Stenbekk Bike Retreat

Stenbekk has historical roots far back in time. It is majestically located by the Vestvannet, along national highway 114 in Sarpsborg municipality. The hostel is well maintained with good facilities, and all rooms have their own bathroom. Stenbekk welcome all cycling enthusiasts to a bicycle package that combines inspiring bike rides and a well-deserved break.

The surroundings are peaceful and lovely. You can just sit down in the apple orchard or by the water’s edge and enjoy the view and the silence. The bike tours will take you to Sølvstufoss, Soli Brug Art Gallery and maybe a swim in Tunevannet. Cycling to Furuholmen (incl. the Inka Trail) with opportunities for canoeing and kayaking along the way. Skjeberg and Sarpefossen, Borgarsyssel Museum, Tusenårsstien, Isi Bar on Høysand and Storedal Cultural Center are some other highlights. The routes have a lot to offer in terms of history, art, culture, food experiences and physical activities.

You can easily buy breakfast and other food items in Sarpsborg. At Stenbekk there is access to a well-equipped kitchen.

Day 1 - Arrival at Stenbekk and a Mini-tour

hotelStenbekk, Sarpsborg

directions_bike11 km

You arrive at Stenbekk and make yourself at home in your room. A short cycle tour is a great way to get to know the area north of Stenbekk on roads with very little car traffic. You cycle through an open cultural landscape with farms and fields. Holleby church, 100 years in 2020 is worth a detour. Back at Stenbekk, dinner and a nice bed await.

Day 2 - Soli Brug Art Gallery

hotelStenbekk, Sarpsborg

directions_bike20 km

Today's goal is Soli Brug, a fantastic place for those who like art, culture and good food. Bring swimwear, you can take a swim in Tunevannet. As early as the 17th century, timber was cut on Sanne and Soli Brug. Since the mid-1970s, Soli Brug has been a center for art. Significant art exhibitions are organized here.

In historic surroundings, you can experience art in four houses and visit the nice restaurant by the pond. Soli Brug is owned and operated by the Dørje family. On the yard there is a framework workshop and a studio.

Day 3 - A Cycle Tour through Norwegian History

hotelStenbekk, Sarpsborg

directions_bike40 km

A whole-day cycling adventure awaits today. You cycle through Sarpsborg and your first stop is Hafslund Hovegård, an old manor house. Throughout most of the 19th century, Hafslund was owned by a consortium of timber merchants, and was one of the largest timber businesses in Norway. In the park there are rock carvings that are 3,000 years old.

You continue to Sarpefossen with a fantastic view. It is a trademark for Sarpsborg, not least because of its importance for the town's industrial tourism. Sarpefossen, then called Sarpr, was the direct reason why Norway's king Olav Haraldsson founded the country's new capital, Borg, in 1016. He sailed up the Glomma river, but could not pass the mighty waterfall with all the longships. It was the waterfall that gave the town its new name, when Borg was replaced by Sarpsborg. Borgarsyssel Museum is located in the heart of the old medieval town of Borg, which Olav the Holy founded in 1016.

Don’t miss Tusenårsstien, a path where you can experience a thousand years in a thousand metres and Isi Bar in Høysand with fantastic icecream. You can make a stop at Storedal Cultural Center with a lovely botanical garden. At Brandstorp Gård you find a small, cozy farm shop worth a visit. Solbergtårnet is a 30-metre-high observation tower, located on a rest area that is completely out of the ordinary… Now you have arrived in Skjeberg, the destination for the day. Make sure to eat a nice lunch before you turn back again.

Day 4 - Time for the Journey Home

After a few days on Stenbekk with cycling and good food, it is time to travel home. We hope you have many fine memories with you from your stay in Sarpsborg!