfinder: Fast-paced Sami adventure by first-time director Neils Gaup, nominated for an Oscar for best foreign language film. (1987)

- Insomnia: Personal thriller featuring a couple of policemen from Oslo who travel to Northern Norway to investigate the death of a 17-year old girl. (1997)

- Cross my Heart and Hope to Die (Ten Knives in the Heart): Award-winning, atmospheric coming-of-age story following the adventures of 12-year-old Otto after he meets an enigmatic man twice his age. (1994)

See also http://www.elusivemoose.eu/2009/12/top-5-best-norwegian-movies-of-the-past-decade/ for the best Norwegian movies of the noughties.