Summary
Located on the Glomma River, Sarpsborg features Europe’s most dynamic waterfall just moments from the city center. Sarp Falls plays an integral role in the industrial landscape, serving three power stations.
In spite of its paper mills and factories, Sarpsborg boasts a rich cultural heritage. Bronze Age inscriptions can be found throughout the municipality, the most striking being the Bjørnstandskipet—three ships over 3,000 years old.
Visitors can engage in various activities along local rivers and fjords, such as salmon fishing and golfing in summer, while winter offers opportunities for skiing at Østfold County’s largest ski resort. Sarpsborg’s history is deeply intertwined with the neighboring city of Fredrikstad, noted for its picturesque Renaissance center protected by ramparts.
Let’s delve into the best attractions in Sarpsborg:
1. Sarpefossen (Sarp Falls)
Positioned on the Glomma River and a brief walk from Sarpsborg’s downtown, Sarp Falls stands as one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls.
While Dettifoss in Iceland and Rhine Falls in Switzerland boast larger dimensions, Sarp Falls exceeds them in cubic flow per second, producing 577 cubic meters compared to 200 and 500 respectively.
A road and railway traverse the falls from above, providing numerous viewpoints along the eastern side.
Not only a natural marvel, Sarp Falls is also an industrial phenomenon, supplying water to no fewer than three power stations—two on the east side and one on the west.
2. Hafslund Hovedgård (Hafslund Manor)
Unmatched in Norway, Hafslund is a splendid estate that evolved into a self-sufficient community in the 17th century.
The manor flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries under the ownership of Maren Juel, Norway’s wealthiest woman, followed by timber merchant and industrialist Benjamin Wegner.
The estate subsequently began harnessing electrical energy from the neighboring Sarp Falls.
Currently owned by the Hafslund ASA power company, tours of the opulent interiors are available on Sunday afternoons from June to August, allowing visitors to learn about the distinguished families who resided there.
The estate’s English park is accessible at all times and provides a lovely setting for a stroll.
3. Fredrikstad
Heading south along the Glomma River will lead you to Sarpsborg’s sister city, Fredrikstad, within minutes.
If you have time for only one destination, make it the Old Town, which is safeguarded by a star fort from the 17th century.
Fredrikstad holds the title of Norway’s first Renaissance city, established by King Frederick II in 1567 amid the Northern Seven Years’ War against Sweden.
The Old Town is meticulously designed with a grid of cobbled streets, showcasing a blend of Baroque and timber houses.
The central fort is supplemented by additional defenses located on the green island of Isegran and to the southeast at Kongsten Fort.
History aficionados will appreciate exploring the earth ramparts, ravelins, and bastions.
4. Kulåsparken
How many urban parks can boast the presence of an ancient burial site? Kulåsparken features 40 burial mounds dating back to 200-300 AD. As part of a public fitness initiative, the park offers 3.7 kilometers of marked hiking trails, with each kilometer and half-kilometer clearly signposted.
Additionally, visitors can discover historical structures such as the 19th-century Borregaard Hovedgård manor house.
This location gained international attention in 1993 when it hosted secret negotiations between Palestine and Israel that ultimately led to the Oslo Agreement.
5. Borgarsyssel Museum
Founded in 1921, this museum dedicated to Østfold County derives its name from Borgarsysla, the Old Norse designation for the region.
The museum is located near the enigmatic ruins of St. Nikolas’ Church, which date back to the early 12th century.
This outdoor museum houses over 20 historical buildings sourced from various locations within Østfold County.
One of the exhibition halls is Olav Chapel, erected to commemorate the 900th anniversary of Olaf II’s death. This site features the captivating Borgkrusifikset, an enamel crucifix crafted in Limoges, France, during the early 13th century.
6. Bjørnstadskipet
Sarpsborg is home to the highest number of ancient rock carvings in Norway, with over 600 documented instances.
The most notable works can be found approximately three kilometers from the city, along Haugeveien.
Bjørnstadskipet features three ship representations—one large and two smaller—etched into a massive granite face during the Bronze Age, around 3,000 years ago.
The largest carving measures 4 x 1.5 meters and is thought to be the largest of its kind in Europe.
Bjørnstadskipet is an exceptional illustration of local rock carvings; however, for those eager for further exploration, Østfold provides additional sites at Borge and Skjeberg.
7. INSPIRIA Science Centre
Located in the Grålum district of Sarpsborg, this interactive science museum is housed in a structure exuding a futuristic design.
Targeted towards children and teenagers, the attraction invites parental involvement in exploring subjects such as health, environment, energy, and space.
All activities are included in the admission fee, offering over 70 stations to experience.
Children can engage with robots, see their image through an infrared camera, experience zero gravity on a gyroscope, and practice giving weather forecasts, among various activities.
Additionally, there are exciting experiments at the Inspiria lab, an outdoor play area, and one of Norway’s most advanced planetariums.
8. Sandvika Badeplass, Høysand
Approximately 15 minutes south of Sarpsborg, Sandvika Badeplass is a cherished bathing area situated on the Skjebergkilen fjord.
During summer, the village of Høysand experiences a surge in population as holidaymakers flock to its cabins and campsites along the fjord’s shore.
Sandvika features an inviting sandy beach bordered by the fjord’s gentle waters.
Granite boulders frame the beach, complemented by a broad grassy area shaded by birch and conifer trees.
During the high season, kiosks offering refreshments and a 54-hole mini-golf course are available near the water.
9. Kjerringåsen Alpinsenter
Boasting Østfold’s largest ski resort, Sarpsborg is home to Kjerringåsen Alpinsenter, which features five slopes, three lifts, and a vertical drop of 146 meters.
Although it may not be vast, Kjerringåsen provides an exhilarating experience for downhill skiers and snowboarders alike.
The longest run measures 650 meters, and all slopes are outfitted with snow cannons and snowmaking capabilities.
A ski school caters to all age groups, and one slope, known as the Children’s Bowl, is specifically designed for younger skiers with its own lift.
The cafeteria offers a superb view of the entire resort and is renowned for its delectable waffles.
10. Ågårdselva
A segment of this 5.6-kilometer tributary of the Glomma is designated as a protected natural reserve.
With rocky, conifer-covered banks and rapid waters, Ågårdselva exemplifies pristine Norwegian wilderness.
However, from June 1 to August 31, it transforms into a prime destination for salmon fishing.
Licenses are inexpensive and can be readily purchased online.
At the western end of Ågårdselva lies what was once one of Northern Europe’s largest sawmills. Soli Brug thrived in the 1860s and 70s but has now evolved into an art space showcasing two major exhibitions annually in January and June.
During early 2018, notable figures from the Norwegian art scene, such as Tiina Kivinen, Vibeke Jerkaas, and Håkon Gullvåg, exhibited at Soli Brug.
11. Greåker Fort
Located on the western side of Sarpsborg, a fort overlooks the borough of Greåker from the fork of the Glomma River.
Constructed at the onset of the 20th century, this fort saw significant action on April 13, 1940, when ninety inadequately equipped Norwegian soldiers strove to stifle the German advance across the Rolvøysund bridge, resulting in nearly 30 German casualties.
In peacetime, the site serves as a picturesque picnic area, offering sweeping views of the river and surrounding landscape.
The fort is open to visitors, allowing exploration of the casemate where confrontations took place.
12. Eventyrfabrikken
With multiple locations throughout Norway, Eventyrfabrikken serves as a haven for parents with younger children.
This well-designed and supervised indoor play center allows children to engage fully and have fun in a safe environment.
The Sarpsborg branch encompasses 2,000 square meters of entertainment, featuring ball pits, bouncy castles, soft obstacles, trampolines, and pedal karts.
Infants and toddlers also have a dedicated soft play area.
For adults, time spent will pass quickly with each center featuring a large-screen TV, complimentary magazines and newspapers, and free Wi-Fi.
13. Superland
This children’s activity center is part of the Quality Hotel & Resort Sarpsborg, but also welcomes non-guests.
Children have a plethora of activities available, both on land and in water.
As all facilities are indoors, Superland remains a year-round attraction.
Available options include a mini-golf course, a soft play area, a climbing wall, and a ball pit.
The Badeland water park features two slides for older children, as well as a “Space Bowl,” a fun vortex that ultimately drops you into a pool below.
Parents can unwind in the steam room and relaxation pool, which is maintained at a pleasant 34°C.
14. Golf
Sarpsborg is a prime location for golfers, featuring three courses within close proximity.
Visitors have the option of a casual “pay and play” experience at Øya Golfpark, or a more refined experience at Skjeberg Golfklubb and Borregaard Golfklubb.
A round of 18 holes at Øya costs a reasonable 250kr, while Skjeberg charges 350kr on weekdays and 450kr on weekends and holidays.
Borregaard, priced at 350kr year-round, rewards players with stunning views at the end of a picturesque peninsula at Opsund.
For those wishing to refine their skills, Østfold Golfsenter is Scandinavia’s largest indoor golf facility.
15. Storbyen
This shopping center serves as a regional retail destination for Østfold County.
Since its inauguration in 1999, it has revitalized the heart of Sarpsborg, and its contemporary brick and glass facade remains inviting after 19 years.
Home to 75 stores, it features well-known Norwegian and Scandinavian brands such as H&M, Meny, Clas Ohlson, Vinmonopolet, and Home & Cottage.
Storbyen also includes a children’s play area and several cafes and restaurants that have created outdoor terraces in the square outside.
