5 Best Things to Do in Fredrikstad On Your Norway Vacation

There is always something to do in top tourist destinations, and the same is the case with Fredrikstad—you always have things to do in Fredrikstad. Norway is the dream destination for many travellers across the globe. Considered one of the safest cities to live and travel, Norway provides compelling reasons why it is a top tourist destination. People not only from Europe but across the world love Norway for many reasons. This country is a boon for travellers because there is so much to see and experience in every nook and cranny of this paradise. Although there is only one thing you can never experience in a Norway trip—boredom! Every city and town in Norway is a unique experience in itself. So pack your bags and choose Pickyourtrail’s amazing Norway packages that will promise you a holiday of a lifetime!

Though there are top cities like Oslo, Tromso, Bergen, etc., the true charm lies in the offbeat locations of Norway. And one such charming place is Fredrikstad. This city was born in the 16th century and is Norway’s first Renaissance city. It is heavily fortified because this city once served as the bulwark against the Swedes. So the city and the old town carry historical significance. Fredrikstad lies on the southern side of the Oslo fjord; hence, it is one of the brightest and sunniest in Norway. There are so many things to do in Fredrikstad that you’d adore this place!

5 Top Things to do in Fredrikstad

• Gamlebyen (Old Town)
• Isegran
• Old Town Model Train Centre
• Kongsten Fort
• Hankø Island

1. Gamlebyen (Old Town)

Gamlebyen, the Old Town, is an amazingly cute and compact settlement in the city. Dating back to 1657, one of the oldest in this city. The old town is fortified to the west side of the river bank. One of the key highlights of this place is the star-shaped structure, which was designed by a Dutch engineer. Over 350 people live in the cobblestone lanes within the fortified enclosures. This place is quite lively, especially at the weekends. Head out to listen to some lovely live music and concerts in the middle of the Old Town. There is no place other than the Old Town to embrace the culture of this city. The locals are quite warm and welcoming, making you feel at home. Also, not to forget the authentic cafes that enhance this place further!

2. Isegran

River Glomma is one of the spectacular sights in this city. And in the mouth of that lies a stunning island, fortified dating back to the 13th century. Isegran is a calm and serene place for anyone looking to escape the bustling nature of cities. This place was once used as docks for ships. Now, there is a school that teaches the art of boatbuilding. And this is the only school in Norway that teaches that. You can also visit the famous maritime museum, which has amazing and interesting artefacts. Last but not least, the cafes in and around the museum are very famous and renowned. Enjoy a hot coffee while you are enjoying a piece of history from Norway!

3. Old Town Model Train Centre

The Old Town Model Train Center is a truly fascinating place to visit in the city. This place is open only during the weekends, so that is something you will have to plan around. It has the largest model railway exhibit in all of Scandinavia. With over 400 square meters in size, two kilometres of track, and 35 locomotives, this miniature landscape is a sight to behold. This place is a must-visit for families travelling with kids. The miniature landscape is something that will keep the children hooked for a very long time! But it is not that adults wouldn’t enjoy this place. The trains here are computer operated and have a control centre within the centre itself. It is one of the most recommended and fun activities in Fredrikstad!

4. Kongsten Fort

Kongsten Fort possessed brilliant strategic importance during the 16th–17th centuries. The location of the fort is an absolute strategic win for the Norwegians. It is a freestanding fortress that links to a hidden path in the old town. This place is now open for the visitors to check out and admire. Not to forget, this place is also rented for events like marriages and parties, which has garnered a lot of public interest. This fort was built in 1685, and to commemorate the 300th anniversary of this fort, a postage stamp was released by the Norwegian government. You can truly understand the significance of this place only when you visit it!

5. Hankø Island

No trip is complete without adding an adventurous flavour to it. Fret not, as there are adventurous things to do in Fredrikstad as well! Hanko Island is the hub for such activities. What used to be the hunting ground in the past for the Manors is now an extraordinary place for hiking. King Olav V built a holiday home on Hankø Island in 1930, which further fueled its popularity. You can get a ferry from the city to reach this island, and it is quite accessible as the ferries are frequent. Hiking the Hankø Fjord Hotel & Spa is a major attraction here. It was once reserved only for the elite Norwegians. So, you get to experience the finest of the finest in Hanko Island. Visiting Hankø Island will add the much-needed variety to your vacation!

Sometimes, what makes a vacation complete is getting to the lesser-known path and experiencing the unknown. This gets only better when the unknown place is Fredrikstad. Trust Pickyourtrail to curate you an amazing Norway itinerary; be it your dream Norway honeymoon package, a family package, or a budget package, we have it all. What are you waiting for? Explore the unknown to awaken your soul by travelling to the dream destination—Norway!