A Weekend in Fredrikstad

VISITING FRIENDS IN A FRIENDLY AND VIVID TOWN IN SOUTH EAST NORWAY, EUROPE

From the Cathedral Park. Green Grass in January. Where is the Polar Bears? Not here.

Anna's best woman lives in the Town of Fredrikstad with her husband. It's about one hours drive from were we live in Oslo South. While there, we also grab the opportunity to visit Sweden, to buy some goods that's cheaper than in Norway (Some Food and Wine a.o.).

Compared to the total area of Fredrikstad Community, in the Town Center everything is within walking distance. Total population was by Jan 1, 2007: 71 267. Facts.

Glass painting over an entrence door in Fredrikstad, describing the nature around. And dreams.

Besides the Archipelago south west of the town, Hvaler - as Summer Paradise for everybody that loves the sea and boating life - the Old Town is the main tourist attraction - it's fully fortified and claimed to be the best preserved as such in the Nordics. And functions today like a small, ordinary town, very vivid as well with all facilities needed. The car traffic is almost non existing, so it's also a safe place for kids. The Military left the Town several years ago. But of course you can see they have been here. The Fort did have 200 Canons/Guns.

HISTORY

It all began in 1567 when the king of Denmark-Norway decreed that the town of Sarpsborg, burned to the ground by that times arch enemy, Sweden, should be rebuilt. The king listened to a popular appeal to have the town rebuild at a place easier to defend and with better living conditions than upstreams Norways longest River, Glomma.
The east bank of the Glomma estuary was considered the obvious choice, and for the first time in Norway a king let a town take a Kings name; and Fredrikstad would prove itself a town worth it. But the King did never visit the Town. Lack of Comfort? I've never had the chance to ask him.

When in downtown Fredrikstad, the easiest way to visit the Old Town is by the Ferry that crosses the River. It takes a minute or so.

Else you have to go by Car, and that's a long detour over the River Bridge.

I strolled down fra our Friends and did pass several old, interesting houses on my way to the Ferry. Here is a Wooden Church.

Backery - hm, I did not enter. But I could smell it from a good distance. How could I resist? Strong will or lack of Money? .... or Time? Haha - my secret.

Here is the Ferry. Red and white - like the Famous Soccer Team in Town

Entrence to the Old Town from the Ferry

Some history facts:
Military aesthetics
The defensive walls were built to a Dutch design, unsurprisingly, and were a so effective deterrent that the town was never invaded. Coucheron must share the honour for the Fortress Town´s distinctive geometric construction with another foreign officer, Johan Casper de Cicignon, an aristrocrat from Luxembourg.

In Old Town

Vinmonopolet - The State controlled Wine and Liquer Chain of Shops - it's self service, so don't worry about language - they do have the most from all over the world - and splendid service.

From the Square. The King Fredrik himself. It's a Flee Market here, except during the Winter.

Back towards the Riverside. This Saturday Morning it was very few visitors, and the Locals? Asleep? I did not check it out. Next time perhaps I'll ring the Bells.

More interesting houses closer to downtown. This one is now owned by the Local Government and very well preserved. Look at the different architect styles (Click to enlarge). That was common among the very Rich in Norway to import different styles to impress - to show they "knew" the World.

Public Restroom - You might need it after this cyber walk - LOL.

..... or a short visit to a Riverside Cafe. It's January, but Vikings love the outdoor life. Here my friend, a retired Teacher, after a refreshment, needed after Saturdays shopping. Don't forget, it's a weekend trip - a journey so to speak.

When back, no sign of the ladies. They were out walking in the Mid January Sunshine.

Who was there but their very good, since very long, friend Per Ulrik Fritzner. Here he is with one of his paintings behind him. Yeah, he is a great Artist. Anna came back and acted like a Camera hog. What a shame her age. *giggles*

Wish you all a wonderful week