Gamlebyen Hotell - Fredrikstad

The story of Gamlebyen Hotell, also known as Old Town Hotel AS, begins with the old Graffgården building, which dates back to 1835. It was built by Johan Nils Hansen, a local merchant known as a høker. Hansen’s home stood proudly at the corner of Voldportgaten and Raadhusgaten in Fredrikstad’s Old Town. After Hansen, the building stayed in the family for many years before being taken over by Johan Graff in the early 1900s.

Locals began calling it Graffgården, a name that’s still used today. Over time, it changed from a private home to different uses, and by the early 2000s, it was ready for a new chapter. Renovation work started around 2009, carefully restoring the old structure while adding comfort and facilities for guests. In 2015, the building reopened as Gamlebyen Hotell, blending its 19th-century heritage with a cozy, boutique hotel experience. Today, it stands as part of the De Historiske Hotels & Restaurants collection and holds a Miljøfyrtårn (Eco-Lighthouse) certification, showing its lasting dedication to both heritage and environmental care.

Gamlebyen Hotell in Fredrikstad captures the feel and craftsmanship of its time. The house was built following traditional Norwegian “byggeskikk” or local building methods passed down through generations. Made from timber with stone chimneys and sturdy log walls, it was built to stand firm through the cold seasons, simple in form but full of character.

At the same time, parts of the house show hints of Neoclassical style, which was popular in Europe in the 1800s. You can see it in the clean lines, balanced windows, and touches of decorative woodwork. Inside, the hotel has 15 cozy rooms and 2 spacious suites, all with tiled bathrooms and Jensen beds. The Holberg Suite has its own entrance and kitchen, perfect for longer stays. The Raadhus Stables spreads across two floors with two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a private patio. Once part of the old Town Hall, it even served as a debtors’ prison back in the 1800s.

Guests at Gamlebyen Hotell have a few nice spots nearby to grab a bite. Breakfast is served at their partner café Værk, just a few steps from the hotel. In summer, they also open Bakgården – “The Backyard”, a sunny garden space where guests can sit back with light snacks and drinks. On sunny days, guests can also sip on Nøisom’s summer soda in the hotel garden, perfect for slow afternoons in the Old Town.

Right next door, Majorens Kro & Stue works closely with the hotel. They handle breakfast, romantic dinners, and catering for special stays. The food is local with classic Norwegian dishes with a modern touch, served in a friendly, down-to-earth setting. They’re open for lunch and dinner, and they’ve got gluten-free, dairy-free, and kid-friendly options, plus special diet menus if you ask. A short walk away, Mormors Café has that cozy, homemade feel. It’s open for lunch and serves simple local food in a warm space that feels like someone’s kitchen. They also offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free choices, so everyone’s covered.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Guests are encouraged to take things slow and enjoy the Old Town the local way or as they say here, “jangle på vollane.” It simply means strolling along the ramparts. From the Old Town, a free ferry takes you across to Fredrikstad city center, where there’s a mix of shops, cafés, and a bit of nightlife. The same ferry continues over the river, connecting to trains toward Oslo and nearby towns. In the city center, the bus terminal makes it easy to reach Hvaler, a string of beautiful islands known for swimming, sailing, and lazy summer days.

Guests can also join walking or bike tours to learn about local culture, or spend the afternoon cycling, hiking, or fishing by the water. Not far away is the Literature House in Fredrikstad, set right by the Vesterelven River in the middle of town. It’s a big, open place full of books, ideas, and people coming together. They host readings, talks, and all kinds of cultural events for both kids and adults. There’s something going on almost every week, so it’s worth checking out when you’re in town.

Christmas here is always something special. Every year it feels just as cozy, with lights hanging over the cobbled streets and the smell of gingerbread drifting from the cafés. There’s a Christmas market on the first three weekends of Advent. Shops stay open on Sundays too, and the whole place feels warm and festive.

Beyond the stays and experiences, Gamlebyen Hotell also cares about the planet. They’re certified as a Miljøfyrtårn (Eco-Lighthouse) hotel, which means they follow set rules for eco-friendly work and try to keep their footprint low. They have clear routines for saving water and power. All cleaning products are eco-certified, and waste is sorted for recycling. Many of the furniture pieces are reused or restored. Being part of De Historiske Hotels & Restaurants, they also focus on preserving old buildings, local food, and traditional crafts.

Other Celebrations

Gamlebyen Hotell is a good spot for small meetings, gatherings, and private celebrations. The spaces are fitted with modern equipment for comfort and hybrid meetings. Groups can book the whole hotel for company events, courses, or social get-togethers. It also works well for private occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, or family gatherings. For bookings or planning help, guests can get in touch directly with the hotel team.