© Thomas Andersen, www.vikenfotovideo.no

Discover hiking and walking trails in Østfold

Discover walking and hiking trails in Oestfold

Østfold offers a wide range of beautiful and varied walking routes, catering to both beginners and experienced hikers. Whether you’re after a short stroll by the sea, a forest hike with scenic viewpoints, or a journey through historic surroundings, Østfold provides a wealth of options.

Oldtidsruta

The Oldtidsruta takes you through Østfold's most fascinating ancient sites, from Skjebergsletta to Fredrikstad, the Hvaler islands, and Sarpsborg. Along this historical route, you’ll find burial mounds, rock carvings, stone circles, and hill forts, offering a glimpse into life during the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.

The Coastal path in Fredrikstad

Stretching along the Oslofjord, the Coastal Path offers scenic surroundings with breathtaking sea views. The route passes rocky shores, beaches, and charming coastal villages, with multiple starting points allowing you to tailor the hike to your desired length.

Unionsleden

Unionsleden is a hiking route that traverses diverse landscapes in Norway and Sweden. Explore rolling terrain with lakes, forests, and open pastures. Starting at the Oslofjord in Moss and ending in Karlstad by Lake Vänern, the route follows the historic connection between the two countries during the union from 1814 to 1905. Along the way, you’ll encounter historical landmarks like Spydeberg Parsonage, art galleries, the Ørje locks, and charming farm shops. Take a break for a swim, paddle, or fishing session. Unionsleden combines history, culture, and nature in a truly unique experience.

Borgleden – A pilgrimage through Østfold and Akershus

Part of the Pilgrims’ Way, Borgleden winds through Østfold’s lush and varied landscapes. This route blends history and nature, featuring serene forest ponds, cultural landscapes, and landmarks like Fredriksten Fortress, the Old Town of Fredrikstad, and Sarpsborg – Norway’s third-oldest city. Along the way, you can also explore beautiful parks and stately homes with stunning gardens, all rich with stories of the past. Borgleden offers a peaceful and inspiring hiking experience, ideal for reflection and exploring Østfold’s cultural heritage.

Mosseskogen and Vansjø

The Vansjø area offers scenic hiking opportunities through forested and lakeside landscapes. Take a gentle walk along the water or venture deeper into the woods along marked trails in Mosseskogen. Vansjø provides chances to observe wildlife, fish, or simply enjoy the tranquillity.

Brekke locks and the Halden Canal

A walk along the Halden Canal at Brekke Locks offers both stunning nature and impressive engineering. Brekke Locks is Northern Europe’s highest lock system, and the area features marked trails along the canal. Enjoy views of water and forest, with opportunities to experience canal boating during the summer months.

Ravnkollen in Sarpsborgmarka

Ravnkollen offers a delightful forest hike through rolling terrain to a viewpoint with spectacular views over Sarpsborg. The trail is relatively easy, and the serene atmosphere of Sarpsborgmarka makes it a relaxing nature experience. In winter, the area is also popular for cross-country skiing, making it a year-round destination.

Hvaler Islands and Ytre Hvaler National Park

The Hvaler Islands are a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, with beautiful trails and unique natural experiences. The paths on Kirkøy and Søsterøyene take you through forest and coastal landscapes, allowing you to explore Norway's first marine national park. There are options for both short and longer hikes, and you can finish your adventure with a refreshing swim in the fjord.

Selected walks

The Pilgrimage route

  • Dilling

The pilgrimage route crosses our district. The path leads in two directions. To the north is Nidaros. To the south is Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This path is part of the European pilgrimage route. Værne monastery is a tiny, quaint church ruin few have heard of. But it is an important piece of…

More hiking options to explore in Østfold:

Borgleden

Through a varied and lush landscape you can experience the Borgleden from the Swedish border in…

Geocaching

Geocaching is an international activity. It can be compared to orienteering, but you find your way…

Alpaca hiking

  • Østre Kjærnes vei 4

Alpaca hiking is a unique experience in beautiful surroundings, suitable for the whole family. You…

Bråtorp camping

  • Skauskrokveien 27

Canoeing and hiking on the border! Bråtorp camping opened in 2016 and offers 8 brand new cabins with…

Olavsleden

  • Torget 2

This 30 km long hiking path stretches from the Swedish border at Vammen north to Tistedal…

The Coastal Path

  • Tollboden

The Coastal Path in Halden follows the Iddefjord to Bakke and continues on old roads to Petersburg…