Get outside and enjoy spring!

An imaginative trip to the forest

You can see many strange things in the forest.... Where we adults see a tree, children see a climbing frame. And where we see an old root, children see a scary troll. Only your imagination sets the limits for what a trip to the forest can offer, and best of all – nature in our local areas is always open!

You don't have to go far to enjoy beautiful walks and hiking. The forest in our local areas is a treasure trove of wonderful experiences, and the forest is perfect for play. With a little imagination, tree stumps become nice chairs, a root becomes a nice shop counter, and pine cones are good payment for delicious moss cakes. Yes, it really is that simple. We have put together some great tips for activities that adults and children can do together in the forest. Don't set your ambitions too high. Here, it's the children who decide!

An exciting trip along the waterfront

If there is one thing that is abundant in our local area, it is water. The Glomma, Norway's longest river, flows through our region, and the Halden Canal runs like a blue thread through the border municipalities. In addition, there are lots of small and large lakes and forest ponds. A trip along the waterfront invites a myriad of activities and there is plenty of room for everyone! Water fascinates and invites wonder and exploration. Walking along the waterfront and looking down into the water is like discovering a whole new world. Up at the water's edge, there is a swarm of small creatures and beautiful treasures in rows. And just below the surface of the water is a whole other universe. We have put together some fun activities that children and adults can do together on a walk along the water's edge. Keep it simple and let the children explore at their own pace.

Hiking

And with long, lovely days off, everything is set for wonderful days outdoors. How about taking the family on a hike in our beautiful nature? Bring a frying pan and bottled pancake batter—and enjoy a pleasant walk in the woods. Sausages and bread on a stick or waffles are also always a hit! With a little planning and simple preparations, you can enjoy a real gourmet meal outdoors. It can already be very dry in the forest during the day, so check the conditions before lighting a fire. Alternatively, you can bring a camping stove instead of lighting a fire.

In a bird tower

Inner Østfold has an exciting and rich bird life. Take your family on an excursion to a bird tower. Remember your binoculars! The towers are all located in protected wetland reserves and are great starting points for studying bird life up close. If you are lucky, you may spot birds of prey such as ospreys and marsh harriers hunting in the wetlands. Bring food and drink and enjoy a day in our beautiful local nature areas!

Under a starry sky

Enjoy the Easter days under a sky full of stars. Can you find Orion's belt or the Big Dipper? And the North Star as an extension of it? You don't need binoculars, but a star chart can be nice to have.

An overnight stay under the stars is highly recommended! Lie completely still under the starry sky, feel the silence in the forest and feel sleep creeping in. Are you unsure of how it feels to sleep outside on a slightly cold early spring night? Start small with an overnight stay, and remember: you don't have to go far. A nearby forest grove may be far enough to start with.

In a lookout tower

We may not have a sea view or high mountains, but we do have magical forests, cozy ponds and tall lookout towers.

In the first half of the 20th century, a number of fire towers were built in Indre Østfold. From the fire towers, the fire brigade kept an eye out for forest fires and the towers were therefore placed on the highest peaks, often with a 360-degree view of the forested hills. Several of the old towers have recently been restored, and several new towers have been built in several places in recent years. The towers are great hiking destinations. Either as a day trip or as an overnight trip. With a hammock, binoculars and windproof clothes in your bag, you can just set off on new adventures! Children usually like clear hiking destinations, and a trip to a tower is both tangible and exciting for children of all ages.

How about setting a goal to reach all the towers in Indre Østfold this year? Or embark on a trip from tower to tower? We promise fresh air and little crowding.

On a treasure hunt

Treasure hunting can be so many things. But it is certainly popular. In the Indre Østfold region you can take part in several different treasure hunts - and the great thing is that it engages all ages. Pole hunting, geocaching, GuldbrandGO, hiking and UsynligO are excellent family activities.

By bike

With country roads that undulate through the beautiful cultural landscape and take you through exciting forests and long lakes, Indre Østfold is made for experiences on two wheels. When you cycle at your own pace you are present in the moment. Stop and listen for the sound of birds chirping and running water. Feel the smell of fir trees, moss and heather. Simple experiences that are enriched by the interaction between nature and people. See our tips for cycling trips in the area here.

On a trip alone - with others

In Indre Østfold and the surrounding areas, there are many great nature experiences. If you are lucky, you can see both beavers and ospreys. Maybe you catch a glimpse of wild boar or moose? Floating down the Halden Canal in a canoe or spending the night in one of the many gapa huts gives your batteries new energy.

It is nice to be alone in nature, but it is also nice to share the joy, moments and experiences with others. In Indre Østfold, there is plenty of space to feel the feeling of being alone - with others. Take time to just be together and experience our generous and diverse canal. Feel the wind in your hair as you move through the undulating cultural landscape. Lower your shoulders, and let your thoughts wander freely while you recharge your batteries and gather new strength.

Are you looking for a unique experience? A unique place to take someone you love? Or maybe just a beautiful place to find yourself and find peace in your soul? Then you should check out Tretoppdomen - 3 km into the forest and up in the trees. Here you can enjoy a good book, look at the stars, listen to the rustle of the treetops and the chirping of birds. Imagine sitting inside the forest up in the trees and just enjoying the peace of the forest. Tretophytta is located in the forest between Rakkestad and Aremark. Not too far from Linnekleppen which is a popular hiking destination.