The small green island of Isegran is located in the middle of the Glomma River and right in the heart of Fredrikstad. It is the perfect place for food, culture and recreation.
Isegran has a vibrant maritime environment and is home to a well-known maritime centre for the construction and restoration of wooden boats. The island is also home to Norway’s only traditional boatbuilding school and a unique museum harbour filled with historic vessels. Østfold’s oldest wooden building stands here, surrounded by a beautiful Renaissance garden. Isegran can be reached via the Kråkerøy Bridge or by the city ferry.
Today, Isegran is a lively coastal culture park and a centre for sharing traditions, history and experiences. Boats are restored in the same buildings where they were once built, and the island’s unique history lives on in a green oasis between the city and the river. Isegran also serves as a museum harbour, where traditional boats line the docks, most of them privately owned.
Isegranhuset, also known as “The Yellow House” and “The Empire House”, was built in 1730 on the site of the old guardhouse on Isegran. It is considered the oldest standing wooden building in Østfold. The Renaissance garden outside Isegranhuset began restoration in 1985 and is maintained each year through impressive volunteer efforts. Visitors can enjoy views towards Cicignon and listen to the gentle sound of the waterwheel in the Glomma River.
The Renaissance garden contains historically accurate perennials, herbs and medicinal plants based on well-known records from the 18th century.
Isegran is the first place in Fredrikstad mentioned in historical records. At the end of the 13th century, the Earl of Borgarsyssel, Alv Erlingsson, also known as Mindre Alv, had a small fortress on the island. In the 1670s, Isegran was fortified with a large artillery platform and the Isegran Tower. Later, a small fort was added to protect the river passage. Until 1680, Isegran was Norway’s only naval harbour.
During the Great Northern War, the island served as a naval base for Peter Wessel Tordenskiold. At the end of the 19th century, Isegran became the main base for the mine defence of Svinesund and the mouth of the Glomma River.
Isegran is also home to The Cathedral of Hope, an open and inclusive art and environmental project focused on building hope through cooperation. Open to everyone, the cathedral is a meeting place for people of all ages, nationalities and beliefs.
Most of the buildings on Isegran are owned by Fredrikstad Municipality. Several of them are available to rent for conferences and private events.