Description of the attraction
Halden's geographical location - between Sweden and Norway - predetermined the city's designation as an impregnable fortress, due to the fact that the war between the two kingdoms in the 17th century. reached its climax.
The territory of the fortress is located between two mountain ranges, fortified by four bastions. Inside it there is a parade ground for marching, barracks, a powder store, a mill, a bakery, a well and other buildings necessary for life. Features of Fredriksten are in the presence of a locking gate separating the part of the fortress captured by the enemy from the free one, thereby allowing the defense to continue.
Climbing the fortress walls, you will see an amazing overview of the city's environs and the place of death of King Charles XII, whose memory is erected. Inside the castle courtyard, each building has a plaque with a detailed description of its history. The former parade ground currently hosts a variety of concerts and fairs, and there is a cafe in the arsenal building. Passing to one of the fortress forts, you will be pleasantly surprised by specially equipped picnic areas.
In the old days, castle forts were small isolated fortresses with their own supplies of food, ammunition and water. Until 1905, when Norway declared its sovereignty, there was a Swedish garrison of many thousands in the fortress.
In summer, in the territory of Fredriksten, you can have a great time walking along the fortress walls and places of former glory, or relax sitting on a bench under the gentle sun. In Fredriksten, you can book an excursion accompanied by a guide dressed in an old uniform from the Great Northern War.
