Indre Østfold


Indre Østfold is a mostly rural countryside region north in the former county of Østfold county in Norway, noted for its mostly unspoilt nature and for its agriculture.
At January 1. 2020 five of the Municipalities of Indre Østfold merged into the new Indre Østfold Kommune at the same date as the Østfold fylke and neighbouring Akershus fylke merged with Buskerud fylke and became regions in the new Viken fylke.
Today the region consists of these 5 municipalities:
Some will also list the former Rømskog Kommune, north of Marker Kommune, as a part of the region

Location

It is located around 30 kilometers from Norway's capital Oslo, with the Europavei E18 as the main arterial road through the region, and several Riksvei national roads running through the area. Indre Østfold also has its own rail route, the Eastern Østfold Line of the Østfold Line, and is around 50 kilometers by car from Rygge Airport.
Haldenskanalen is the oldest constructed water canal in the country and has the highest locks in northern Europe.

History and politics

The ten municipalities which form the region together form the Indre Østfold Regional Council.
The Indre Østfold region has played a central role in Norwegian history and has defence works from various periods.