Explore Østfold by bike

Sykkel ved Femsjøen .
Photo:
Sykkel ved Femsjøen .
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A region full of contrasts, natural wonders, and fascinating cultural history.

Video Thumbnail - youtube - Visit Haldenkanalen - Sykkelopplevelser langs Haldenkanalen .
Photo:
Video Thumbnail - youtube - Visit Haldenkanalen - Sykkelopplevelser langs Haldenkanalen .
Photo:

Østfold offers many exciting cycling routes, both through beautiful natural scenery and more urban areas.

Here are our recommendations for wonderful vacation days and great experiences on two wheels in Østfold. Travel through Østfold on two wheels across relatively flat terrain and varied natural landscapes. Here you’ll find trails that offer exciting stories and experiences—from both the Middle Ages and the Union era.

Østfold is one of Norway’s best areas for cycling trips, with a variety of routes suitable for families, recreational cyclists, and experienced riders alike. Here you’ll find everything from leisurely rides through lush forests and cultural landscapes to longer long-distance trips for those seeking a real challenge.

 

The region is home to several national cycling routes—Nos. 1, 7, and 9—making Østfold a natural choice for cycling vacations and active adventures on two wheels.

You can follow scenic canal routes, cycle along the coast with views of the Oslo Fjord, or explore idyllic trails through forests and fields. Along the way, you’ll encounter historic sites, small towns, rest areas, and scenic surroundings that add extra value to your trip.

One of the most popular routes is the Unionsleden, a relatively new cycling route that runs from Moss to Karlstad in Sweden, through Inner Østfold. Here you’ll have a unique opportunity to cycle through two countries on a single trip—an experience that has become highly attractive to cycling tourists from all over Europe.

In addition, we’ve put together a brand-new route we’ve chosen to call Around Østfold. This combines several of the national routes with Unionsleden, offering you a complete cycling experience through the best the region has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely day trip or a multi-day cycling adventure, Østfold is a true cycling paradise with beautiful scenery, great routes, and experiences for the whole family.

Bike Rentals

There are routes here to suit all skill levels, whether you’re looking for a relaxing ride along the coast or challenging trails through forests and hills. Here’s where you can rent a bike in the region.

Cycle the Unionsleden

Unionsleden is a cycling route that takes you through exciting and varied landscapes in both Norway and Sweden. Along the route, you can explore rolling landscapes with lakes, forested terrain, and open areas with grazing animals. The route starts at the Oslo Fjord in Moss and ends in Karlstad by Sweden’s largest lake, Vänern, following the historic connection between the two countries during the union from 1814 to 1905. Along the route, you’ll find historical sites such as Spydeberg Rectory, art galleries, the Ørje locks, and charming farm shops. You can also take a break for a swim, a paddle trip, or some fishing. The Union Trail offers a unique combination of history, culture, and nature experiences.

Learn more about traveling by private bus along the route, etc.

The Great Østfold Loop by Bike

Combine the Unionsleden, National Bicycle Route No. 9, and National Bicycle Route No. 1/7 to complete the Grand Østfold Loop( Den store Østfoldrunden). A beautiful and varied cycling route. You cycle from Moss through Inner Østfold to Ørje, then down to Halden through Aremark, before continuing along the coast via Sarpsborg and Fredrikstad and back to Moss.

National Bicycle Route No. 9 – The Wilderness Route

The route generally runs from Halden to Trondheim, but in this edition we have focused on the Elverum–Halden section. The route is signposted between Halden and Trysil. From Elverum to Halden, the route runs quite close to the Swedish border. It passes through areas with relatively few settlements and limited services in the north and may be suitable for experienced cyclists seeking tranquility and nature experiences. Cycling can easily be combined with fishing or hiking.

Cycling along the Halden Canal

The Halden Canal is a wonderful tourist attraction here in Østfold, and makes for an excellent cycling route along idyllic lakes, large lock systems, and beautiful natural landscapes.

Organized bike and canoe tour for groups

Join us for an exciting bike ride from Rakkestad to Førrisdal, followed by a canoe trip on the Rakkestad River. Meals are included.

Sykkel i lavinelandskap ved Glomma
© Visit Indre Østfold / Jonas Ingstad
En gutt som sykler i pumptrackbanen
© Visit Indre Østfold / Jonas Ingstad

Pump tracks for kids

In Østfold, we have several exciting pump tracks where kids can have a blast this summer. Here, they can develop important skills like balance and coordination while having lots of fun.

Pumptrack, Askim

  • Askim Idrettspark

Askim Pumptrack course is open to everyone, as long as there are no scheduled activities on the…

Pumptrack, Askim

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