Once a strategic stronghold, now a creative centre, Fredrikstad is enchanting. Cobblestoned streets are lined with wooden weapon stores and timbered house, which have been conferred into art galleries, bars and restaurants. Fredrikstad is home to one of the best-preserved and prettiest fortress towns in Scandinavia.
Latitude: 59.1 degrees north
Population: 84.444
Fredrikstad Municipality
Here are some things that you must do and try in Fredrikstad
Northern Europe’s best-preserved fortress town. Stroll its star-shaped ramparts and cobbled streets, lined with wooden houses, artisanal shops, galleries and cosy cafes. Look for craft workshops (e.g. glassblowing, ceramics) and the miniature railway in the tower. Seasonal markets include weekend flea-markets and a popular Christmas market in December
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Fredrikstad
The King’s Square has a statue of Frederik II, who founded the town in 1567. Criminals were put in stocks here.
On what was once ‘Gallows Hill’ stands the flower-festooned Konsten Festning. Dating from 1685, it once served as a look out and warning post for the troops at Gamlebyen. Although it can get overrun on weekends, this is a lovely spot to explore or sunbake.
Fredrikstad Museum is located in a 17th century mansion and tells the story of the development of Fredrikstad.
Visit Bastion 5 (the old barracks at Gamlebyen tip) for contemporary art and live events. The Østfold Art Centre and Fredrikstad Museum (in the Old Town) showcase local culture and history. Fredrikstad also has a lively creative scene and even an animation film festival each year.
This red-brick neo-Gothic church (built 1880s) towers over the city centre. It’s a landmark visible across town and is open to visitors.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
The Glommastien is a path that runs along the Glomma River.
Norse Sagas mention the 13th century fortress of Isegran, an islet in the Glomma that became a further line of defense against Sweden in the mid-17th century. The ruins of a stone tower are visible at the eastern end of the island. It’s also the site of a small museum on local boat building.
A chain of over 800 islands, 20–30 km south, is a nature highlight. Summer boat excursions, kayaking or sailing are popular. The park has marked coastal hikes on Kirkøy, Asmaløy and Vesterøy. (In winter, the islands are quiet; early spring and autumn still offer open trails and birdlife.) Ferries run from nearby Skjærhalden (Hvaler’s main village) for island hopping
A large woodland and lake area just outside town. Well-marked loops (some with boardwalks) range from easy walks to longer hikes. For example, the Hattehytta loop (~6–10 km) circles quiet lakes and forest with moderate climbs. Trails are groomed in winter for cross-country skiing. Picnic spots abound. Wildlife (birds, deer, etc.) can be seen along the paths
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Fredrikstad
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Fredrikstad
When nearby Sarpsborg burned down in 1567 during the Nordic Seven Years War, Frederik II gave permission for the inhabitants to move to a spot closer to the mouth of the Glomma River, which would have been better for trading, shipping and fishing, as well as defending the country from foreign invasion. And so Fredrikstad was established, based on Dutch architectural models. It became a fortress town in 1663, and Gamlebyen was established with bastion walls.
During the Great Nordic War (1700-1721), the archipelago fleet was based in Fredrikstad from 1709. It was under control of Admiral Peter Wessel Tordenskiold.
Despite the town’s importance as a defensive structure, the population remained low at around 2000 inhabitants.
The abolition of sawmill privileges in 1860 led to Fredrikstad’s most important period of growth. In a relatively short amount of time, the trading and shipping town was transformed into one of the country’s most significant industrial towns, with industry linked to sawmills and brickworks as the most important industries. Because of this, Fredrikstad was nicknamed “Plankbyen”. Later, the stone industry and mechanical workshops gained great importance for Fredrikstad’s growth. The city’s population doubled, and urban development spreasd to neighbouring areas.
Three Viking ships have been found close to Fredrikstad.
The connection to the sea has played an important role for Fredrikstad. Shipbuilding and boat production have left their mark, with the Fredrikstad Mechanical Workshop being a prominent example. Today the racing boat manufacturer Hydrolift represents the city’s maritime heritage. Before the oil age, Fredrikstad was a leading city when it came to the production and development of consumer goods with a number of factories such as the Fredrikstad Shoe Factory. When the oil age began in Norway in the 1970s, it meant a decline in traditional industrial employment in Norway in general and Østfold county in particular.
Frederikstad has many schools as well as the Østfold University College for hifher eduction. The Department of Journalism is based in Fredrikstad.
Train: Fredrikstad has excellent rail service. Østfold Line trains run hourly from Oslo S to Fredrikstad (journey ~1 hour). The station is in the city centre (west bank). Tickets are easy to buy online or at kiosks. The ride is comfortable and scenic as it follows the river. There are also direct trains from Sweden (Gothenburg route via Halden).
Car: The E6 motorway runs right to Fredrikstad. Driving from Oslo takes ~1.5 hours (90 min). From Sweden, E6 south past Halden takes about the same. Parking in or near Gamlebyen can be limited (especially summer weekends). There are paid lots on the outskirts and along Kråkerøybrua. Long-distance buses (Vy Buss or Nettbuss) also run frequently from Oslo (1–1.5 h) and Gothenburg. Local city buses (Østfold Kollektivtrafikk) connect Fredrikstad to suburbs and Hvaler islands (e.g. bus #1 to Skjærhalden, especially in summer).
The town centre is compact and easily walkable. Bicycles can be hired (look for local bike-rental shops) and there are bike lanes. Taxis are available but not many, so pre-booking is sometimes needed on weekends.
For Gamlebyen, the ferries (as above) are both transport and attraction. To reach Hvaler islands, visitors often drive to Skjærhalden or take the bus and then ferry. In winter some smaller roads may see less traffic; plan ahead if travelling on island ferries outside summer (many only run Apr–Oct).
Bastion 5 Arts and Crafts Centre has local potters, painters goldsmiths, and glassblowers at work.
Gamlebyen is full of unique shops. Look for artisan studios and galleries: Mimosa Gallery (home décor and art objects) and Bakeribygningen Atelier (handmade crafts in an old bakery building) are highlights. There are also traditional craft shops (pottery, wood crafts) and bric-a-brac stores. Many sell locally made souvenirs like wool hats, artisanal soaps and crafts. The green belt around the fortress is dotted with birdwatching paths too, so nature lovers often combine shopping with a walk
Cafes & Bakeries
Mormors Café is a popular café with the best caramel cake. Gamlebyen has several character cafés. Mormors Café (“Grandma’s Café”) is a beloved spot on the old town square, serving homemade soups, sandwiches and daily-baked cakes. Café Magenta (at Bastion 5) is beautifully sited and also functions as an art space — try their waffles or local sandwiches in its rustic old-brick interior. Other cafés include small coffee roasters and bakeries (for pastries and pastries). Most serve at least light lunches and are open year-round.
I had lunch at the Gamlebyen Bakery and loved it!! Best toasted sandwich and coffee.
Quick Bites
Casual Eateries
Restaurant Slippen has an atmospheric riverside location, plus a pretty terrace. An upmarket clientele visit regularly for oysters.
Havnelageret Gastropub has regional craft beer selections and pub food.
Nygaardsplassen Square is where you’ll find many bars and restaurants. It’s not uncommon to see DJs or concerts out in the square.
Majoren’s Stue & Kro – Popular restaurant with a mix of cuisines.
High End & Unique Eats
Camping & Hostels
Fredrikstad Motel & Camping is located on the grounds of Kongsten Fortress and is close to the Old Town.
Cabins & B&Bs
Chains & Mid-Range
In the modern part of Fredrikstad you’ll find the Quality Hotel and a Scandic Hotel.
High End & Unique Properties
Hotel Victoria – Fredrikstad’s historic hotel is beautifully preserved and is surrounded by parkland.