Sarpsborg

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Expedia
The one-time capital of Norway boasts a 1,000-year-old history, family-friendly museums and a beautiful natural landscape made up of forests, lakes and rivers.

From historical landmarks to rock carvings, public art and a lively pedestrianized shopping district, Sarpsborg has a varied collection of attractions. King Olav Haraldsson established Sarpsborg in 1016, and made it Norway’s capital city, after stopping at Sarpefossen waterfall while sailing the Glomma river. You can appreciate the magnificent sight of Sarpefossen, among Europe’s biggest waterfalls, at the edge of the city center.

Explore regional history at Borgarsyssel Museum, an open-air museum featuring over 20 typical buildings from the Østfold county. It stands in the grounds of the 12th-century ruins of St. Nicholas Church. At nearby St. Marie Square, an imposing sculpture called Genesis portrays a young King Olav. The square connects with St. Marie Gate, a pedestrian-only shopping street with cafés, restaurants, shops and a sculpture inspired by the stories of author Roald Dahl.

A short walk from the city center is the beautiful Hafslund Manor, which opens its doors every Sunday from June to August for guided tours of elegantly furnished rooms. The surrounding garden is open year round and has examples of millennia-old rock carvings. The Bjørnstad Ship, one of Northern Europe’s largest pieces of rock art, is 3 miles (5 kilometers) south of the manor. For something different, keep the children entertained with the interactive exhibits at INSPIRIA Science Center.

In Sarpsborg there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors. Kulåsparken has gorgeous tree-shaded lawns in the heart of the city. Go swimming at Lake Tunevannet and relax at the lakefront Landeparken. Play 18 holes at scenic golf clubs, fish for salmon on the Ågård River and walk the ancient burial ground of Opstadfeltet.

Less than a 30-minute drive from the city are the popular seaside resorts of Dusa and Høysand. Carve up on the slopes of Kjerringåsen Alpinsenter in winter. Rent a car and drive sections of the E6, a highway stretching from the Arctic Circle and along the southwest coast of Sweden.

Buses, flights and trains offer fast and direct transport links between Oslo and Sarpsborg, a destination for history, nature and family entertainment.

Sarpsborg Apartments
Sarpsborg Apartments
2.5 out of 5
Desiderias vei 43, Sarpsborg
The price is ¥10,859 per night from May 17 to May 18
¥10,859
per night
May 17 - May 18
Book a stay at this golf apartment in Sarpsborg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Rostadneset and Samhold ...
7.8/10 Good! (114 reviews)
"The location is good for just temporary one-night sleep. The rooms are clean and tidy. The house-keeper are very helpful. The question is that the bedrooms are near-triangular with wide wooden sides, which is uncomfortable for two persons. Besides, the camp is near the high way, people who are sensitive ..."

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2023

Sarpsborg Apartments
Quality Hotel Sarpsborg
Quality Hotel Sarpsborg
3.5 out of 5
Bjørnstadveien 20, Gralum, Sarpsborg
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥16,663 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥16,663
per night
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Sarpsborg. Enjoy a full-service spa, water park access (surcharge), and a health club. Popular attractions Inspiria Science ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"The location was very convenient near the E6 so easy to get around. The is a grocery store within walking distance which was also very convenient. The daily breakfast was great and the service was very good. My only negative criticism is there was no toiletries in the room such as body lotion. They ..."

Reviewed on Feb 11, 2023

Quality Hotel Sarpsborg
Scandic Sarpsborg
Scandic Sarpsborg
3 out of 5
Sandesundsveien 1, Sarpsborg
The price is ¥14,509 per night from Jun 9 to Jun 10
¥14,509
per night
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sarpsborg. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Borgarsyssel Museum and ...
7.6/10 Good! (701 reviews)
Hotel in the middle of the city centre
"Good location. Nice rooms and amneties. Very service minded. I would reccomend."

Reviewed on Nov 21, 2022

Scandic Sarpsborg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sarpsborg Apartments
Sarpsborg Apartments
2.5 out of 5
Desiderias vei 43, Sarpsborg
Book a stay at this golf apartment in Sarpsborg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Rostadneset and Samhold ...
7.8/10 Good! (114 reviews)
"The location is good for just temporary one-night sleep. The rooms are clean and tidy. The house-keeper are very helpful. The question is that the bedrooms are near-triangular with wide wooden sides, which is uncomfortable for two persons. Besides, the camp is near the high way, people who are sensitive ..."

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2023

Sarpsborg Apartments
A beautiful vacation home with sea view and several terraces ideal for hot summer days.
A beautiful vacation home with sea view and several terraces ideal for hot summer days.
Skjeberg
Stay at this vacation home in Sarpsborg. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Dusa and Kålvika ...
A beautiful vacation home with sea view and several terraces ideal for hot summer days.
Breidablikk Cabin - Skjeberg
Breidablikk Cabin - Skjeberg
3 out of 5
Valbergsveien 57, Sarpsborg, Ostfold
Stay at this cabin in Sarpsborg. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Feriehjemmet and Sandvika Badeplass are located ...
Breidablikk Cabin - Skjeberg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Sarpsborg