Halden Canal
Welcome to the Halden Canal
Let the waterway take you through idyllic lakes, impressive lock systems and beautiful cultural landscapes. Breathe out, relax and experience art, culture, history and the beautiful nature along the Halden Canal with us!
There are many activities along the canal, boat trip with MS Brekke , Via Ferrata Halden Canal, canoe rental, canal museum, and much much more.
The Halden Canal is Norway's oldest and stretches 80 km from Halden in the south to Skulerud in Aurskog Høland in the north. Brekke locks are Europe's highest continuous lock staircase, but with a total lift height of 26.7 meters.
The canal consists of six lakes from Skulerud in the north to Tistedal in the south, or vice versa; Skulerudsjøen, Rødenessjøen, Øymarksjøen, Aremarksjøen, Aspern and Femsjøen, plus some idyllic narrow passages along the way.
Canal builder Engebret Soot is considered the father of the Halden Canal. The canalization began in 1851. Four lock systems were built to connect the lakes, Ørje locks, Strømsfoss locks, Krappeto locks and Brekke locks. Brekke locks and Krappeto locks were both 13 meters high. Brekke locks were taken out by a flood, but it was decided to rebuild them. In 1924, the locks were ready, along with a new power plant. The locks were then raised by 13 meters, giving a total lift of 26.7 meters. This provided more water for the power plant, while Krappeto locks were also submerged.
In 1909, King Haakon VII visited the Krappeto lock in the Halden Canal. During his visit, he left his royal monogram, which can still be seen today when the water level is low.
The history of the Halden Canal
In the 1830s, the narrow sections of the canal were widened so that the timber could pass through more easily. It was cut and blasted. When Soot did not have enough workers, he went to Fredriksten Fortress to borrow slaves (convicts) to do this work. Examples here are the passages in Stenselva and Tordivelen.
Timber has been floated on the canal for over 500 years. It could take several years to get the timber from the rich forest areas at the top of the canal, as well as the Swedish forests, to Fredrikshald (Halden). After the canal was built, the floatation became more efficient and at its peak there were 33 sawmills and 37 sailing ships transporting timber to Europe from Halden. So the Halden Canal has had a great importance for the development of the city of Halden.