Experience Østfold on two wheels – The Great Østfold Loop

Welcome to The Great Østfold Loop by bike – an unforgettable cycling tour through beautiful landscapes, charming small towns, and historic cities in Østfold. This approximately 470 km-long cycling route is a unique combination of four established cycling trails that offer everything from deep forests and lakes to coastal idylls and cultural-historical highlights.

The tour can start in any of the towns along the route, all easily accessible by car, train, or bus. If you start in Moss, the route follows the Unionsleden to Ørje—with two alternative routes that allow you to experience Inner Østfold as a loop if desired. From Ørje, continue south on the scenic Villmarksruta (National Cycling Route No. 9) to Halden. From here, you continue along the coast through Sarpsborg and Fredrikstad on the Kystruta (National Cycling Route No. 1) and the Pilgrimsruta (National Cycling Route No. 4), before ending up back in Moss.

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely multi-day trip with stops and overnight stays along the way, or a more athletic challenge over fewer days, the Østfold Loop offers a complete and varied cycling experience—close to nature, culture, and history. Hop on your bike and discover Østfold—one pedal stroke at a time. 

Facts

Surface: Mostly asphalt with small sections of gravel here and there.
Recommended equipment: Mountain bike / hybrid bike / electric bike
Car traffic: Varies. Quite a lot of traffic near Moss (but only for a short stretch), as you’ll be cycling on the road.  Otherwise, traffic is moderate, as there are mostly bike paths or little traffic if you cycle on the road.
Start in Moss—via Spydeberg, Askim, Mysen, Ørje, Halden, Sarpsborg, Fredrikstad, and back to Moss. 

More facts about the route

- Along the Unionsleden - Moss - Ørje
Along the Unionsleden, a dedicated return bus runs from Karlstad to Moss on Tuesdays. A convenient option for both day-trippers and long-distance cyclists. This was a pilot program for 2025 that will continue in 2026. 

- Bikes on the train
Check the possibility of bringing your bike on the train. Some departures may be full, and you may have to wait for the next one. However, it is possible to bring your bike as long as there is space. Trains run to all cities in Østfold.

Safety
Generally moderate traffic in the Inner Østfold areas, with heavier traffic in the coastal towns. The route runs through mixed traffic, and along the coast there are more walking and biking paths.

Elevation
The route has a maximum elevation of approximately 200 meters. There is significant elevation gain throughout the trip, but with a few exceptions, most of the hills are gentle and relatively easy to bike.

Surface
Most of the route is on asphalt, with some gravel roads. 

Challenges
On certain stretches, there may be some distance between amenities such as lodging, dining, and shopping. Cyclists should bring food or familiarize themselves with the locations of grocery stores in advance.

Accommodation
Ranges from hotels to camping cabins

Charging options
Charging stations are sometimes far apart, so you should charge at your accommodation. A good tip is to look at the individual daily stages and assess the distance against what your bike can handle. Consider bringing an extra battery. There is a charging station at the tourist office in Ørje. 

The Grand Østfold Loop

In principle, you can start your hike anywhere along the Unionsleden trail. However, it may be convenient to begin in a town or village with train service, making both your arrival and return trip easier. Possible starting points include:

• Moss
• Spydeberg
• Askim
• Mysen
• Halden
• Sarpsborg
• Fredrikstad

Unionsleden - Moss - Ørje

We’ll start in Moss—as does the Unionsleden trail. Moss is a relatively large town with a good selection of lodging options, restaurants, and cafes. You can also rent a bike at Sport 1 Moss in the town center, making Moss a very convenient starting point for the trip.

Between Spydeberg and Ørje, the Unionsleden splits into two different routes. Both offer wonderful cycling experiences—and they rejoin in Askim. You can choose the main route, which follows the old E18 and takes you through Mysen, the second town in Indre Østfold. This is a more direct route with easy access to services, cafes, and shops along the way.

Alternatively, you can choose the northern route. It passes by the Solbergfoss power plant and follows the old, disused railway line down to Askim. From there, the route continues through Trøgstad and further south along the west side of the Halden Canal before reaching Ørje. This option offers quieter surroundings, more nature, and a particularly atmospheric stretch along the canal.

We recommend a combination of the two: Follow the northern route from Spydeberg via Solbergfoss to Askim, and then take the main trail through Mysen onward toward Ørje. This way, you get the best of both routes—both nature experiences and pleasant stops in towns along the way. Check out www.unionsleden.com , where you’ll find an interactive map showing both the route and what you can see along the way.

National Bicycle Route No. 9 – The Ørje–Halden Wilderness Route

Halden–Sarpsborg Bicycle Route

From Halden, cycle toward Sarpsborg. At Høk Kro, take the road under the E18 and emerge at Høysand, where you’ll see the lake and have the chance to go for a swim. The route is well-signposted all the way here. You’ll arrive at Hafslund Hovedgård; here, cycle through the farm and turn left on the other side. If you’d like, you can take a short detour and visit downtown Sarpsborg. Here you’ll find cafes, a shopping center, and more. To continue on to Fredrikstad, take the road to the left after you’ve cycled through Hafslund Hovedgård, which is an experience in itself.

More info about Fredrikstad and the Sarpsborg–Fredrikstad bike route

As mentioned, turn left after Hafslund Hovedgård. At the bottom of the hill, turn off toward Glommastien. This is also a great stretch to cycle. Here, the road is gravel, and you’ll cycle along the Glomma River for much of the way, eventually reaching Roald Amundsen’s birthplace and museum. After that, keep an eye out for signs pointing toward Fredrikstad. It’s easy to miss the signs, as there are many roads and a lot of traffic. You will then arrive at Old town in Fredrikstad. One of the highlights of the trip. Old town in Fredrikstad is one of Northern Europe’s best-preserved fortified towns. Within the ramparts lie cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great mix of art, culture, everyday life, and small, unique shops.