Stage 2 - Askim - (Ørje) / Töcksfors via Trøgstad 65 km (north route)
You take the same way out of Askim center as the main route, but this goes towards Trøgstad.
Here you will enjoy the road along farms and cornfields. You cycle along road shoulders so be careful. You will eventually pass Mønster bridge. Be careful on this stretch, as the road here is very winding on the downhill slopes just before the bridge. Mønster bridge takes you over a small part of Glomma, Norway's longest river. Then you continue across the plains and fields towards Skjønhaug.
Pleasant Trøgstad
When you see Trøgstad church, you have arrived at Skjønhaug, the center of Trøgstad. Right by the church you will also see Trøgstad village museum If you take a little detour by the church and up towards the fort, you can also see Gravtjern, a lovely little bathing place, and you can continue the road up to Trøgstad fort. At the top here there is a good view. There is also a viewing tower that lets you see far away. At the top there are some airplanes on display. At Skjønhaug torg you will find Frøken Fysen, a cozy cafe, pharmacy and grocery stores, if you need supplies.
**Havenås - a quiet place on earth
The natural landscape you are now going through becomes a lot of forest before it again alternates between cultivated land and forest towards Ørje. Here you must make a stop at Havnås Gamle skole. A very popular excursion site. Here there is a fun shop with clothes, jewelry, interior and also simple catering. Further on you pass the prison, and not long after Havnås you can take a small detour on Dillevikveien. This will take you to a bird sanctuary with a bird tower (https://www.visitoestfold.com/indre-ostfold/ideer-og-inspirasjon/naturopplevelser/fugletarn/), where you can look out over Hærsetsjøen. If you continue on the road you came, you will reach Basmo Fortress on your left. An old fort, with cannons.
Bike along the Halden Canal
The Halden Canal will occasionally come into view as you cycle along Rødenessjøen which is part of the Halden Canal. The area is characterized by forest, cultivated land and farms. On one of the farms you will find Taraldrud farm shop. You continue until you come out on Ørjeveien, the old E18, where you also meet the main road to Unionsleden.
**Halden Canal, Norway's oldest canal - Slusebyen Ørje
In the idyllic lock village Ørje it is especially pleasant to be in the summer. Lots of hustle and bustle, many visitors, and lots to see and do. Here you will find Norway's largest steamboat environment. If you are lucky, you can join a boat trip with the steamship Turisten or the steamship DS Engebret Soot. Ørje is one of three places with locks in the Halden Canal. If there is a boat in the locks, there are always many people who want to go skiing. On the quay you will find the tourist information office of Visit Indre Østfold, Matfatet local food outlet and Båtcafeen. Båtcafeen is practically in the canal, so it's a great place to enjoy a meal or perhaps something good by the glass. In Ørje you can also cycle on the water as the tourist information center rents out pedal bikes and pedal boards In Tangen there is also a nice sandy beach, and swimming opportunities. If you want to learn more about the Halden Canal, take a trip to the fine museum Haldenvassdragets kanalmuseum. In the center of the cozy little village you will find several eateries - Butt's Tandori and Bakergaarden, as well as sportsbutikk and specialty shops. On the hill above Ørje and the canal are the remains of Ørje Fort. The fort was completed in 1903 - but had to be demolished due to agreements with Sweden in 1905, quite soon afterwards. A nice stroll, if you want to stretch your legs a bit. You can also cycle up there.
**Accommodation in Ørje
Ørje is an idyllic little place, it is very cozy to spend the night in. We have accommodation close to the center on the 2nd floor of the flower shop, at Bloom inn or a short walk out of the center at Gjestehuset Mosebyødegård. You can also spend the night at Vestre Kinn gård which is located on the west side of the Halden Canal. Or take a detour to Joval Gård located north of the canal.
**Border crossing - Norway - Sweden
On the other side of the city center you cycle over Porten til Norge- a beautiful bridge, now you are not far from the Swedish border. Now the road continues uphill towards the Swedish border. You cycle along the old E18 all the way up to the border. At the border, the cycle path goes behind the customs station and a souvenir shop. From here it is downhill towards Töcksfors - where you will find accommodation, Töcksfors shoppingcenter and Töcksfors handelspark.
