Akershus Fortress (Oslo)

Norway / Buskerud / Oslo
 castle, museum, park, fortification
0150 Oslo, Norway
www.forsvarsbygg.no/no/festningene/finn-din-festning/ak...

The first work on the castle started around the late 1290s, by King Håkon V, replacing Tønsberg as one of the two most important Norwegian castles of the period (the other being Båhus). It was constructed in response to the Norwegian nobleman, Earl Alv Erlingsson of Sarpsborg’s earlier attack on Oslo.

The fortress has successfully survived many sieges, primarily by Swedish forces. In the early 17th c., the fortress was modernized and remodeled under the reign of the active King Christian IV, and got the appearance of a renaissance castle.

This is now primarily a museum and a place for recreation. You'll find people on picnic or just enjoying the sun here during the summer. Parts of the fortress still hosts the Norwegian Army. Closes at 9pm.
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akershus_Fortress
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   59°54'26"N   10°44'21"E

Comments

  • The Akershus Fortress is an intimidating sight when viewed from the decks of a cruise ship. A short ferry ride brings one to the Kon-tiki,Viking and the Fram museums. Oslo is a beautiful well laid out city. It offers much history to the traveler with a limited amount of time to visit.