Fredrikstad: An Ideal Day Trip From Oslo, Norway

Fredrikstad is a city known for its historical significance and relationship with the water. Located at the mouth of the Glomma, Norway’s longest river, this coastal city offers a dose of history and waterfront scenery for day trippers.

Its most notable attraction is the atmospheric Gamlebyen, or Old Fredrikstad, a preserved fortress town that dates back to the 17th century. Yet Fredrikstad isn’t all about the past. The modern downtown district offers a variety of cultural experiences, from art exhibits to local gastronomy, while the surrounding landscapes including the Hvaler archipelago and Ytre Hvaler National Park attract nature lovers.

Just an hour to the south of Oslo, the blend of history and natural attractions make for an ideal day trip from Norway’s capital city. Here is how you should spend your time in Fredrikstad.

Historic streets of Gamlebyen

Cliché it may be, but setting foot into Gamlebyen for the first time really is like stepping back in time. Helped by the method of getting there—a small passenger ferry that crosses the river from the otherwise modern city—the old town atmosphere is further enhanced with cobbled streets, old brick and wooden houses, and military fortifications.

Very much a living museum, Gamlebyen remains a functioning suburb of Fredrikstad with cafes, thrift stores, art galleries and studios, and a few hundred residents. Step outside the grid of streets and you’ll reach the star-shaped moat and surrounding parklands, dripping with history but equally suited for a simple stroll in the sunshine.

The old town is an attraction itself, but there are further attractions to turn your stay here into a day trip in itself.

Fredrikstad Museum, located in a 17th-century mansion, is filled with stories of the town, from its origins as a replacement for its fire-prone neighbor and its development thanks to the timber trade and as a maritime hub.

If you visit on a weekend in high season, a visit to the model train center is a must. It’s small, yet the biggest of its type in Scandinavia and the work of one passionate local.

Explore the hilltop fortress

For a bird’s eye view of Fredrikstad and the surrounding area, head to Kongsten Fortress. This 17th-century hilltop defensive fort offers stunning panoramic views and a dose of Norway’s military history.

Built under the instruction of experienced Luxembourg-born General Johan Caspar von Cicignon, the fortress was the final piece of Fredrikstad’s fortification.

The churches of Fredrikstad

For a small city of just 85,000 people, Fredrikstad is blessed with several eye-catching churches. The most famous is the tall, 19th-century Fredrikstad cathedral, built in the Gothic Revival style with space for more than 1,000 people inside.

Glemmen church on the northern side of downtown was built as a replacement for the 12th-century Old Glemmen church, which still stands and serves as Fredrikstad’s oldest building. Elsewhere, the stone-built East Fredrikstad church is a landmark of the old town.

Ride the free city ferry

One of the most charming features of a trip to Fredrikstad is its free city ferry, which links the old town with the new. Hop on one of these electric ferries for a short and scenic trip across the river.

One ferry route crosses the river by the old town and is perfect for those arriving by train, while another calls at several stops along the river including the waterfront of the modern downtown district.

The ferry ride gives you a different perspective of the town, offering great views of the old fortress town, modern city center and residential areas. It’s a must-do experience when in Fredrikstad, combining practicality with scenic charm.

Discover the Hvaler Islands

Just a short drive or bus ride from Fredrikstad lies the Hvaler archipelago, a collection of stunning islands that mark the border with Sweden’s beloved west coast. Known for its sunny climate, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife, Hvaler is a paradise for nature lovers.

Take a boat trip on the island-hopper ferry, try your hand at fishing, or simply soak up the beauty of the unspoiled nature. Ytre Hvaler National Park, Norway’s first marine national park, offers underwater trails for snorkeling and diving, providing a unique opportunity to explore the rich marine life. Approximately 95% of the park is underwater.

How to get to Fredrikstad

Vy trains run hourly from Oslo Central Station and the journey to Fredrikstad takes just over one hour. Once you arrive, walk five minutes to the ferry terminal for the two-minute crossing to the old town, or walk 12 minutes to the modern downtown district.