Side Trips from Oslo - Norway - page 156

The cathedral of Fredrikstad, Fredrikstad Domskirke, Ferjestedsveien
( & 69-30-02-80 ), is open Tuesday to Friday from 11am to 3pm, charging no
admission. It was constructed in 1860 in a flamboyant Gothic Revival style. Its
most notable feature is its stained-glass windows by Emanuel Vigeland, the
younger and lesser-known brother of Norway's most famous sculptor, Gustav
Vigeland. The church was also decorated by other leading Norwegian artists.
The Domkirke lies on the western bank of the Glomma opening onto a small
park.
Outside the gates of the Old Town stands what remains of Kongsten Fest-
ning, the fortress of Fredrikstad, which was constructed on Gallows Hill and
used by the townspeople as an execution site for criminals. When the Swedes
took over the site in 1677, they fortified the stronghold with 20 cannons,
underground chambers, passages, and a strong arsenal. Today you can scramble
among the embankments, walls, stockades, and turrets, and try to imagine the
fortress as it was. An unkempt, lonely spot today, it is always open, charging no
admission. To reach it, walk 15 minutes beyond the Gamlebyen drawbridge,
turning off Tornesveien at the Fredrikstad Motell & Camping.
SHOPPING
Since Fredrikstad's heyday as a trading port and merchant base, the Old Town
has attracted craftspeople and artisans, many of whom create their wares in his-
toric houses and barns. Many of these glass blowers, ceramic artists, and silver-
smiths sell their products at local shops.
Glashytte This rustic shop acts as a retail store and glass-blowing studio
whose merchandise is sold all over the country. They specialize in everything
glass, with items for sale such as wineglasses and carafes, plates, bowls, and
paperweights. You can specify what you need and watch your creation come to
life through the skilled hands of local craftspeople. Objects are either clear glass
or come in a wide array of colors. It's open Monday through Saturday from 8am
to 5pm. Torsnesvn 1. & 69-32-28-12. Bus: 541.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel City Situated in the town center in close proximity to the rail station,
this stylish and modern hotel offers comfortable accommodations. All rooms are
furnished with good taste and comfort in mind. Each unit is well maintained
and equipped with well-kept bathrooms containing shower units. The fifth floor
is known as the “safari floor.” Not only is this the one floor where smoking is
permitted, but each room is done in a jungle theme with wicker-accented fur-
nishings, tiger-print carpeting, and wall art depicting jungle landscapes and
wildlife. The hotel also has two good restaurants, one serving an a la carte inter-
national menu, the other with lighter pizza-and-burger fare.
Nygard 44-46, N-1600 Fredrikstad. & 69-38-56-00. Fax [phone]. www.hotelcity.no. 110 units. Sept-
May 1,350NOK ($192) double; June-Aug 950NOK ($135) double. Rates include breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V.
Parking 100NOK ($14). Bus: 31. Amenities: 2 restaurants; 4 bars; nightclub; sauna; laundry service/dry clean-
ing. In room: TV, minibar (in some), hair dryer (in some).
Victoria Hotel Established in 1883, this Art Nouveau structure is the
town's oldest hotel and we prefer its antique style and homey comfort over the
also recommendable Hotel City (see above). Like the City hotel, the Victoria lies
in the heart of town and has wonderful views of the grounds of the Fredrikstad
cathedral. Since its creation, many renovations have led up to the welcoming
and cozy hotel you'll find today. Each guest room is well furnished and com-
fortable. All units contain neatly kept bathrooms with shower units.