After visiting the library, we continued our walk towards the waterfront, following one of the arms of the Glomma River.
After walking a short distance, I turned around to look back at the area we had just passed through. The view was beautiful, with an open landscape that made me pause for a moment to appreciate the surroundings.
This area lies on the outskirts of Fredrikstad’s city centre, within walking distance of the railway station and the city ferry. Today, it features a large lawn and an adjoining gravel field. Historically, the area has served as a popular gathering place for various activities, including sports, circuses, concerts, and Norway’s Constitution Day celebrations on 17 May. It was interesting to imagine how many different events and celebrations had taken place here over the years.
As we approached the water, we came across an impressive artwork displayed along the quayside, where a waterside walkway allows people to stroll and enjoy the surroundings.
The artwork In My Faith, In My Hope, In My Love, by renowned Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, stands at Phønixbrygga in Fredrikstad. It consists of three monumental cast-iron heads standing along the waterfront. Their faces are elongated vertically, giving them peaceful, introspective expressions. From different angles, their closed eyes create an impression of stillness and meditation, as though the figures are quietly floating in their own thoughts.
Across the water, we could see the shipyard where work on building sailboats was underway. I mentioned this shipyard in my previous post, and it was interesting to see it again from a different viewpoint along the waterfront. As well, the ferry dock for public ferry transport service.
From here, we can see across the river to areas such as Kråkerøy, Isegran, and the approach to Gamlebyen (the Old Town). Sailing ships, local boats, and smaller cruise ships often dock along the wharf in the background known as Tollbodbrygga.
We also passed the Fredrikstad Bishop’s Residences; they are beautifully lined up and commonly associated with the Bjarne Aas House in the Cicignon district. This historic building is now used as the headquarters and residence of the Bishop of the Diocese of Borg, a regional diocese within the Church of Norway.
Some of the buildings are around a century old and have an interesting history. It was originally constructed as an elegant residence for a timber merchant and later served as a police station, with prison cells in the basement. Since 1969, it has been used as the bishop’s residence. It is fascinating to see how a historic building can take on such different roles over time while remaining part of the city’s heritage.
Nearby, water I noticed a rather unusual historical object. A collection box made from a decommissioned naval mine. After the First World War, some naval mines were converted into collection boxes and placed in Norwegian port cities to raise money for sailors and the families of those who had lost their lives. This simple but meaningful object offered a glimpse into the history of maritime life and the challenges faced by seafarers and their families.
As we continued walking through the neighborhood, I was particularly drawn to the beautiful old villas. Some featured the distinctive National Romantic style, with dark slate roofs and arched windows, while others were built of brick and stucco and had traditional tiled roofs. Their architectural details and timeless character added considerable charm to the streets. Walking past these historic houses felt like stepping back into another era.
Another artwork that caught my attention was The Little Mermaid by the renowned Swedish artist Ernst Billgren. Made of glazed ceramic and bronze, the sculpture depicts the mermaid sitting back-to-back with a large, shiny shark. The unusual combination made it a memorable sight along our walk.
Further along the waterfront, we saw powerful tugboats belonging to the Norwegian shipping company Buksér og Berging. Their heavy-duty equipment, including cranes, winches, and towing hooks, highlighted the demanding work involved in assisting and manoeuvring large vessels. Water cannons mounted above the wheelhouses are also used for firefighting operations. These sturdy working boats were a reminder that Fredrikstad’s waterfront is not only a scenic place for visitors but also an active part of Norway’s maritime industry.
We also passed Fredrikstad’s Custom House and its associated warehouse. Both buildings are protected heritage sites under the supervision of the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage. Their historic architecture reflects the importance of customs activities and trade in the city’s past.
As our walk continued, we came across the nearby Cicignon School, historically known as Fredrikstad Higher General School and also referred to as the Yellow Institution. Like many of the historic buildings in this part of the city, it forms part of Fredrikstad’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.
After an enjoyable walk along the waterfront and through the historic neighborhood, we made our way back to the hotel, where we had parked our car.
This brings me to the end of my posts about our short visit to Fredrikstad. Although it was only a brief trip, we discovered so many interesting places, beautiful buildings, fascinating artworks, and little details that made the walk memorable. And Wednesday's walk for the community #wednesdaywalk by 
Thank you very much for enjoying this walk with me.
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