"Fredriksten Festning" Halden by gubbi1

Halden was the last bigger town that I visited in Norway on my roadtrip through the South of this beautiful country. I had heard of the fortifications here and decided that it is worth to have a look. So I came to Halden and luckily decided right to drive up to the fortification instead of walking. You can see on the main photo that the fortifications are located quite high above town on a strategic position. It was in 1660 that King Frederik III. of Denmark and Norway gave the order to build the fortifications as a protection against the troops of the neighboring Sweden. It took 40 years to finish the construction which was planned by the Dutch Willem Coucheron. The Fredriksten Festning was never captured.

Fredriksten Festning, Halden, NO

From up the fortifications you will have a splendid view over Halden and the surrounding area. I enjoyed to walk around and to discover the various parts of the defense.

Brekke Sluser, Halden, NO

If you continue you way towards Sweden, which is just a few kilometers from Halden, you might pass the Brekke Sluser (Brekke Sluices). Here a dam blocks a river and a stair case of several sluices are covering the difference of altitude to enable the boat traffic. It is quite impressive.

• Pros:Interesting place!