Aremark: Nature, Locks and Rural History

Large areas of unspoiled nature and nature reserves define Aremark. They invite visitors to hike in both summer and winter, as well as to fish and hunt. The area also has tangible cultural landmarks: a lock and a former mill in Strømsfoss, as well as farms and museums.

Nature, Lakes and Routes

The Norwegian part of Stora Lee lies in Aremark and Marker. The lake is considered a particularly wild lake and has 26 registered fish species. To the west of Ara, Vestfjella includes 68 fishing lakes, 35 of which have trout. The figures offer different points of reference: for Stora Lee, they refer to registered species in one lake; for Vestfjella, to the number of bodies of water and the number of lakes with trout. This helps anglers understand the difference between a single wilderness lake and an area with many fishing waters.

The Haldenvassdraget runs through Aremark, and the municipality is also a destination for canoeists and kayakers. The Villmarksveien also runs through the municipality. This should be distinguished from the Villmarksruta: it is signposted as National Cycle Route No. 9, and the section near Aremark offers a 1 km detour to Strømsfoss.

Strømsfoss on the Halden Canal

Strømsfoss lies in Aremark between Øymarksjøen and Aremarksjøen and can be reached by car or boat. The Strømsfoss lock is on the Halden Canal between the two lakes. It has two lock gates and one lock chamber, and raises boats by 2 m.

Strømsfoss Mølle operated from 1897 to 1966; in 1995, it was established as a national mill museum. The ground floor houses the museum, with intact equipment for grinding grain. This makes it easy to distinguish the mill’s former operation from its later use as a museum.

Møllerens Kafé in Strømsfoss serves coffee and a snack for adults and children. If you plan to visit the café, check its opening hours in advance.

Farms, Gardens and Architectural History

Arebekken bygdetun originated as a husmannsplass beneath the parsonage in 1723. The complex includes a waterwheel and a restored forge. Visits can be arranged with the head of Aremark Historielag. The old Arestad parsonage dates from the early 18th century and has one of the county’s best-preserved Baroque and Renaissance gardens. A guided tour can be arranged for groups in summer. Arebekken represents farm history and crafts, while Arestad is known for its historic garden.

Aremark kirke is a brick long church built in 1861, with seating for 400. The farm museum established by Ole Ulsrød offers another glimpse of rural life, with more than 1,000 objects. Activities include traditional bread baking, waffle making and butter churning.

Bøensætre is a living husmann farm. The animals are kept there as they were roughly a hundred years ago.

Swimming Spots

Swimming spots in Aremark include Tripperød on Aspern, Fosbyskjæra—also called Skjæra—in the centre, and Tolsby at Stora Lee Camping. The locations distinguish the three spots by their points of reference: a lake, the centre and Stora Lee.

Discover more destinations: Aremark, Hvaler, Hobøl, Rygge, Rakkestad, Fredrikstad, Moss, Skiptvet.

For the regional travel overview: Østfold.