Blue Flag Certified

Foten

Østfold, Norway

North Sea

Written by Lotte Hansen | Edited by Arjun Nair, Coastal Research Editor | Updated October 2026

Foten, Fredrikstad, Norway - Blue Flag beach

Photo: Thomas M. Hansen, CC BY-SA 3.0

Certification Blue Flag 2026

Activities Family

Experience

Practical Free Entry Parking Toilets

Quick Overview

Plan Your Visit to Foten

The key facts before you go

Blue Flag

Certified 2026

FEE annual certification

Water Quality

Blue Flag Standard

EU Bathing Water Directive

Best Season

May, June, September

See season guide below

Location

Fredrikstad

3.05 km from Fredrikstad

Facilities

WC · Parking

Free entry · Open beach

Family Score

3/10

Based on facilities & safety data

About the Beach

What is Foten?

Foten is a Blue Flag beach in Norway, meeting rigorous environmental and water quality standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open throughout its operating season, though visitors should check local safety arrangements before heading out. May, June, and September offer the best conditions for a visit. The Blue Flag designation makes it a reliable choice for families and travelers concerned with environmental practices.

It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Østfold, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Norway certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

Planning

When to Go: Month by Month

Month	Air Temp	Water Temp	Crowds
Jan	0°C	-2°C	Low
Feb	1°C	-2°C	Low
Mar	3°C	0°C	Low
Apr	6°C	3°C	Low
May	12°C	9°C	Med
Jun	16°C	13°C	Med
Jul	18°C	15°C	High
Aug	17°C	14°C	High
Sep	14°C	11°C	Med
Oct	9°C	6°C	Low
Nov	5°C	2°C	Low
Dec	1°C	-2°C	Low

When is the best time to visit Foten?

The best time to visit Foten is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 17.8°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 14.8°C in July.

How crowded does Foten get?

Like most Blue Flag beaches in Norway, Foten sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.

Is Foten open year-round?

The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.

The Water

Swimming and Beach Life at Foten

Is Foten safe to swim?

Foten is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.

What is the water temperature at Foten?

Peak water temperature at Foten reaches around 14.8°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months.

What is the beach like at Foten?

Foten on the Østfold coast of Norway. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.

Does Foten have good facilities?

As a Blue Flag certified beach, Foten meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.

Foten sits on the North Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the North Sea.

Transport

Getting to Foten

How do I get to Foten by car?

Foten is approximately 3.05 km from Fredrikstad. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.

What is the nearest airport to Foten?

The nearest airport is Sandefjord Airport Torp (TRF) (TRF), approximately 32.5 km away.

Can I get to Foten by public transport?

Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Fredrikstad. The nearest recorded bus stop is 1.3 km from the beach.

Is there a train to Foten?

Foten lists Fredrikstad as the nearest railway station, 8.34 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.

Map

Find Foten

Open the map or get directions to the Foten pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.

Get directions Apple Maps

Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.

Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)

Practical Details

Practical Information

At the Beach
Entry	Free: no charge to access the beach
Lifeguards	✗
Showers	✗
Toilets	✓ Available during season
Beach Type	Coastal beach
Parking	✓ Available nearby (surface parking)
Nearest bus stop	1.3 km from the beach
Visiting Information
GPS Coordinates	59.1685°N, 10.8272°E
Blue Flag Operator	Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Norway

Frequently Asked Questions

Foten FAQ

Is Foten suitable for children?

Foten has a child-friendly score of 3/10. Facilities include toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Norway.

Is Foten free to access?

Access to Foten is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Østfold, Norway, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.

When is the best time to visit Foten?

The best time to visit Foten is May, June, September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 14.8°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.

What is the water quality at Foten?

Foten is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.

How do I get to Foten?

Foten is located in Østfold, Norway. It is approximately 3.05 km from Fredrikstad. The nearest airport is Sandefjord Airport Torp (TRF) (TRF), 32.5 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.

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