Things To Do In Sarpsborg, Norway

Sarpsborg is an industrial town with a pleasant central area. Here are some recommended things to do in Sarpsborg, Norway.

I recently found myself heading to Sarpsborg for a weekend, with just a couple of hours planned out. Sarpsborg isn’t exactly known for its tourist attractions, so I wondered how I would fill the time.

Having never been to the city before, I didn’t know what to expect. I have to say all I knew about the city before my trip was that it was near Fredrikstad! As it turned out, there was enough to keep me occupied for a full weekend.

If you’re heading to Sarpsborg for business or just looking for a different kind of day trip from Oslo, here’s what I learned about the city.

An introduction to Sarpsborg, Norway

The city was founded as ‘Borg’ by the Viking King Olav Haraldsson in 1016. It was burned to the ground by 16th-century Swedish invaders, when much of the population was evacuated to nearby Fredrikstad.

Tragedy struck again in 1702 as much of the rebuilt town disappeared once again, this time into the River Glomma following a mudslide. Today, about 55,000 people live in Sarpsborg municipality.

Borregaard ASA has long been the most important industrial player in the region. Originally a pulp and paper producer, the group today focuses on a bio refinery that manufactures products based on wood.

Best things to do in Sarpsborg

While not exactly overflowing with attractions, there are some interesting things to do in and around Sarpsborg.

Sarp Falls: This powerful regulated waterfall on the edge of Sarpsborg has long been harnessed for its energy. That’s because Sarp Falls is one of the most powerful such waterfalls in Europe.

A viewing platform gives visitors an elevated view of the flow, while the riverside walk to get there is dotted with sites of historical interest. It takes about 25 minutes to walk there from downtown.

Explore Kulås park: This vast public park in the centre of Sarpsborg is well worth exploring. A small stage and outdoor amphitheatre plays host to a range of cultural events from concerts to the national day celebrations on 17 May. There’s space for 6,000 people at such events.

There are several footpaths through the park, taking visitors past several sculptures and through more forested areas.

At the southern end of the park, a leafy residential street takes you down to the former manor house now events centre at Borregaard Hovedgård.

Other things to do in Sarpsborg

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