Plan Tours to Fredrikstad and Hvaler

Coastal Adventures & Historic Charm

Just one hour south of Oslo lies one of Norway’s best-kept secrets. Fredrikstad & Hvaler combine authentic history, spectacular coastal scenery and sustainable experiences in one compact destination.

Beyond Fredrikstad and the Hvaler Archipelago, we work closely with regional tourism partners to create itineraries that may also include experiences across Østfold – from historic fortresses and Viking heritage to local food, art, coastal culture and nature-based adventures. Together, we showcase the diversity of Eastern Norway.

What we offer

Our primary destination is Fredrikstad & Hvaler. When relevant, we collaborate with destination partners across Østfold to complement our programmes and create seamless travel experiences.

We assist international tour operators, DMCs, cruise lines and event planners with:

  • Shore excursions and cruise services
  • Tailor-made itineraries in Fredrikstad & Hvaler
  • Regional programmes in collaboration with destination partners
  • Meetings, incentives and special interest tours
  • Accommodation, transport and local guides
  • Product development and destination expertise
  • Sales support, images and marketing material
  • Fam trips and site inspections

Whether your guests are looking for history, coastal adventures, gastronomy, culture or active experiences, we connect them with the very best our destination—and, through collaboration, the wider region—has to offer.

Let’s create memorable experiences together. Contact us to explore how Fredrikstad & Hvaler can become part of your next itinerary.

Historic & Cultural Experiences

Explore centuries of history through fortifications, maritime heritage, ancient rock carvings and museums.

A stroll in the fortress town

The star shaped ancient city of Fredrikstad, founded in 1567, is the best-preserved fortified town in Northern Europe

The Ancient Trail

Norway’s most concentrated collection of cultural monuments from the Bronze and Iron age.

Fredriksten Fortress – Norway’s Never-Conquered Fortress

The majestic Fortress of Fredriksten stands protectively above the city of Halden.

The History comes alive

Meet Karen the Ale Brewer, who lived, loved and suffered in the Fortress Town in the 18th century

From cobbled streets to carved rocks

On this three hour tour we travel 3000 thousand years back in time.

Isegran – A Living Maritime Heritage Walk

Visit Isegran – a beautiful coastal culture island in the heart of Fredrikstad

Roald Amundsen’s Birthplace – Where the Story of a Polar Legend Began

Visit the birthplace of Roald Amundsen, the first person to reach the South Pole and one of Norway’s greatest explorers. Set in peaceful surroundings just…

Hans Nielsen Hauge – The Entrepreneur Who Changed Norway

Discover the story of Hans Nielsen Hauge – the entrepreneur, social reformer and visionary who helped shape modern Norway.

Scandal, Style & Stiff Skirts – A Journey to the 18th Century

Join Miss Sophie von Sipp for a humorous walk through the Fortress Town. With wit and charm, she shares stories of 18th-century fashion, etiquette, towering…

Coastal & Island Experiences

Discover the beautiful coastline, the Hvaler archipelago and unforgettable experiences on and by the sea.

Two marine ational parks – Sweden & Norway

This is the most beautiful voyage in the eastern part of Norway. A wonderful tour where we experience the two neighbouring countries and two national…

Boat tour in the Halden Canal

Enjoy a beautiful canal boat tour in Europes highest locks, and experience a special part of Norwegian history.

The Hvaler Archipelago – An Island Paradise

With its 833 islands and skerries this archipelago is truly a paradise

Outdoor Adventures

Enjoy nature through kayaking, hiking and seasonal outdoor experiences.

Berry Picking in the Forest – Discover Nature’s Pantry

Join us for guided berry-picking adventure in the forests around Fredrikstad and Hvaler. Together with an experienced guide, you’ll search for seasonal blueberries and lingonberries…

Kayaking Experience in the Fredrikstad Archipelago

Guided kayaking adventure among the islands of Kråkerøy, a short bus ride from the cruise port in Fredrikstad. Paddle through the beautiful archipelago with experienced…

Harvest Pacific Oysters in the Hvaler Archipelago

Taste the archipelago while helping protect its unique marine environment. Join a unique and meaningful experience in Norway’s first marine national park.

Getting Here

By air

  • Oslo Airport (OSL) – direct airport coach to Fredrikstad (2 hrs)

By train

Direct train from Oslo (1 hr)

By road

  • Oslo – 80 min
  • Gothenburg – 2 hrs 20 min

Accommodation & Dining

Fredrikstad & Hvaler offers accommodation for every type of traveller, from city centre hotels and boutique stays to cabins and camping. The destination also features a wide selection of restaurants serving fresh seafood, local produce and international cuisine.

Accomodation

Gamlebyen Hotel

Gamlebyen Hotell Fredrikstad is a small gem of a hotel with a great location in the Old Town, surrounded by beautiful nature and historic buildings.

Quality Hotel Fredrikstad

Quality Hotel in Fredrikstad is a beautiful and modern hotel right in the center of Fredrikstad.

Hankø Hotel

South east of the Oslo fjord, about an hour’s drive from Oslo and 15 minutes from Fredrikstad, is one of Norway’s most beautiful islands, Hankø.

Scandic City Hotel Fredrikstad

Scandic City Hotel is Fredrikstad’s most venerable and traditional hotel, restaurant and experience house. With its perfect location in the middle of the city’s business…

Aktivitetsbyen – Fredrikstad Motel & Camping

Accommodation and activities right by the Old Town, the best-preserved fortified town in the Nordics. Idyllic, rural and historic surroundings with a short distance to…

Magasinet Isegran – Bed & Breakfast

Isegran is the beautiful island located where Glomma divides into the Eastriver and Vestriver in Fredrikstad. There are several options for accommodation here, in the…

Hvaler Gjestgiveri

Guest house on the Hvaler Islands.

Homlungen Lighthouse | Skjærhalden | Hvaler

Homlungen lighthouse is idyllically located on its own islet outside Skjærhalden on Kirkøy, Hvaler.

Cafés & Restaurants

Slippen Restaurant

Restaurant Slippen is a highly acclaimed seafood restaurant in the city centre of Fredrikstad.

Mormors Café

Mormors Café – cozy café with a well-stocked cake counter in the Old Town, Fredrikstad.

Majorens Kro & Stue

Enjoy a meal in historical settings at “Majoren”

Café Magenta

Café Magenta – beautifully situated café at Bastion 5, Old Town Fredrikstad.

Big Fish Cafe

In the heart of Skjærhalden you find Big Fish Café. Here everything is made from scratch, the atmosphere is familiar and relaxed and the craftsmanship…

Suggested Itineraries

Half-day

  • Guided walk in the Old Town
  • Lunch
  • City ferry to Isegran

Full-day

  • Old Town
  • Lunch
  • Hvaler Islands

Two days

Day one

  • Hvaler Islands
  • Old Town
  • Fredrikstad city centre

Day two

  • Halden with Fredriksten Fortress and the Halden Channel

Resources

Contact us:

maya@visitfredrikstadhvaler.com | +47 69 30 46 00

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Information

Find practical visitor information about transport, accessibility, sustainability and destination services in Fredrikstad and Hvaler.

Activities & Attractions

What do you want to see and do today? In Fredrikstad and Hvaler there are activities and attractions for everyone – all year round. Join…