Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress has guarded Oslo from its harbour headland since around 1300, growing from a medieval castle into a Renaissance royal residence and a working fortress. Its green ramparts, cannons and the castle itself now form a walkable park in the centre of the capital, with wide views over the fjord.

Background

Construction is thought to have begun in the late 1290s under King Haakon V, and the castle replaced Tønsberg as one of the two leading Norwegian castles of its day, alongside Båhus. The earliest written mention is a letter that King Haakon sent to an Oslo church in 1300. Once the work was finished around 1300, Haakon V gradually made it his residence, preferring its keep to the Oslo Kongsgård estate, although it was probably poorly suited to living in. Since the Middle Ages it has given its name to Akershus, first a main fief and later a main county, which ranked among Norway's four main regions and took in most of Eastern Norway.

Source: Wikipedia, "Akershus Fortress"

Highlights

• The medieval castle - the stone halls, chapel and royal mausoleum inside.
• The ramparts and cannons - the grassy bastions overlooking the harbour.
• The fjord views - Oslo harbour and the fjord from the walls.
• The resistance museum - the wartime history on the fortress grounds.

When to go

Summer for green ramparts, open castle and harbour life; the grounds are a pleasant walk year-round. Weekdays are quieter than sunny weekends.

Practical notes

The grounds are free and lovely to walk, but the castle interior and museums are a separate paid visit, so budget accordingly. It is much rebuilt across the centuries, layered rather than pure medieval. As a working military and ceremonial site, parts may be closed for events.

Nearby

The Oslo Opera House and the harbour are alongside; the old town and city hall are a short walk.

Key facts