Cycling along the Halden Canal

The Wilderness Trail

For those who enjoy exploring nature, the Halden Canal and the surrounding area are an excellent destination. The Wilderness Trail winds its way along lakes, rivers, and ponds, through open farmland, and into the mysterious atmosphere of the coniferous forest. Explore the lakes by boat, canoe, or while swimming. Enjoy the fresh air and tranquility of the forest. Pick mushrooms and berries. Marvel at the great diversity of flowers, birds, and animals. Perhaps you’ll encounter the king of the forest—the moose? Try your luck fishing for pike, perch, and trout.

Grab your bike and start planning your cycling vacation along the Halden Canal. The region has beautiful areas for those who want to go for a bike ride. Did you know that National Bicycle Route No. 9, “Villmarksveien,” runs from Halden to Trondheim along the Halden Canal? It is marked on both sides of the Halden Canal. We recommend staying on the west side, as it has the least traffic. 

An unforgettable bike ride
 

Another great tip is our suggestion for an unforgettable bike ride along the Halden Canal. The route takes you all the way from Kornsjø in the south to Rømskog in the north, and there are plenty of experiences to enjoy along the way. The ride takes you past Fredriksten Fortress, which offers over 350 years of living history. You can take a detour down to the town of Halden and enjoy a meal on the pier. You can experience the Brekke locks, which feature Europe’s highest lock staircase at approximately 27 meters, and the idyllic lock sites of Strømsfoss and Ørje. Get a glimpse of the old railway environment at Skulerud, and finish with some delightful luxury at Rømskog Spa & Resort! Our suggestion starts in Kornsjø, but the trip can just as easily be cycled the other way. Remember to book accommodation in advance.

​Idyllic lock stations

With the lock stations as your starting point, everything is in place for shorter bike rides. Starting and ending in Ørje, for example, you have many routes to choose from. The Buerkroken loop takes you through a beautiful open cultural landscape, and a detour around Gjølsjøen is a “must” for birdwatchers. There is a rich variety of birdlife here, and the birdwatching tower on the east side of the bridge is well worth a visit. End the day with a visit to the lock town of Ørje, a cozy little town with plenty of charm. Here you can enjoy a delicious meal at Båtcafeen, which is idyllically situated practically right on the Halden Canal. The Halden Waterway Canal Museum is located south of the locks, a center for experiences, activities, and knowledge. Exciting for young and old alike.

Starting and ending in Strømsfoss, you can set out on a tour around Lake Aremark. Lake Aremark, located in the middle of the Halden Canal, features many small and large islands and straits. With its numerous coves and headlands, it offers a beautiful landscape for cycling. In Strømsfoss, you can visit a museum and art gallery, as well as an interior design shop and a café. At the pier in Strømsfoss, you’ll find the MS Brekke, which takes you down to Tistedal. You can cycle one way and take the boat the other. 

Starting and finishing at Skulerud or Kroksund, you can, for example, set out on a trip around Lake Hemnessjøen or cycle the Kroksund Loop. The route starts at the beach in Skulerud—a sandy beach with great swimming. Nearby, you’ll find the old wharf and railway facilities. Here, you can ride a handcar on the old Urskog-Høland Railway “Tertitten,” which ran between Sørumsand and Skulerud. From Skulerud, timber and passengers were transported further down the Halden waterway.

The City of Halden

The City of Halden is a bike-friendly city that offers great cycling opportunities both in and around town. The routes take you through stunning surroundings in the city center along the fjord, the Halden Canal, and through beautiful natural landscapes.

With Halden guest harbour as your starting point, you can enjoy many wonderful bike rides. For example, take a pleasant ride through the city center. Start at Halden Guest Harbor and cycle up Storgata to Major Forbusgate. From there, you can walk up to Rødsfjellet and enjoy the view of the city before cycling down the beautiful cobblestone street to Bakbanken and on to Halden Guest Harbor. A lovely, easy downtown ride. 

If you’d like a bike ride combined with great experiences along the way, you can, for example, take a loop to Svinesund, Sponvika, Klatring på Grensen, and back to the city center again. The route passes four beaches, Hjelmkollen Fort—where you can look out over the new and old Svinesund Bridges, idyllic Sponvika, the archipelago, Klatring på Grensen, and the Pilgrim’s Trail. Before finishing the final stretch on Kystveien, you can enjoy the tranquility and good food at Østgaard.

You can choose to cycle the route quickly, but we recommend taking your time and enjoying every stop, looking at the runes, swimming in the sea, and climbing in the treetops.

A trip to the beautiful Rød Herregård is also a great idea, and a round-trip bike ride from Fredriksten Fortress to Tistedal offers plenty to see and do. The route starts at Halden Guest Harbor, goes up Knardalsbakken, and continues along Generalveien to Fredriksten Hotel. Here you can enjoy the restaurant or solve exciting puzzles in the Escape Rooms. You can also cycle into the Inner Fortress and join a guided tour if you’d like. 

Stay in Style​ 

There are plenty of accommodation options along the Halden Canal. For example, you can rent one of the coastal cabins along the canal, stay at a campground, rent a cabin or a Fiskeland cabin, or treat yourself to a bit of luxury at a hotel. 

You’ll get closest to nature if you choose to stay out in the open. Sleeping outdoors in a hammock is a fantastic experience. If you’d rather have a roof over your head, a total of 18 shelters are at your disposal. They’re free and open to the public—first come, first served!
 

Bike Rental

Bring your own bike, or rent one from the various providers along the canal. Some also offer return transport, so you can start and end your trip exactly where it suits you. . 

Bike Brochure: Experience the Halden Canal on Two Wheels

In our bike brochure, you’ll find 14 bike routes that take you on two wheels through the Halden Canal and the surrounding areas. Be impressed by large lock systems, beautiful cultural landscapes, and a diverse and exciting wildlife.