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Oscarsborg Fortress - Photo: VisitFollo
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Oscarsborg Fortress Photo: VisitFollo

Fortresses of Norway

The most famous of all the Norwegian fortresses, is Akershus Fortress and Castle in Oslo city centre.

Another popular fortress is Fredriksten Fortress in Halden. In Fredrikstad, there is Gamle Fredrikstad, the old town which in its entirety is considered a fortress, plus Kongsten Fortress.

In Bergen there is Bergenhus, in Trondheim Kristiansten, and in Vardø, way up north in Eastern Finnmark, you can visit Vardøhus. Kongsvinger Fortress was built to secure the Swedish border in the east.

Fortress on an island

Oscarsborg Fortress lies like a jewel on an island in the Oslofjord outside the small town of Drøbak. This fortress is perfect for families and for those interested in nature, culture and history. The unique surroundings of the fortress provide a fantastic arena for the theatre, opera and concerts which are organised during the summer months. 

At Oscarsborg you will find an art gallery, a spa hotel and a good selection of places to eat.

The fortifications are a central part, as is the story of the sinking of the German cruiser Blücher on 9 April 1940.

In summer you can travel by ferry from Oslo to Oscarsborg, or arrive with your own boat to Oscarsborg Marina. The rest of the year you can take a ferry from Drøbak to Oscarsborg.

Last updated:  23 April 2009

Interest:  Buildings & Monuments, History

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Oscarsborg Fortress - Photo: VisitFollo

Fortresses of Norway

The most famous of all the Norwegian fortresses, is Akershus Fortress and Castle in Oslo city centre.

Fortresses of Norway

Source: Visitnorway

Architecture

The stave churches are Norway's contribution to the history of world architecture. Snøhetta is one of the modern firms with international attention.

National Fortresses

There are 14 large fortresses along the coast of Norway. Akershus Fortress in Oslo and Oscarsborg Fortress in Drøbak are among the most popular ones.

History and tradition

Travel back in time and learn about Norway’s rich heritage, including Vikings and the Sami.

Stave churches

Stave churches are an important part of Norway's architectural heritage. Urnes Stave Church in the Sognefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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