Mysen, the administrative center of Indre Østfold Municipality in Østfold county, Norway, is a small yet vibrant town located in the southeastern part of the country, approximately 51.5 km southeast of Oslo. With a population of 7,026 as of January 1, 2023, and a broader regional population of about 12,000 including nearby villages like Hærland, Eidsberg, Trømborg, and Slitu, Mysen is a key communication and commercial hub for inner Østfold. Built around a railway station opened in 1882, the town has grown into a charming small city known for its shopping, cultural events, and historical significance, often dubbed “Østlandets mest attraktive småby” (Eastern Norway’s most attractive small town).
Mysen is situated in a fertile agricultural region of Østfold,
surrounded by small rivers, oat and corn fields, and woodlands, creating
a picturesque landscape that is “green and fresh in summer and golden as
gold in autumn.” The town lies along the Østfold Line’s Eastern Line,
with the Glomma River nearby to the west, influencing its historical
development as a transport hub. The surrounding terrain is gently
rolling, with sand and gravel pits at Monaryggen to the north, used for
concrete production. Nearby villages like Hærland (5 km north) and Slitu
(5 km west) are within a 5-km radius, integrating closely with Mysen’s
urban core.
The climate is temperate continental, typical of
eastern Norway, with cold winters and mild summers. Winter temperatures
average −5°C to −10°C (23°F to 14°F), with snow cover from December to
March, ideal for winter activities like cross-country skiing. Summer
temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), occasionally
reaching 30°C, supporting outdoor events and agriculture. Precipitation
is moderate, with wetter autumns and drier summers, and the region
enjoys long summer daylight, with short winter days offering northern
lights potential. The surrounding woodlands and rivers enhance Mysen’s
appeal for nature-based recreation.
Mysen’s history is tied to its railway origins, agricultural roots,
and administrative evolution, with significant contributions from local
figures and wartime resistance.
Early Settlement and Naming: The
town’s name derives from the Old Norse Mysin (from Mosvin), meaning “bog
meadow” or “marsh pasture,” reflecting the area’s marshy terrain around
the Mysen farm, where the town was established. The region was primarily
agricultural, with farming communities centered around Eidsberg Church
and Folkenborg until the 19th century. The arrival of the Østfold Line’s
Eastern Line in 1882 transformed Mysen into a regional hub.
Railway
and Growth: Discussions for a railway through Eidsberg began in 1867,
with the municipality approving a grant in 1873. Despite debates over
routing—whether to bypass Mysen or include it—Parliament chose Mysen in
1874, leading to the station’s opening on November 24, 1882. Designed by
Balthazar Lange in Swiss chalet style, Mysen Station spurred rapid
growth, attracting shops, a post office, telegraph, and a dairy (1883).
The station became the main hub along the Eastern Line, featuring an
engine shed and turntable. By 1900, the municipal hall and Eidsberg
Sparebank relocated to Mysen, cementing its centrality.
Municipal
Evolution: Mysen was part of Eidsberg parish until it became an
independent municipality on July 1, 1920, with a population of 870,
making it Norway’s second-smallest municipality after Grip. On January
1, 1961, Mysen merged back with Eidsberg (population: 1,646), and in
2020, Eidsberg joined other municipalities to form Indre Østfold, with
Mysen as its administrative center. The town gained official city status
in 1997.
Key Figures: Anton Hamil Mysen, a mayor and owner of the
northern Mysen farm, was instrumental in the town’s early development,
funding the construction of Mysen Church in 1903, designed by Hjalmar
Welhaven. Alf Tollef Pettersen (1911–1986), a policeman and resistance
fighter, co-founded the Carl Fredriksens Transport group during WWII,
aiding refugee escapes to Sweden.
World War II: Mysen played a role
in the Norwegian resistance. In 1943, the resistance sabotaged Mysen
Station, destroying switches and two locomotives. Høytorp Fort, built
1912–1918, saw action against German forces from April 9–14, 1940, and
was later occupied by the Germans, who removed its cannons.
Post-War
Development: The railway was electrified in 1958, and commuter services
intensified in the 1960s as 25% of the workforce began commuting to
Oslo. The original station was demolished in 1986 for the
Citadel-complex, a modern commercial development. Platforms were
renovated in 2014, and the station remains the terminus for most L22
Oslo Commuter Rail services, handling 251,000 passengers in 2012.
Mysen’s cultural identity is defined by its small-town charm, vibrant
community, and historical pride, often compared to Oslo’s Grünerløkka
for its unique shops and atmosphere.
Community Life: Mysen is
known for its warmth and friendliness, where “a smile and a friendly
hello” greet visitors in the town’s cozy streets. The town fosters a
strong sense of belonging, with residents from surrounding villages like
Hærland and Slitu claiming “Mysen is also our town.” Mysenbyen AS, a
non-profit town-center association, collaborates with Eidsberg
municipality, Mysen High School, and local businesses to promote trade,
cultural activities, and aesthetics, hosting summer concerts in the
park’s pavilion.
Cultural Events: Mysen hosts concerts every Saturday
in summer, featuring choirs, bands, and local performers. The
Momarkedet, an annual Red Cross fair held post-WWII, was a cultural
highlight, broadcast on television and evoking nostalgia. The town’s
cultural scene includes live music at venues like Mosaikk Pub, which
hosts performances most weekends.
Historical Significance: Mysen’s
railway and resistance history are celebrated at sites like Høytorp Fort
and the Østfoldmuseene’s storage facility in the former
Trollullfabrikken, preserving local artifacts. The Folkenborg Museum, 5
km away, offers insights into rural Østfold life.
Notable Residents:
Beyond Anton Hamil Mysen and Alf Tollef Pettersen, Mysen is the hometown
of Eva Røine (b. 1928), Norway’s first Miss Norway (1952), and
Kjell-Erik Kristiansen (b. 1960), a well-known sports commentator.
Multiculturalism: Mysen has a small immigrant population (around 5–10%),
primarily from Europe, contributing to local businesses like La Mòss, an
Italian restaurant owned by Alfonso Costabile, emphasizing family and
gourmet cuisine. The town’s welcoming vibe attracts visitors from Oslo
and beyond.
Mysen’s economy is rooted in trade, small-scale industry, and
services, with a focus on accessibility and local commerce.
Historical Economy: The railway spurred trade and small industries,
particularly forestry and dairy, with milk exports to Oslo starting in
1883. The grain elevator built in 1953 at Mysen Station supported
agriculture.
Modern Commerce: Mysen is Østfold’s top shopping
destination, with a “wide selection of shops and range of goods” in its
pedestrian-friendly center. The town features cozy streets, small
shopping centers, and ample parking, ensuring easy access. Key retailers
include supermarkets, boutiques, and specialty stores. The
Citadel-complex, built in 1986, houses commercial spaces, with NSB
renting station facilities.
Industry: Graphic arts, food processing,
and mechanical workshops dominate local industry. Monaryggen’s sand and
gravel pits support a concrete industry, while the Trollullfabrikken now
serves as a museum storage facility.
Services: Mysen is home to
Heggen og Frøland District Court and Mysen Prison, employing locals.
Mysen Upper Secondary School (formerly Indre Østfold Upper Secondary) is
a regional education hub. The service sector, including healthcare and
municipal administration, is a major employer.
Tourism: While not a
primary tourist destination, Mysen attracts visitors for shopping,
dining, and historical sites like Høytorp Fort. La Mòss restaurant, with
its “people’s gourmet” menu and event spaces, draws food enthusiasts.
The Momarken Travbane, a trotting track, hosts events year-round.
Mysen offers a mix of historical, cultural, and recreational
attractions, appealing to visitors and residents.
Historical
Sites:
Høytorp Fort: Built 1912–1918, this fortress was a key
defense site during the 1940 German invasion. Abandoned in 1994 and
protected in 2001, it’s now a municipal park. The Association for
Høytorp Fort restored three of four turret guns by 2015, including
7.5cm Cockerill and 12cm Schneider cannons. Open Sundays, it offers
guided tours and scenic views.
Folkenborg Museum: A 5-km drive
away, this open-air museum showcases Østfold’s rural history with
traditional buildings and artifacts, open seasonally.
Mysen
Church: Built in 1903 with Anton Hamil Mysen’s funding, this church,
designed by Hjalmar Welhaven, is a cultural landmark hosting
concerts and services.
Cultural Attractions:
La Mòss
Restaurant: A culinary gem offering Italian-inspired gourmet dishes
in a cozy setting. Its “Himmelsalen” room hosts parties for 30–40
people, and the restaurant provides catering for events.
Mosaikk
Pub: A small venue with live music most weekends, fostering Mysen’s
nightlife.
Østfoldmuseene Storage: Located in the
Trollullfabrikken, this facility preserves local museum collections,
with limited public access.
Outdoor and Recreational
Activities:
Momarken Travbane: A trotting track hosting races and
events, popular among locals and visitors.
Frisbee Golf Park: A
free, public course offering outdoor fun for all ages.
Nature and
Hiking: The surrounding woodlands and rivers provide trails for
hiking and cycling. Nearby oat and corn fields offer scenic walks,
especially in autumn.
Beaches: While Mysen is inland, nearby
lakes and rivers offer swimming spots, accessible within a short
drive.
Events:
Summer Concerts: Weekly performances in the
town park’s pavilion, featuring local musicians.
Momarkedet: The
historic Red Cross fair, though no longer annual, remains a cultural
touchstone.
Tour of Scandinavia: Mysen hosted Stage 4 of this
cycling race in 2022, a 119.2-km route from Askim, highlighting the
town’s hilly terrain.
Nearby Attractions:
Askim: 15 km
west, with shopping and cultural sites.
Sarpsborg: 32.4 km
southwest, Østfold’s regional capital, offering the Hafslund Manor
and Glengshølen Park.
Fredrikstad: 40 km southwest, known for its
old fortified town and waterfront.
Mysen is a well-connected, pedestrian-friendly town with modern
amenities tailored to its role as a regional hub.
Transportation:
Mysen Station: Located 64.77 km from Oslo Central Station, it’s the
terminus for hourly L22 Oslo Commuter Rail services, taking 56 minutes
to Oslo (tickets: $14–19). The station, modernized in 2014, had 251,000
passengers in 2012.
Bus: Østfold fylkeskommune operates buses every 4
hours from Bergerkrysset Mysen to Oslo (1h 25m, $5–6), with routes to
Töcksfors, Sweden, and surrounding areas.
Road: The E18 highway, 10
km north, connects Mysen to Oslo (55 minutes, 41 miles) and Sarpsborg.
National Road 22 links to local villages. Ample parking supports
shoppers.
Air: Oslo Airport (OSL) is 90 km north (1.5 hours), and
Sandefjord Airport Torp (TRF) is 100 km southwest.
Accommodations:
Mysen has limited hotels, with budget options like bed-and-breakfasts
and motels. Nearby Oslo and Sarpsborg offer more choices, with 270+
hotels starting at $67/night. June to August is the cheapest time to
visit.
Services: The town center features the Citadel-complex,
Hvaltorvet mall, and independent shops. Dining options include La Mòss,
offering seasonal menus, and casual eateries. Mysen Upper Secondary
School, Heggen og Frøland District Court, and Mysen Prison are key
institutions. Healthcare is provided by local clinics, and the town
hosts a cinema and recreational facilities like the frisbee golf park.
Community: Mysen’s 100+ voluntary organizations, including Mysen IF
(3rd-division football) and cultural groups, foster engagement. The
town’s low crime rate and high resident satisfaction (90% in local
surveys) make it family-friendly.
Mysen faces challenges like reliance on commuting to Oslo, with 25%
of the workforce traveling daily, straining local job creation. The
town’s small size limits major industrial growth, and maintaining its
shopping appeal requires investment in aesthetics and accessibility.
Climate change may increase flooding risks due to nearby rivers,
necessitating infrastructure upgrades.
However, Mysen’s role as
Indre Østfold’s administrative center ensures stability. Its proximity
to Oslo, robust transport links, and growing cultural scene position it
for growth. Initiatives by Mysenbyen AS to enhance trade and events,
alongside potential tourism development around Høytorp Fort and mineral
trails (similar to Evje), could diversify the economy. Upgrades to the
E18 and railway services will further boost connectivity.