Historic surroundings

Halden is an idyllic small town located by the Iddefjord. The town center is steeped in history, and beneath Fredriksten Fortress, you’ll find cobblestone streets, galleries, historic accommodations, a riverside promenade, and a guest harbor. Here, you can also enjoy tranquility along the enchanting Halden Canal.

Overlooking the town stands the majestic Fredriksten festning, an impressive 600-acre site and one of Norway’s most visited tourist attractions.

The fortress has been the stage for some of the most dramatic events in Norwegian military history and has never been conquered, despite six attacks. It was here that Swedish King Charles XII fell in 1718.

Join a guided tour to learn more about the fortress’s fascinating history.

In the Eastern Curtain of Fredriksten Fortress, you’ll find the Fredriksten Museum, where you can learn more about Halden’s military history and life at the fortress.

And what could be better than waking up in a cozy bed at the majestic Fredriksten Fortress?

Here you’ll find Fredriksten Hotell, a former barracks transformed into a stylish hotel with modern design.
The hotel is set in unique historic surroundings at Fredriksten, high above Halden city center – just a short walk away.

Exploring Halden on foot.

Start your day with a visit to Galleri Lille Martine at the top of the pedestrian street, then head south through the charming Sørhalden. Here, you can enjoy narrow alleyways and beautiful Empire-style architecture.

Continue along the Tista River and follow the signs to Rød Herregård.

Rød Herregård is one of Norway’s best-preserved manor houses, and during the summer season, parts of the estate are open to the public. You can join a guided tour and experience the magnificent surroundings, including an impressive garden that is worth a visit on its own.

Embark on an enchanting journey along the Halden Canal, passing through Northern Europe’s tallest locks. The Halden Canal is a Norwegian natural and cultural gem – and a monument to the great canal builder Engebret Soot. Alongside the Telemark Canal, it is one of the only canal systems in Norway, stretching nearly 80 km from Skulerud in Akershus to Tistedal near Halden.

Treat yourself to a beautiful cruise on MS Brekke along the Halden Canal, Norway’s oldest canal system dating back to 1852. The journey takes you through Europe’s tallest connected locks, the Brekke Locks. Through four lock chambers, the water lifts the boat a total of 27 meters, with 10,000 m³ of water rushing through the 1924 structure. A massive and spectacular experience, surrounded by beautiful nature, hidden idyllic spots, and close encounters with wildlife.

Did you know that the Monolith in Vigeland Park originates from Halden? In 1922, a massive 470-ton, 17-meter-long block of stone was blasted from the mountain at Hov in Halden. After shaping and fine carving, it weighed 278 tons. This impressive granite block, which later became the iconic Monolith, is today one of Norway’s most famous artworks. But how was it transported to Oslo? Was it really a local from Halden who helped carve the sculpture? You can discover all this and more by visiting the Monolith Monument in Halden.

The Monolith Museum, located at the historic quarry in Hov, features a wooden reconstruction of the original stone block used for the Monolith. The museum is free, open year-round, and offers insight into how this enormous stone was extracted, transported by water to Oslo, and transformed into the impressive artwork we know today.

Halden is a town that uniquely combines history, culture, and nature. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the past, enjoy spectacular natural experiences, or simply relax in unique surroundings, Halden is the place for you.