Kayaking Experience in the Fredrikstad Archipelago

Enjoy a peaceful kayaking adventure among the islands of Kråkerøy, a short bus ride from the cruise port in Fredrikstad.

The tour starts from Tangen on Kråkerøy, where experienced guides from Ut i det Fri provide a short introduction and safety briefing before heading out on the water. From here, the group paddles through the beautiful coastal landscape and small islands surrounding Fredrikstad.

This tour is designed for beginners and guests who want to experience Norwegian nature up close. The pace is relaxed, allowing time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife along the way.

All necessary equipment and basic instruction are included, so no previous kayaking experience is required.

NUMBERS & FACTS
Excursion with guide

Location: Tangen, Kråkerøy (short distance from Fredrikstad cruise quay)
Duration: approx. 2 hours (from arrival to return)
Capacity: 4–16 participants
Requirements: No prior experience needed

Optional: Kayaking Course

For guests who want a more in-depth introduction, a 3-hour beginner kayaking course is also available.

Duration: approx. 3 hours
Capacity: 4–16 participants

Ut i det Fri is an outdoor experience provider offering guided activities such as kayaking, SUP, coastal adventures and nature experiences along the Norwegian coast.

Two national 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 parks

We start by sailing out to the Hvaler archipelago in Norway on our way to the maritime town of Strømstad in Sweden. We cruise through the Outer Hvaler National Park – where 833 islands, islets and skerries make up this beautiful island kingdom.

Then we cross over to the border of Sweden, and into Kosterhavet National Park. Time on your own in the lovely little Swedish village of Strømstad.  After a day full of sea, shores and scenic impressions we return to Fredrikstad by boat.

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 parks
 

 

NUMBERS & FACTS

Excursion with boat & guide

 

DURATION 5,5 hours

CAPACITY 145 persons

SEASON March – December

TRACKS Easy. Good shoes

DISTANCE FROM PORT 10 min. 

Boat tour in the Halden Canal

Enjoy a beautiful canal boat tour in Northern Europe´s oldest and highest locks. Experience a special part of Norwegian industrial history.

 

The Halden Canal is a well-kept secret tucked away along the Swedish border. This fascinating and idyllic waterway is beloved by all who have discovered it.

The canal was constructed between 1852 and 1860 to facilitate timber log drives. Now, we can enjoy the beautiful lakes and astonishing system of locks at Strømsfoss, Ørje and Brekke – this last lock, at 26.7 meters, is the highest in Northern Europe. M/S Brekke take you up to the bridge of Strømsfoss. 

During the tour, a guide will tell you about the canal system, it´s history and about the wild life along the Halden watercourse. If you are lucky, you will get a glimpse of beaver, osprey, eagle or elk.

 

 

NUMBERS & FACTS

Excursion with bus, boat & guide 

 

DURATION 6,5 hours

CAPACITY 20 – 97 persons / Recommended 70 persons inside MS Brekke 

SEASON 20 May – 15 September

TRACKS Easy / Up to six wheelchairs is possible at the boat 

DISTANCE FROM PORT 45 min. 

 

Maritime walk

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

The lovely island of Isegran, a green oasis in the middle of the river Glomma, is a vibrant cultural park and home to a large maritime center. 

Sailboats and ships are lovingly being restored in this area while sails, nautical equipment and masts are being made here. Learn about the unique story of the island of Isegran, an internationally acknowledged harbor, in the meeting point between the river and town. 

 

NUMBERS & FACTS

Excursion with guide

DURATION 1,5 hour

CAPACITY 45 persons per bus 

SEASON All year

TRACKS Easy

 

From cobbled streets to carved rocks

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

Our tour starts on foot inside the star shaped fortress town in the old part of Fredrikstad. The Old City is filled with interesting shops, museums, galleries, restaurants, designers and cafés making it a perfect destination for families. We will introduce you to local crafts- men and artisans. Among other places we take a tour to the museum, the Old Church and the Bastion where you will experience open workshops with ceramics, potteries, painters and glassblowers as they work.

Our tour then continues to The Ancient Trail, Norway´s most concentrated cluster of ancient monuments. Here we will view 3000 year old Bronze Age rock carvings and the mystical Iron Age stone circles that bring our prehistory back to life.

 

NUMBERS & FACTS

Excursion with guide

DURATION 3 hours

CAPACITY 45 per bus 

SEASON All year 

TRACKS Slightly hilly. Good shoes recommended

 

The History comes alive

Join in live storytelling in the streets of the Old Town with Karen Øltapper. Hear her tell about old days in the Old Town, when there was an inn on every corner of the house and the thirst quencher was beer. The walk lasts about 45 minutes and takes you on an entertaining and humorous journey in fantastic surroundings in the Old Town.

Also available throughout the evening with dinner in a rustic setting, quizzes, competitions and lots of fun, as well as music with an entertaining shanty man.

Karen Øltapper is played by Talina Hansen, actress and theater producer with 30 years of success in stage entertainment: comedies, revues, cabaret, games and children's entertainment.

INFORMATION & PRICE 2022
Duration 45 minutes
Season all year round
Price NOK 5,000 for groups up to 50 people, then NOK 60 per person

Separate group prices for dining can be ordered via Visit Fredrikstad & Hvaler.

 

The Hvaler Archipelago – An Island Paradise

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

The Hvaler Islands consist of more than 833 islands and skerries and make up this scenic Kingdom. It is also Norways first Marine National Park and this region provides more sunshine than in many other places in Norway, it`s a perfect place for recreation in a peaceful environment

Both Norwegians and tourists discover this idyllic scenery and many return year after year.
These islands are filled with history and our local guide is ready to share them with you. 
Among these island’s many attractions we visit the small and picturesque village of Skjærhalden where you can enjoy art exhibitions, cafés and shopping.

Visit the Medieval stone church at Hvaler, which is one of Norway’s oldest. 
 

NUMBERS & FACTS

Excursion with guide

DURATION 3 hours

CAPACITY 10 – 45 persons per bus 

SEASON All year

TRACKS  Easy – walking on hilly landscape

 

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

We stroll along the winding cobble streets within the ramparts of the old town with our guide. While taking in the historical atmosphere we are reminded that the place is still very much alive and vibrant with locals living and working within the fortification. For centuries, the town and many of its buildings were used by the military, but today the historic buildings houses artists, craftsmen, cafes and shops.

A two hours guided tour includes a visit to the Fredrikstad Museum followed by a visit to the nearby niche boutiques and galleries.

 

NUMBERS & FACTS

Excursion with guide

DURATION 2 hours

CAPACITY 10 – 30 persons per guide

SEASON All year

TRACKS Easy cobbled street. Good shoes recommended.

 

Harvest Pacific Oysters

Be active and contribute to keep the archipelago to maintain its natural biodiversity – “Harvest Pacific Oysters in the Oslo Fjord” 

The oysters that are the most common in the Oslo fjord are actually not supposed to be here. They originate from the Pacific Ocean, brought here by aquaculture and ballast water. The Pacific oysters is larger than the Norwegian ones, which is rare to find, size wise – and are to be left alone. The Pacific oysters are taking over the local biodiversity along the coastline in southern Norway by covering large areas where you normally find original shell species.

On this tour we bring the guests to the areas in the archipelago where the oysters are easy to find. We harvest them and learn about the process to prepare the oysters for the food industry. Optional tasting of already processed oysters brought from a restaurateur, served on the beach.

This is a unique opportunity for the guests to contribute to maintain the biodiversity in the sea – and experience the beautiful archipelago of Hvaler.

 

NUMBERS & FACTS

Excursion with boat & guide

DURATION 3 hours

CAPACITY 10 – 24 pax 

SEASON April – September

TRACKS Easy hilly 

 

 

Fredriksten Fortress

The majestic Fortress of Fredriksten stands protectively above the city of Halden. Fredriksten Fortress is one of Norways largest and most significant border fortress. 

 

Over 200 years after the last shot was fired at this magnificent fortress it is now used as both museum and as a scene for grand cultural events. Within these walls audience now experience some of Norway´s best concerts and plays. On this tour we visit the majestic fortress, and learn about its history, followed by one hour free time to explore the fortress and its beatiful surroundings. 

 

The top of the Kings Bastion give you an amazing view over the city of Halden, the fjord and over to Sweden. 

 

 

NUMBERS & FACTS

Excursion with guide

 

DURATION 3, 5 hours

CAPACITY 45 persons per bus 

SEASON April – September

TRACKS Slightly hilly, easy cobblestoned paths / good shoes recommended

DISTANCE FROM PORT 40 min.