Spydeberg muncipality has approximately 5.100 inhabitants and covers a area of 142,0 km2. Spydeberg has a diversified agriculture which amongst other things, has contributed to maintaining a very beautiful cultivated landscape. The ravines near Øyern, Lyseren and Glomma are a treasure-house of diversity. Good walking country is right outside the door for most of the inhabitants, and the possibilities for a very varied outdoor life are immense. Fishing and shooting are popular leisure activities. The main attractions are the lake Lyseren with several bathing spots, Mariaholm, Bygdetunet, Galtebo Farm, Smalelvamuseet, Smalelva, Amundrud, Forsvarsverkene, Hovin Church, Heli Church and Spydeberg Church. The ravine landscape was formed during the ice age and owerflove of Glomma.
The commercial life of Spydeberg is dominated by agriculture, small industries and services. Spydeberg has a large amount of through-traffic of motor campers and other motorised tourists during the summer. As with the rest of the county the district is rich in ancient monuments. The oldest find of a settlement is Holstein- Mulerud area.
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.
SPYDEBERG CHURCH
The district main church dates from 1844. Most of the building material used was stone from the old medieval church which stood on the same site but which had been destroyed by lightning in 1841. Contemporary descriptions and a copperplate based on a drawing by Jacob Nicolai Wilse from 1779 give a good impression of how the medieval church looked. With its strictly Classical design and symmetry, the church is somewhat unusual for Østfold. The baptismal font from the medieval church remains, together with two wooden figures from the 1200s, a crucifix and a Madonna, which are kept in the national Antiquities Collection.
The church bells date from 1595 and 1625. Spydebergs oldest church is Hovin church, built in 1720 in the north of the district. Heli church, in the south of the district, was destroyed by lightning in 1996. A new church was built and dedicated in 2001.
SWIMMING
The main attractions are the lake Lyseren with several bathing spots. Most used are Hallerud and Granodden with toilet and parking.
FISHING
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.
GOLF
Indre Østfold Golfclub with 18 holes and a variation of difficulties. The course lies at Mørk, approximately 10 km south of Spydeberg.