Sarpsborg has approximately 54.000 inhabitants and covers a area of 405.6 km2. The administrative centre of the municipality is the city of Sarpsborg. The rural municipalities of Skjeberg, Tune and Varteig became one municipal unit in 1992. Other districts is Hasle, Ise, Alvim, Sannesund, Greåker, Grålum, Borgenhaugen, Klavestadhaugen, Yven, Høysand, Hafslund, Hannestad, Gleng, Fritznerbakken, Kurland, Lande, Valaskjold, Brevik. Sarpsborg is part of the fifth largest urban area in Norway when paired with neighbouring Fredrikstad.
The city was founded as Borg by the Viking King Olav Haraldsson (Saint Olav) in 1016. It was burned to the ground by Swedish invaders in 1567 during the Northern Seven Years’ War. Half the population was evacuated down the river to what is today known as Fredrikstad, about 15 kilometres downstream.
Borregaard Industries is, and always has, been the most important industry in the city. The city is also the home of Borg Bryggerier, part of the Hansa Borg Bryggerier, which is Norway´s second largest brewery-group. The area around the lower Glomma River is one of the important industrial centers in Norway, producing ships, chemicals, rubber, and processed food. Timber is floated down the Glomma from the Østerdalen valley for processing.
SARPEFOSSEN WATERFALL
“Sarpen” is a 19,5 metres high waterfall, and it is the last waterfall in river Glomma, which is the longest river in Norway. Sarpefossen has the greatest flow of any waterfall in Europe. Sarpefossen is used by Borregaard powerstation situated on the westside of the waterfall, and by Hafslund powerstation, situated on the eastside. Just above Sarpefossen is a road bridge with a view point. There are also view points on the east side of the falls.
HAFSLUND MANOR
Hafslund also owns and use the historical buildings and grounds of Hafslund Manor from the middle of the 1700s. The fall rights belonged to the famous Hafslund Manor, which had utilised the falls since the seventeenth century to work a mill, a gristmill and a sawmill. Today Hafslund Manor is one of Norway´s most impressive manor houses. On the very place where the first “Oslo Agreement” between Israel and Palestine was signed – at Hafslund Manor.
HAFSLUND
Hafslund´s history is inseparably linked to Sarpsfossen, the waterfall in Glomma. Fall rights belonged to the famous Hafslund Manor, which had utilised the falls since the seventeenth century to work a mill, a gristmill and a sawmill. Today Hafslund Manor is one of Norway´s most impressive manor houses.
The limited company Hafslund was established in 1898 by far-sighted men who recognised the opportunities of the new age. The object was to utilise water power for industrial purposes. The motivating force behind this was the engineer Knud Ørn Bryn from Trondheim. The company bought Hafslund Manor, which had the fall rights to Sarpsfossen, and in 1899 Hafslund Power Plant was put into operation as the first large-scale power plant in Norway. Since then twelve other plants have been built or purchased, as well as the regional grid in the county of Østfold.
In 1986 Hafslund acquired Actinor with its subsidiary Nycomed in an assertive move towards industrial development. Under the name Hafslund Nycomed, the new company demonstrated significant growth in the pharmaceuticals sector. In the spring of 1996 the companies were de-merged to enable them to promote their separate activities in the respective fields of energy and pharmaceuticals.
ROCK CARVING
“The Bjørnstad Ship” is probably the largest rock carving in Northern Europe. According to the earliest Norwegian writings, it was in our very district that our ancient gods had their actual site. The Sarpsborg area holds some of the finest relics in the country – rock carvings, burial mounds, fortifications and impressive monuments in stone. Norway’s most famous king, Olav Haraldsson – later St. Olav, founded Sarpsborg in 1016.
The landscape is welcoming, full of variety. Lush meadows, deep forests and calm waters offers wonderful opportunities for walking tours, swimming, fishing and canoeing. Sarpsfossen was one of the sights of Northern Europe when the largest volume of water in Scandinavia thundered in free fall over the precipice. Today one can admire what this enormous water power has created – the huge industrial plants.
GLOMMA
Glomma, Norway´s longest river. At various points the river has created super beaches ideal for bathing and different forms of boating sports. Glomma is one of Norway´s best rivers for fishing, and in the currents by the bridge anglers can catch many kinds of fish including trout. The numerous lakes and rivers in the district are also worth trying. It is possible to enjoy the open-air life the whole year round in many different ways. Perch, pike and different variety of carp are the dominant species. They are more numerous in the slower water of the watercourse and in the estuaries where the tributaries join. Here perch and pike can reach a considerable size.
In parts of the Glom where the current is strongest, and downstream from power station dams, large trout can be found. The access to fishing along the Glomma varies. Cultivated land and undergrowth restrict access and fishing from land in many places. On both sides of the river there is a comprehensive road system. From the roads, and where the bridges cross the river, it is often possible to reach suitable fishing places. Good local knowledge is important, therefore talk to the locals! Fishing along the main watercourse is regulated to a small degree.
HISTORY
Sarpsborg was founded in 1016 by King Olav Haraldsson. He had this town as his capital for several years, but left for good in 1028. He died at the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030. Through the Middle Ages the town is mentioned only occasionally. Sarpsborg’s geographical location placed the town in the front line of hostilities in the war Sweden fought against Norway and Denmark in 1567 – and the result was our town as a smoking ruin.
A sad story – and this fact, together with the increasing competition in exporting of logs, made the people to move their town nearer the sea, to what today is the town of Fredrikstad. After St. Olav it went hundred of years with peaceful sleep for Sarpsborg. But one interruption has to be mentioned: The nightmare in 1702 when the old town was completely destroyed in a gigantic landslide. The few reminds of the town as it was is a church ruin and about 200 feet of the old town ramparts.
Our main factory, sited near the great waterfall, is Borregaard. It was at first a sawmill, but it burnt to the ground and was replaced by a sulphate pulp mill to produce paper and wood pulp. The construction works began in 1890. Within a period of ten years the plant became the largest in the country. Today Borregaard Industries is one of the world’s leaders in several chemical products.
On the whole, from being one of the largest in wood forest industry in Norway several industrial concerns in Sarpsborg gradually developed towards modern, high-tech concerns. One of them, Norcool, is well known world wide for their quality products.
TO DRIVE A ELECTRIC CAR IN NORWAY
Among the existing government incentives, all-electric cars are exempt in Norway from the annual road tax, all public parking fees, and toll payments as well as being able to use bus lanes.
Charging points in Sarpsborg at the moment is 42.
Charging points can be found on street parking, at taxi stands, in parking lots, at places of employment, hotels, airports, shopping centers, convenience shops, fast food restaurants, coffeehouses etc., as well as in driveways and garages.
FISHING
Good fishing opportunitys to catch macrel, cod, sea trout etc. A lot of the fishing is done from the harbor in Høysand. Fishing possibilities are good in Oslofjorden.
GOLF
Borregaard Golfclub is a golf course with 9 holes and a variation of difficulties. The course lies approximately 1 km from Sarpsborg Center.
Østfold Golfcenter Norway´s biggest indoorcenter. The center lies in Sarpsborg Center.