Posts Tagged Top 5
Top 5: Cycling routes around Fredrikstad
Get on your bike, and discover another side of Østfold on two-wheels. Here are a few routes well worth exploring around Fredrikstad:
- Torsnes: A scenic tour that will take you through varied landscape, and avoid the worst of the traffic. Start in Gamlebyen and follow Torsnesveien (Rv107) all the way until you pass a sign for Nes, then take it right into Thorsøveien at the next crossing. The loop road will take you to Torsnes, and back onto Tornesveien (24km).
- 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).
As spotted on the way to Linnekleppen
Posted by admin in Photos and videos, Travel and practical stuff on August 13, 2010
Top 5: Things to do around Rakkestad
Posted by admin in Travel and practical stuff on August 13, 2010
- Rudskogen Motor Park: Norway’s largest motor-racing circuit, partly owned by Michael Schumacher, hosts big events throughout the summer, and attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. More info at www.rudskogen.no (Norwegian only)
- 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.
Wooden Boat Festival, Halden
Posted by admin in Photos and videos, Travel and practical stuff on July 2, 2010
Top 5: Things to do in Halden
Posted by admin in Travel and practical stuff on July 2, 2010
- Explore Fredriksten Festning, Halden’s famous fortress, high up on the cliff overlooking the town. You can do so on your own, with an audio guide, or join a guided tour, every weekend in the summer. www.halden.museum.no/festning.html (Norwegian only)
- 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
Top 5: Vantage points in Østfold
Posted by admin in Nature and the great outdoors on May 31, 2010
What’s the best vantage point in Østfold? Tough one, as there are so many spots affording great views all over the county, but these are my personal favourites:
- Linnekleppen, Indre-Østfold: Acres and acres of forest spreading as far as the eye can see is the stunning vista rewarding anyone climbing to the top of Linnekleppen, the last watchtower in Europe to still be manned in the summer months.
- Fredriksten Festning, Halden: Take in the sweeping panorama over Halden town and beyond from the top of the fortress, with the Iddefjord to the left. Impressive stuff!
- Blåsopp, Fredrikstad: Fantastic views over Mærrapanna and Gjetøya (and the vast expense of the Oslofjord beyond) from the top of this rocky cliff, a short walk from Oksrødkilen or Slevik just outside Fredrikstad.
- Hjelmkollen, Halden: This easily accessible vantage point 117m above sea level offers great views of Ringdalsfjorden, and the two Svinesund bridges (the old one in the foreground, the new one, with its distinctive arch, a few kilometers behind it in the distance).
- Ravneberget, Skjeberg: Great views over the fertile agricultural lands stretching between Borge and Rolvsøy in the distance from the top of this cliff, only a short walk from the Hunn field along Oldtidsveien. One can also make out Ullerøy, Torsnes and Tosekilen in the distance.
Feeding the goats just outside Gamlebyen
Posted by admin in Travel and practical stuff on April 28, 2010
Top 5: Activities for kids in Fredrikstad
Posted by admin in Travel and practical stuff on April 28, 2010
Not sure how to keep the kids entertained during your stay in Fredrikstad? Fret not – the options are plentiful. Here are some activity suggestions for children of all ages:
- 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.