

Autumn trip to historic Østfold
The journey offers carefully selected experiences, including Fredrikstad Old Town, the historic Oscarsborg Fortress, and beautiful natural scenery in Østfold. Discover living cultural heritage, fascinating history, and places that tell the story of Norway.
Departure
19 Sept. 2026
Duration
5 days
Price
11.490.- p.p.
(depositum 2.000.-)
Throughout the journey, you will be accompanied by an experienced tour leader who will assist you during the trip and help ensure that your experience is comfortable and enjoyable.
Some of the highlights of the journey:
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Oscarsborg Fortress and the charming town of Drøbak.
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A historical walk at Fredriksten Fortress.
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Fredrikstad Old Town.
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Hadeland Glassworks.
Day-by-day
Saturday 19.09 – Ålesund – Hamar (approx. 425 km)
Boarding according to agreement before we set off towards today’s destination, Hamar. Enjoy a pleasant journey by coach with comfortable stops along the way. Upon arrival, we check in at the hotel near Hamar. A shared dinner will be served at the hotel.
Sunday 20.09 – Hamar – Drøbak – Fredrikstad (approx. 230 km)
After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, we continue our journey southwards, passing Oslo and heading towards the charming town of Drøbak by the Oslo Fjord. Upon arrival, there will be some time to explore Drøbak and enjoy a light meal.
We then take the ferry from Drøbak to Oscarsborg and visit Oscarsborg Fortress Museum. Here, we enjoy a guided tour of the main parts of the fortress, lasting approximately one and a half hours.
The museum presents the historical and technical development of the Coastal Artillery, as well as the history of Oscarsborg Fortress, with special focus on the events of 9 April 1940. The fortress offers insight into Norway’s defence history and the dramatic sinking of the German cruiser Blücher. The strategic location of the Oslo Fjord, with Drøbaksundet as its narrowest point, proved to be an important part of Norway’s defence system.
After the guided tour and some free time, we take the ferry back to Drøbak, return to our coach, and continue towards today’s destination, Fredrikstad.
Upon arrival, we check in at Scandic City Hotel, where we will stay for two nights. The hotel is centrally located, and during your stay you may enjoy a walk along the harbour promenade and explore the surroundings. A shared dinner will be served at the hotel in the evening.
Monday 21.09 – Fredrikstad and Halden
After breakfast, we board our coach and travel to Fredriksten Fortress in Halden. As we approach, we can admire the fortress towering above the town – a magnificent sight and an important part of Halden’s identity.
Upon arrival, we meet a guide dressed in a traditional fortress uniform who will take us on a historical walk through this impressive fortress complex, where King Charles XII of Sweden fell in 1718.
The construction of permanent fortifications at Fredriksten began in 1661, and from 1660 to 1814 the fortress was a vital part of Norway’s defence system. After the guided tour, there will be some free time.
We then return to Fredrikstad and visit the famous Old Town (Gamlebyen). Here, we enjoy a historical guided tour. Gamlebyen is known as the best-preserved fortified town in the Nordic countries, with charming 18th-century buildings and impressive fortifications, including walls, moats, and gates dating back to the 17th century.
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Afterwards, there will be free time to explore Gamlebyen at your own pace. The area is famous for its craft shops, galleries, and artists’ workshops, where you can discover unique handmade products and local art.
A shared dinner will be served at the hotel.
Tuesday 22.09 – Fredrikstad – Strömstad – Sandefjord – Hadeland (approx. 300 km)
After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, we continue our journey south along the E6 towards Strömstad, just across the Swedish border.
Strömstad is a popular destination for shopping, offering everything from charming small shops to larger shopping centres. In the old town, you will find cosy boutiques selling handmade products, souvenirs, art, and local delicacies.
There will be time for some shopping before we gather around midday and board the Color Hybrid ferry for a pleasant crossing to Sandefjord. On board, you can enjoy duty-free shopping and beautiful views of the archipelago on both the Swedish and Norwegian sides of the fjord.
A lunch buffet including drinks can be pre-booked when signing up for the tour (additional cost). This ensures reserved seating in the restaurant throughout the crossing.
Upon arrival in Sandefjord, we continue north by coach to Thorbjørnrud Hotel in Jevnaker. The hotel is a peaceful gem by the water, offering a restaurant with locally sourced cuisine and beautiful nature right outside the door. A season of the popular Norwegian TV programme “Hver gang vi møtes” was also filmed here.
We check in and enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Wednesday 23.09 – Hadeland – Ålesund (approx. 490 km)
After breakfast and check-out, we make the short journey to Hadeland Glassverk. Here, we enjoy a guided tour of the Glassworks (production area), lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Be inspired by the craftsmanship of the glassblowers and discover how simple tools and glowing hot glass are transformed into beautiful creations. A fascinating experience that is always popular!
The tour will focus on the items being produced that day.
After the visit, there will be time to explore the visitor centre and the many shops offering a wide selection of local food, interior design, fashion, and unique products.
After visiting Hadeland Glassverk, we begin our journey home, with an expected arrival in Ålesund during the evening – filled with wonderful memories and unforgettable experiences.
The tour includes:
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Coach transportation.
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4 nights in a double room at a hotel.
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4 x breakfast and 4 x dinner at the hotel.
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Return ferry from Drøbak to Oscarsborg.
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Guided tour of Oscarsborg Fortress.
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Guided tour of Fredriksten Fortress.
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Guided tour of the Old Town (Gamlebyen) in Fredrikstad.
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Ticket for Color Line Strømstad – Sandefjord.
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Visit to Hadeland Glassverk, including a guided tour of the Glassworks.
Supplements:
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Single room / single cabin: NOK 2,500 p.p.
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Lunch buffet including drinks on board Color Hybrid: NOK 259 p.p. (must be ordered together with the registration for the trip).














