Rakkestad municipality has approximately 7.600 inhabitants and covers a area of 434,7 km2. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Rakkestad. It is divided into the parishes of Rakkestad, Degernes and Os. The municipality is one of Norway´s largest agricultural areas. Farming and forestry have always been important for settling and employment in Rakkestad. As a consequence the principal industries are growing grain, raising cattle, and dairy farming. Rakkestad has also developed a diversified economy based on agriculture and forestry such as poultry slaughterhouse and egg packing station, grain silo and mill, woodworking factories and agricultural machinery retailers. Traditional mechanical industry has developed into advanced technical industry directed towards the process, maritime, and offshore industry. Rakkestad´s large areas of rolling, wooded hills offer excellent yearround recreational and leisure opportunities. There are marked forest paths for hiking and cross-country skiing.

The main attractions are Rakkestad Church a stone church, Rakkestad bygdetun Museum, Lillerudlunden in Degernes, Hjemmefrontmuseet with 3.000 objects from the second WW, Kåen Saw and mill from 1865, Linnekleppen view visit the tower on Linnekleppen, on the border between Rakkestad and Marker. Two 10.000 year old livingsite at Høgnipen called Rørmyr and Mellommyr. Rock carvings at Bjørnstad Camping and north of Rakkestad center a burial mound.

LINNEKLEPPEN

A visit to the fire lookout tower on Linnekleppen is recommended. Located at the one of the highest peaks in the county 325 metres (1,066.3 ft) it overlooks the whole county, parts of neighbouring counties, and parts of Sweden. Linnekleppen is the only fire tower still in use in Norway.

RUDSKOGEN MOTORCENTER

Rudskogen Motorsenter is the oldest asphalt racing ground in Norway opened in 1990. In 2006, the government decided to make Rudskogen Motorsenter the main centre for automobile and motorcycle sport. The aim is to develop the centre to be a flexible facility where capacity can be increased and several different activities can be conducted simultaneously. In co-operation with Borg MC, Sarpsborg and Rakkestad municipalities Rudskogen Motorsenter will offer an environment for almost every series in automobile and motorcycle sport.

HUNTING

Rakkestad municipality offers small game hunting as well as roe deer hunting in the municipal forests, which cover about 18 square kilometres (7 sq mi). There are possibilities for farm lodging as well as cabin lodging.

FISHING

Landowners, angling clubs, and others put much work into cultivating waters and lakes to ensure good fishing. Most lakes are limed each year, with support from the government. Fry and fingerlings are also re-stocked annually. Where the cultivation is carried out with governmental funding, the fishing shall be available for all, either by free fishing or through open information about fishing licence and opportunities.

In Rakkestad more than 20 species of freshwater fish are registered. Many of these species lives in the Rakkestad River. The river meanders its way along, mainly through farmland, providing excellent river fishing for pike, roach, and perch.

Rakkestad is bordered to the west by River Glomma, Norway´s largest river. At Sutern in Os there is an outdoor recreation area equipped with toilet, open shelters, and areas for making a campfire. You can fish for 26 different species from a small jetty or from land along the river. Fishing licence for the area can be obtained fróm self-service boxes along the river.

In the Rakkestad Hills a number of small lakes offer the angler to fish in sheltered solitude. Although the pursuit of the large trout draws a number of anglers to the lakes, you will only occasionally happen to meet fellow anglers. Most lakes can be reached by a short walk from the car. Some of the forest roads are private and one has to pay a small fee in a self-service box, normally about NOK 20. Fishing licences can be obtained in the same place. Normal price for the fishing licence is about NOK 40 for 24 hours or NOK 200 for a year.

GOLF

Skjeberg Golfclub is a golf course with 18 holes and a variation of difficulties. The course lies at Hevingen Fritidspark, approximately 6 km from Rakkestad.