Christmas in Fredrikstad Old Town

Gamlebyen in Fredrikstad is the best-preserved fortified town in the Nordic countries: cobbled streets, timber houses and star-shaped ramparts. On Advent weekends the square fills with market stalls and the independent shops stay open late. You arrive by a free ferry across the Glomma.

Why it is a winter thing: The Old Town is open all year, but the market only takes over the square on Advent weekends.

When to go

Advent weekends, from late November to mid-December. This year’s dates are published in the autumn.

Highlights

• Market stalls on the square of a preserved fortress town
• Cobbled streets with independent shops and cafés
• A walk on the ramparts in low winter light
• Arrival by free river ferry

What to do and what it costs

• Christmas market on the square

  Free to enter on market weekends.

  Visit Fredrikstad & Hvaler

  price: ask provider

• Ramparts walk

  A loop of the moat and bastions, open all winter.

  price: ask provider

Prices are indicative, from the season shown, and change every year. Confirm with the provider before you book.

Conditions right now

Where to stay

This works as a day trip from Oslo, so there is no need to stay over. If you want to turn it into a weekend, see how cabin rental works.