Fredrikstad Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Fredrikstad
Fredrikstad
Fredrikstad
Fredrikstad
Fredrikstad

Fredrikstad is the biggest and possibly the nicest city in the county of Østfold, and is often called “Plankebyen” (the Plank Town). Fredrikstad is, among other things, known for its lovely Old Town.

Fredrikstad is located at the mouth of the river Glomma, where it meets the Oslofjord. A weekend getaway to Fredrikstad is warmly recommended. Enjoy city life and shopping or relax and visit the historic Old Town.

The name “Plankebyen” (Plank Town) comes from a time when the city was one of the most important harbours for Norwegian timber. Today, Fredrikstad is defined by the river Glomma, which separates the New Town in the west from the Old Town in the east. To get from one side to another, you can take Norway's smallest and most enchanting ferry, Gamlebyferga (the Old Town Ferry). It goes from Cicignon in the New Town to the heart of the Old Town, and best of all, it’s free! The journey across the river takes less than two minutes.

The Old Town in Fredrikstad was founded in 1567, and the majestic Fredrikstad festning (Fredrikstad Fortress) was built around 1660. Today, it is Northern Europe's most well-preserved fortified site. Travel several hundred years back in time as you look around and explore the fortress walls and the very well maintained buildings. To get a look into its exciting history, you should also visit the museum inside the fortress.

Be sure to pay a visit to the lovely cafés and bakeries in the Old Town. You'll also find small galleries and craft shops where you can buy local art. Don't miss the old restaurant and pub Major-Stuen, which for many years has been a favourite of locals and travellers alike.

The New Town, offers a wide range of cafés, shops and cultural institutions. Have a look and see if there are any local cultural events during your stay. Fredrikstad is also a lively summer town with charming terrace bars and restaurants, swimming pools, and fun summer theatre productions. Football lovers should visit Fotballmuseet (the Football Museum) at Nye Fredrikstad Stadion (New Fredrikstad Stadium).

A weekend trip to Fredrikstad is one where old and new, history and city life, football and culture, river and sea all go hand in hand—in other words, Fredrikstad has something to offer for each and every visitor.

Where to stay in Fredrikstad

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Gamlebyen

You'll enjoy the museums and historical sites in Gamlebyen. You might want to make time for a stop at Østre Fredrikstad church or Around the Hvaler Skerries.

Gamlebyen
Quality Hotel Fredrikstad
Quality Hotel Fredrikstad
3.5 out of 5
Nygaten 2-6, Fredrikstad
The price is ₹8,353 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹8,353
₹9,355 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Fredrikstad. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Dining options"

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2025

Quality Hotel Fredrikstad
Scandic City
Scandic City
3 out of 5
Gunnar Nilsen Gate 9, Fredrikstad
The price is ₹9,443 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹9,443
₹10,623 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star golf hotel in Fredrikstad. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions The Literature House and Nye Fredrikstad ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Great hotel. Right near so many restaurants, stores, markets, and bowling. The hotel’s breakfast buffet was absolutely amazing. My husband is a vegetarian and they had fruit, vegetables, tons of varieties of granola and breads. It was the perfect start to our day!"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2025

Scandic City
Hankø Hotell & Spa
Hankø Hotell & Spa
3 out of 5
Vikaneveien 405, Hanko, Fredrikstad, Ostfold
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Fredrikstad. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Trouville bad and Theastranda are ...
7.4/10 Good! (200 reviews)
"Great staff, peaceful weekend stay"

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2024

Hankø Hotell & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
8 Person Holiday Home in Gressvik
8 Person Holiday Home in Gressvik
2 out of 5
Fredrikstad, Østfold
Stay at this holiday home in Fredrikstad. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Oksrødkilen and Helleskilen are located nearby.
8 Person Holiday Home in Gressvik
5 Person Holiday Home in Frederikstad-by Traum
5 Person Holiday Home in Frederikstad-by Traum
2 out of 5
Fredrikstad
Stay at this apartment in Fredrikstad. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions The Literature House and Nye Fredrikstad Stadium are located nearby.
5 Person Holiday Home in Frederikstad-by Traum
5 Person Holiday Home in Frederikstad
5 Person Holiday Home in Frederikstad
2 out of 5
Fredrikstad
Stay at this apartment in Fredrikstad. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions The Literature House and Nye Fredrikstad Stadium are located nearby.
5 Person Holiday Home in Frederikstad
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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