Fredrikstad is a municipality in the province of Østfold in Viken
county in eastern Norway. It has 82,000 inhabitants (as of 1 January
2020). It is thus Østfold's largest, Eastern Norway's third largest
city and Norway's seventh largest municipality in terms of
population.
Fredrikstad is often characterized as Norway's
first Renaissance city (see Renaissance), with blocks bounded by
streets laid out in a regular pattern. Fredrikstad municipality's
area is 559 square kilometers. It borders in the north to Råde, in
the east to Sarpsborg and in the south to Hvaler.
The urban
community Fredrikstad and the urban community Sarpsborg are
statistically often considered the urban area and the double city
Fredrikstad / Sarpsborg, which had 116,373 inhabitants as of 1
January 2020. 68,876 of these live in the part of Fredrikstad
municipality that is an urban area. The town of Fredrikstad is
located at the mouth of the Glomma.
Fredrikstad's highlights blend history and nature:
Old Town
(Gamlebyen): Europe's best-preserved fortified town with walls,
bastions, and cobblestone streets.
Isegran Island: Historic
fortifications and maritime museum.
Kongsten Fort: 17th-century
defense site with views.
Fredrikstad Cathedral: Neo-Gothic church
from 1880.
Glomma River: Scenic walks, boating, and bridges.
Elingaard Manor: Museum estate showcasing rural life.
Torgauten Fort:
Coastal battery with hiking trails.
The harbor and islands offer
beaches and wildlife spotting.
Fredrikstad is a city and municipality in Østfold county, southeastern Norway, part of the Eastern Norway district. It is situated where the Glomma River, Norway's longest river, meets the Skagerrak strait, about 20 kilometers from the Swedish border and 100 kilometers south of Oslo. The city center lies on the west bank of the Glomma, while the historic old town is on the east bank. The municipality spans 293 square kilometers, with 284 square kilometers of mainland, ranking it 269th in size among Norway's municipalities. Its coordinates are approximately 59°12′N 10°57′E. The landscape features a mix of urban areas, forests, agricultural land, and coastal zones, including islands like Kråkerøy and numerous islets. Combined with neighboring Sarpsborg, it forms Norway's fifth-largest urban area, with a conurbation along the river offering scenic views and recreational opportunities.
Fredrikstad was founded in 1567 by Danish-Norwegian King Frederick II as a fortified replacement for the burned-down city of Sarpsborg during the Northern Seven Years' War. Initially seen as a reconstruction, it was relocated 15 kilometers south for better sea access and defensibility. The name "Fredrikstad" first appeared in a royal letter in 1569. It became a municipality in 1838 and expanded through mergers: Glemmen in 1964, and Borge, Onsøy, Kråkerøy, and Rolvsøy in 1994. Fortifications began during the Hannibal War (1644–1645) and were enhanced in the 1660s by engineers like Willem Coucheron and Johan Caspar von Cicignon, including sites such as Isegran, Kongsten, and Cicignon. A suburb on the west bank (Vestsiden) emerged in 1735, becoming the main center after a 1764 fire devastated the old town. The 19th century brought timber exports, steam sawmills in the 1860s, and railway arrival in 1879, fostering industrialization. Shipbuilding peaked until the main yard closed in 1988. Recent history includes hosting the Tall Ships' Races in 2005 and 2019, emphasizing maritime heritage.
As of December 31, 2024, Fredrikstad's population stands at 85,862, making it Norway's 10th largest municipality, with a density of 293 people per square kilometer and an 8.6% growth over the past decade. Estimates for mid-2025 suggest around 86,500 residents, driven by urban appeal and immigration. Combined with Sarpsborg, the area totals 146,001 people. The population is diverse, with notable immigrant groups including Iraqis (2,348), Somalis (1,626), Poles (1,500), Kosovars (893), Syrians (813), Swedes (715), Bosnians (667), Iranians (548), Lithuanians (417), Afghans (382), Danes (314), Russians (307), Thais (291), Germans (277), Filipinos (261), Eritreans (254), and Vietnamese (215). The official language is Bokmål Norwegian, and residents are called "Fredrikstader" or "FFK-supporters" informally due to sports ties.
Fredrikstad's economy transitioned from 19th-century timber exports and sawmills to shipbuilding and light industry. The Fredrikstad Mekaniske Verksted shipyard was a major employer until 1988. Today, chemical plants, manufacturing, and services dominate, with a focus on sustainability. The city was named Norway's most attractive in 2017 for social, economic, and environmental factors. In 2025, local growth aligns with national trends: Mainland GDP is projected to rise 1.5%, supported by easing financial conditions and fiscal expansion, though challenges like high interest rates persist. Unemployment remains low at around 2-3%, bolstered by proximity to Oslo and Sweden. Tourism and retail contribute, with harbor activities enhancing trade.
Fredrikstad's culture revolves around its fortified old town, Northern Europe's best-preserved, featuring museums and events. The Fredrikstad Museum, established in 1903 and relocated to the old town in 2003, covers local history and manages Elingaard Manor and Torgauten Fort. Cultural events include the Tall Ships' Races (hosted in 2005 and 2019) and festivals celebrating maritime and industrial heritage. Arts scene includes theater, music, and visual arts, with community centers hosting exhibitions. Cuisine emphasizes seafood, local produce, and traditional Norwegian dishes. In 2025, cultural focus includes archaeological finds, like a Roman-era gold jewelry piece highlighting ancient craftsmanship.
The city offers comprehensive education, with three upper secondary schools: Frederik II (general and business studies), Glemmen (vocational training), and Wang Toppidrett (sports, sciences, languages, social sciences, economics). A Steiner school provides alternative private education. Østfold University College delivers higher education, including bachelor's and master's in performing arts, health, social care, and engineering. Primary and lower secondary schools serve around 10,000 students, emphasizing inclusivity and outdoor learning. Adult education programs support lifelong learning, with ties to industry for vocational training.
Fredrikstad is a sports hub, with Fredrikstad FK (FFK) in football drawing passionate fans; the club competes nationally and fosters youth talent. Other sports include handball, athletics, and water activities on the Glomma and coast. The city contributed to Norway's title as the world's most sporty nation through initiatives promoting active lifestyles. In 2025, Scandinavian VAR controversies affect local leagues, with debates on technology in matches. Recreation includes hiking, boating, cycling, and parks, with facilities like arenas and trails. Revenue in Norway's sports market is projected at US$285.48 million in 2025, reflecting growth in participation.
Fredrikstad has a humid continental climate with mild winters and warm summers, influenced by the Gulf Stream. Average annual temperature is around 7°C (45°F), with July highs of 21°C (70°F) and January lows of -3°C (27°F). Precipitation totals about 800 mm yearly, wettest in autumn. Summers are comfortable (rarely above 25°C), winters snowy but moderate (rarely below -10°C). In 2025, trends show warmer conditions and variable rainfall, aligning with national patterns of milder winters due to climate change.
Fredrikstad is well-connected, with the E6 highway linking to Oslo and Sweden. The Østfold Line railway provides frequent trains to Oslo (1 hour). Local buses, ferries across the Glomma, and cycling paths support mobility. Moss Airport (40 km away) offers regional flights, while Oslo Airport is 1.5 hours by train. The harbor facilitates ferries to islands and international routes.