Fredrikstad

Fredrikstad (previously Frederiksstad) (literally Fredriks Town) is a city and municipality in the county of Østfold, Norway. The city straddles the river Glomma where it meets the sea.

With Sarpsborg, Fredrikstad forms the fifth largest urban area in Norway. As of April 1st 2006, according to Statistics Norway these two municipalitites have a total population of 121,097 - 70,962 in Fredrikstad and 50,135 in Sarpsborg.

Fredrikstad was built at the mouth of Glomma as a replacement, after Sarpsborg (15 km upstream) was burned down by the Swedes. It was founded in 1567 by king Frederik II. Almost half the population of Sarpsborg stayed behind, and rebuilt their old town at its original site.

The city centre is situated on the west bank of river Glomma, while the old town on the east bank is Northern Europe's best preserved fortified town.

Fredrikstad used to have a large sawmill industry and was an important harbour for timber export, then later on shipbuilding, until the main yard was closed in the 1980s. The main industries are currently various chemical plants and other light industry.

In 2005, Fredrikstad was a host port for the Tall Ships' Race.

Well known residents from Fredrikstad

Roald Amundsen, explorer of polar regions. Born nordre Borge.
Petronella Barker, Norwegian actress
Leah Isadora Behn, daughter of Princess Märtha Louise of Norway
Jørn Christensen, Norwegian artist and producer.
Johan Caspar von Cicignon, General, engineer and city planner
Hans Nielsen Hauge, revivalist Norwegian preacher
Egil «Drillo» Olsen, successful manager of Norwegian national football team.
Dennis Storhøi, Norwegian actor.
Harald Zwart, Norwegian film director

Municipalities of Norway | Cities in Norway | Coastal cities | Fredrikstad

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Well known residents from Fredrikstad