Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destination Norway: Top Places to Visit in 2018
Top left: Høytop Fort. Bottom left: Llama and Lars. Photo: Grete Elgetun. Middle: The Haldencanal festival during the last weekend in May. Photo: Jørn A Fjeld.
A hidden gem in eastern Norway Despite its location close to the capital of Norway, Indre Østfold is in many ways a hidden gem, which many are still unaware of – especially with regards to the many attractions and experiences that can be found there. By Line Elise Svanevik | Photos: Visit Indre Østfold
Indre Østfold offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Here, you will find unspoilt nature and tranquillity that is ready to be explored by foot, bike, canoe or even a pedal board. One of the major attractions is Halden Canal, which stretches over 80 kilometres and is Norway’s oldest canal, featuring three sets of locks: Ørje, Strømsfoss and Brekke – the last one being Europe’s tallest staircase lock at 27 metres. There are both scheduled and chartered boats along the canal, and you can find one of Norway’s biggest steamboat environments here. Visitors can also bring their own boats. The Halden canal museum is located just by Ørje locks, where you can enjoy history and culture from the surrounding area. 74 | Issue 110 | March 2018
You can hire a canoe or stand-up paddle (SUP) board and explore the canal with free campsites along the route. Høytorp Fortress in Mysen is also well worth a stop – or why not try climbing and abseiling in Romsåsen nickel caves in Askim? When it comes to overnight stays, Indre Østfold can offer luxurious four-star camping and spa resorts, but also simpler accommodation options. Grete Flæsen Elgetun, tourism coordinator at Indre Østfold, is keen to point out that the area’s fauna inhabitants also offer up recreational opportunities of their own: “For bird watching enthusiasts, there are bird towers in Eidsberg, Trøgstad and Marker. And if fishing is your thing, pike fishing is great in this region and visitors can fish by themselves or bring along a guide. There are farms that are open to
the public, where you can spot several different types of animals, including llamas, donkeys, woolly pigs and many more. You can also experience something completely out of the ordinary: a moose safari.”
Things to see and do in Indre Østfold - Hike in gorgeous scenery. - Go to Momarken racing course and see the horse race. - Enjoy motorsports at Rudskogen motorpark in Rakkestad. - Visit Norway’s best waterpark, Østfoldbadet in Askim. - See Norway’s best-documented 18th-century garden at Spydeberg Prestegård. - Play a round of golf. There is a range of events going on all year round – just visit the website to find out more.
Web: www.visitindre.no and www.visithaldenkanalen.no