Join a paddling trip through the Halden Canal from north to south

The Halden Canal is an 8-mile-long paddling gem—just over an hour from Oslo. The route winds through six beautiful lakes, calm canals, and lush forest. Here you paddle in still water without rapids, perfect for both children and adults. Along the way, you experience three lock sites and eight lock chambers, including Brekke locks—Northern Europe's highest with a 27-meter lift.

Plan for two to four days on the trip if you want to paddle the entire canal. Choose between a hammock under the stars, one of the shelters along the canal at one of the campsites, a coastal cabin, or Kirkeng Camping by the water. The Halden Canal offers genuine Norwegian nature, historic locks, and paddling experiences you won't soon forget.

Skulerud (Akershus) - Tjuvholmen (Indre Østfold) approx. 10 km

The paddling trip starts at Skulerud, at the top of the Halden Canal—about 25 km north of Ørje. Here lies Smia, a cozy coastal cabin by the shore of Skulerudsjøen, perfect for the first overnight stay. The cabin can easily be booked at www.oslofjorden.org. Smia is located where the Aurskog-Hølandsbanen railway once ended, and the area still bears traces of history with timber floating and passenger traffic. You'll also find good fishing opportunities—both from land and by boat.

Beavers in Hølandselva

From Skulerud, Hølandselva flows north in a canal. This is where beavers like to hang out. So if you're staying overnight at Smia, take a short evening canoe trip up the river. Sometimes the water level is very low here, and trees may have fallen across the water, making it difficult to get through. If you want more comfort, we recommend Rømskog Spa & Resort. Norway's most beautiful inland spa and conference hotel. It's a short distance from Skulerud, mind you.

Kroksundbrua - Sæterøya - 1 km

From Skulerud, you paddle down to Tjuvholmen in Marker. A great recreational area with a nice bathing beach. Here you can spend the night in a shelter. On the stretch Skulerud - Tjuvholmen, you pass Sæterøya. If you want a short trip with overnight stay, Kroksundbrua - Sæterøya with shelter accommodation can be an alternative.

Tjuvholmen - Ørje - approx. 11 km

From Tjuvholmen, you paddle south to the charming lock town of Ørje, known for its historic Ørje locks with a total lift height of 10 meters—still operated by hand, just like in 1860. Here you'll find the Halden Waterway's Canal Museum, with exciting exhibitions on timber floating, canal construction, and wildlife in the area. Take time for a stroll along the paths by the locks, or try pedal bikes or pedal boards rented at the tourist office on the quay. Enjoy a delicious lunch by the water at Båtcaféen, or visit Bakergaarden, Taste of Thai by Charini, or Butt’s Tandoori in the center. On the quay is also Visit Indre Østfold's tourist information, where you can get tips and maps. In Ørje, you'll also find grocery stores so you can stock up a bit. Accommodation is available for every taste—from shelters by Ørjeelva to Gjesthuset at Mosebyneset, for those arriving by sea. Or there are also apartments in the center at Bloom in.

Ørje - Strømsfoss approx. 20 km

The next stage goes south to Strømsfoss, a historic transport hub where road and water met. Here you experience a vibrant cultural environment with locks, a mill museum, art gallery, and the cozy Møllerens Hus. In the café, you can enjoy good food and views over the Halden Canal from the sunny terrace, or pop into the charming country store by the locks.

For overnight stays, we recommend Fjøset, a renovated cabin with views toward the locks—formerly part of the lockmaster's outbuildings. You'll also find shelters at Kanaltangen and Skjæra, as well as cabins at Kirkeng Camping for those wanting a bit more comfort. Strømsfoss offers a unique combination of culture, history, and genuine canal atmosphere—a perfect stop on the paddling trip through the Halden Canal.

Strømsfoss - Halden approx. 33 km

The next day awaits the majestic Brekke locks—Northern Europe's highest, with an impressive lift height of 27 meters. Here you can stay overnight in Fløterhytta, or the lockmaster's residence with two apartments. All coastal cabins can be booked at www.oslofjorden.org, or settle down in the shelter right by the locks.

If you want to continue the adventure, paddle on to Halden, where the canal ends in Tistedal. From here, it's just 3 km to the center—a short walk or taxi ride. In Halden, you'll find a wide selection of accommodations, restaurants, and experiences, including the historic Fredriksten Fortress, which offers concerts and events throughout the summer.

The Halden Canal from north to south offers calm water, beautiful nature, and unforgettable experiences for the whole family.

Have a great trip!