The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 84,444 / 59.1 degrees north
Fredrikstad, Norway
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.
About Fredrikstad
Latitude: 59.1 degrees north
Population: 84.444
Fredrikstad Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Map of Fredrikstad
Uniquely Fredrikstad
Here are some things that you must do and try in Fredrikstad
Fortified Town
Gamlebyen
The timbered houses, moats, gates and drawbridge of Fredrikstad’s Gamlebyen (“Old Town”) are simply enchanting. The walls, once defended by 200 cannons, now consist of grassy embankments that make for a pleasant stroll. The narrow, cobblestone streets are still lined with picturesque 17th century buildings.
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Fredrikstad
Square
King's Square
The King’s Square has a statue of Frederik II, who founded the town in 1567. Criminals were put in stocks here.
Fortress
Kongsten Festning
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.
Museum
Fredrikstad Museum
Fredrikstad Museum is located in a 17th century mansion and tells the story of the development of Fredrikstad.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Trail
Glommastien
The Glommastien is a path that runs along the Glomma River.
Island
Isegran
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.
Road-Trips
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Fredrikstad
Self-Guided Walks
Fredrikstad on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Fredrikstad
History of 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.
Fredrikstad Today
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.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fredrikstad has a train station and has trains stopping here between Oslo and Gothenburg.
Fredrikstad is located just off the E6 highway.
t Neslandsvatn, where you can then take a bus to Kragerø.
Ferry: No ferry
Getting Around
It is easy to get around Frederikstad on foot.
There’s a free city ferry that connects Fredrikstad to Gamlebyen.
Shops
Bastion 5 Arts and Crafts Centre has local potters, painters goldsmiths, and glassblowers at work.
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Mormors Café is a popular café with the best caramel cake.
I had lunch at the Gamlebyen Bakery and loved it!! Best toasted sandwich and coffee.
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
Where to Eat
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.
High End & Unique Eats
Places to Stay
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