Halden is Norway's southernmost border town, sitting where the river Tista meets the Iddefjord. It was founded in 1665 as Fredrikshald, named after King Frederik III, and only got its current name in 1928. It is the only Norwegian city mentioned by name in the national anthem, Ja, vi elsker, which references the battles fought here against Sweden.
The town became a border fortress after 1658, when the Bohuslen region was ceded to Sweden. Suddenly, Halden was the front line. Fredriksten fortress was built on the hill above town, and the Swedes attacked six times but never managed to take it. The most famous siege ended with the death of Swedish King Karl XII in 1718.
Halden was once Norway's shoe factory capital. At its peak, the town had over a dozen factories producing footwear, making it the centre of Norwegian shoe manufacturing. The industry has since disappeared, but the old factory buildings along the river have been converted into shops, restaurants, and cultural spaces.
The harbour area below the fortress has a pleasant promenade with restaurants and cafes. Across the river Tista lies Busterudparken, a small park that connects to the town centre. Halden Teater, one of Norway's best-preserved baroque theatres, is also worth a look.
Nearby, Rød Herregård is an 18th-century timber baron manor with a beautiful park, covered in its own entry.
The train from Oslo runs hourly and takes about two hours. The station is right in the town centre.
The town became a border fortress after 1658, when the Bohuslen region was ceded to Sweden. Suddenly, Halden was the front line. Fredriksten fortress was built on the hill above town, and the Swedes attacked six times but never managed to take it. The most famous siege ended with the death of Swedish King Karl XII in 1718.
Halden was once Norway's shoe factory capital. At its peak, the town had over a dozen factories producing footwear, making it the centre of Norwegian shoe manufacturing. The industry has since disappeared, but the old factory buildings along the river have been converted into shops, restaurants, and cultural spaces.
The harbour area below the fortress has a pleasant promenade with restaurants and cafes. Across the river Tista lies Busterudparken, a small park that connects to the town centre. Halden Teater, one of Norway's best-preserved baroque theatres, is also worth a look.
Nearby, Rød Herregård is an 18th-century timber baron manor with a beautiful park, covered in its own entry.
The train from Oslo runs hourly and takes about two hours. The station is right in the town centre.