Description of the attraction
The fortress was built in the XIV century. By order of King Haakon V as the first powerful brick and stone citadel that defended the Norwegian capital.
Under King Christian IV in 1624, the castle was rebuilt and acquired a new look in the Renaissance style, with luxurious halls and gloomy dungeons, used since 1811 as a prison.
During the Second World War, the German Gestapo was located in the fortress captured by Nazi troops. On the castle square on June 1, 1989, for the first time in world history, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, John Paul II, celebrated a solemn Mass during his visit to Norway. In the chapel of the castle are buried the royal persons of the Norwegian monarchy, including Sigurd I and Haakon V.
Currently, the fortress has retained its military and state significance. On its territory are located the Ministry of Defense and the Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Norway, the Norwegian Defense Museum and the Museum of the Popular Front, ceremonial receptions of national importance are held. Climbing the ancient castle walls, you will have a magnificent view of Oslo, the Aker Brygge promenade and the bay.
Akershus Fortress is open daily for tourists and everyone.
