Halden is a town and municipality in the county of Østfold, Norway. The city of Halden (until 1928 named Fredrikshald) was established as a municipality 1 January 1838 (see formannskapsdistrikt). The rural municipalities of Berg and Idd were merged with Halden 1 January 1967. The small area of Tistedalen (four kilometers east of the city) belonged to the city as an exclave in the period 1686-1967.
Halden is located on the Iddefjord, at the delta of the river Tista. The fjord represents the southern-most border between Norway and Sweden. Evidence of early human settlements in this region of Norway have been found, particularly in the Svinesund area of the municipality where rock carvings from the Nordic Bronze Age can be found.
Halden is surrounded by forests and water so hiking and fishing locations can easily be found. Deer and elk are a common sight, and wolves have also been observed in the district along the border with Sweden. Raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, wild cranberries, and many varieties of mushroom can be found in the woods in the early autumn. Popular destinations for hikers and other nature lovers include Prestebakke and Kornsjø.
Halden has a rich musical life with regular concerts from local, national and international artists and orchestras. During the summer months, outdoor concerts are frequently held at the fortress while the local churches, pubs, and student union are regular venues for indoor concerts. The famous pub "Siste Reis" neighbouring the train station has been voted among the ten best pubs in Europe!
PLACE TO VISIT
You should go see the Fredriksten fortress. This is where the Swedish king Carl XII (Charles XII)was killed - in 1718 - during the war between Sweden and Norway, at that time a province of Denmark.
Another place worth visiting is "Rød Herregård" (The Rød Mansion). Rød Herregård, is one of Norway's most completely preserved manor houses. It has retained its patrician appearance and original interior from the time that it was still inhabited. Rød Manor contains one of the country's largest private collections of arms. The barn has been converted into a café and gallery. The buildings are surrounded by a beautiful Baroque garden and an English landscaped garden.
While in town, you should take a walk in Busterudparken, located on the north side of the town. It's a small, but beautiful park. From the park, walk down "Gågata" and take a look at the harbour.
WHAT TO DO
Go hiking in one of Haldens forrest. Bring your tent and stay a night in Boksjøen. - Go fishing in the Iddefjord, Berbyelva or one of the lakes. Be aware that fishing anywhere else than in the Iddefjord requires a small fee. -
Go bathing: Take a bath in the iddefjord, Krussæther or one of the lakes. - Exploring the town. - Visit all the bars at one night and get drunk. - Take the ferry "Turisten".
HOW TO REACH
By train - Halden is served by the Norwegian State Railway as the southern terminus of the Oslo-Halden line, wich also continue to Gothenburg 3 times a day.
By Car - When entering the country from Sweden, turn right just after the Svinsund Bridge, and follow the road signs to Halden.
By Boat - You could take the boat from Sandefjord to Strømstad in Sweden. From there, you can take the bus, or drive by car. Estimate 30 minutes travel time from Strømstad.
If you own a boat of your own, sailing throug the narrow Svinesund (a part of the border fjord Iddefjorden) brings you to Haldens beautyful guest harbour where you could stay for your visit.
