Råde between coast, culture and history

Dense forests, rocky shores, pebble and sandy beaches, and paths characterize the Oven peninsula in Råde. The municipality combines coastal landscapes with historic sites, collections and nature trails—offering different highlights for your stay.

Coast and trails

On Oven, Storesand has a long sandy beach, a bathing platform, toilets, waste bins and play equipment. In Saltnes, Saltholmen offers a small sandy beach, a bathing platform, toilets, waste bins and a large car park. The municipality’s information about beach facilities may change; it is best to check it before your visit.

Saltholmen is also a designated cultural heritage site in Råde municipality; it was designated in 1997. Two glacial potholes on Saltholmen measure 160 to 180 cm in diameter. This coastal spot therefore combines a beach and bathing platform with a distinctive geological feature.

Two more points of reference offer options for different distances: Risseløypa is a 1.3 km nature trail in Karlshusskogen for families with children. The Kyststien is about 32 km long in total. It begins in the south at Saltnes, on the municipal boundary with Fredrikstad, and follows small roads to Moss municipality. Near the Varden-gapahuken, marked trails connect the site with Tombdalen; from there, further trails lead to Rørfjell.

Churches and traces of history

Råde kirke is a medieval stone church, probably dating from the 12th century. A striking detail inside is the main image on the altarpiece, painted by Thomas Blix in 1725. Tomb kirke was built in its present form in 1869. Together, the churches reflect different historical periods, from the probable origins of Råde kirke to the construction of the present-day Tomb kirke.

The stone circles at Lundeby are also among the historic sites: they form one of six burial grounds along the pilgrimage route through Råde. The largest circle has 13 upright stones. In Karlshus, the Råde Forsvarsmuseum focuses on the history of Norwegian defence and the involvement of local people during the war from 1940 to 1945.

Art, crafts and local collections

Galleri Gamle Tomb showcases art and crafts in a converted 19th-century granary belonging to the Tomb estate. Råde Bygdetun has more than 500 objects from local agriculture over the past hundred years. It also features the permanent exhibition of Anne Hissingby’s flax collection, which offers insight into the production of linen textiles. The collection therefore focuses on both agricultural objects and a specific craft.

Activities and events

Bondegården in Råde offers farm visits and a café; there are also animals and a play area. As visitor facilities may change, check in advance for current options. A disc golf park opened at Tomb on 23 May 2023 in collaboration with Råde municipality. Canoes are available for hire by Vansjø, behind the upper secondary school. Rental details may change, so check the latest information before your trip.

Råde parkfestival has been held annually in calendar week 41 in Karlshus since 2012. The recurring festival includes the food festival “Smaken av Råde”, with local exhibitors on Saturday morning. Check the latest dates and programme before your trip so you can plan your stay accordingly.

Planning your stay

Trains on the Østfold Line regularly stop at Råde station in Karlshus. As stopping patterns may change, check the latest timetable before your trip. When choosing where to stay, you can also consider whether the coast, historic sites, nature trails or a festival will be the focus of your trip; the destinations listed offer different ways to plan your visit.

Discover more destinations: Råde, Saltnes, Våler, Hvaler, Moss, Eidsberg, Rygge, Trøgstad.

Return to the main travel overview: Østfold.