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Akershus Fortress

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle located in the heart of Oslo that has served as Norway's primary defensive structure for centuries. Its construction began around 1299 under King Håkon V Magnusson to protect the city from maritime invasions. During the 17th century, under King Christian IV, the fortress was significantly modernized and converted into a magnificent Renaissance royal palace while retaining its formidable bastions and defensive walls. Throughout its history, the fortress successfully withstood numerous sieges, particularly by Swedish forces, and was never captured in active combat. Today, Akershus houses the Royal Mausoleum, the final resting place of several modern Norwegian monarchs. The site also hosts the Norwegian Resistance Museum and the Armed Forces Museum, showcasing the nation's military heritage. Visitors can explore the vast grounds year-round, enjoying panoramic views over the Oslo Fjord and the modern waterfront district. The fortress remains an active military area and a prestigious venue for state ceremonies and official events.

Location: Norway, Norway
Top sights: Akershus fortress · The National Museum - Architecture · Retterstedet på Akershus festning
Nearby: Lommedalen (16 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-6	-5	-2	4	10	14	16	15	11	5	0	-5
Rain mm	78	60	56	61	92	96	112	122	96	104	94	78

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Akershus Fortress is a medieval stronghold and a key historical landmark in Oslo. Most of the fortress is open to the public, including the walls and courtyard. Some interior rooms are only accessible via guided tours.

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Typical hours

The fortress typically has seasonal opening hours; summer hours are longer. Winter access may be restricted. Check current times on the official website.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in most outdoor areas. Inside the buildings and museums, photography may be restricted or prohibited. Flash is typically not allowed.

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Time needed

A visit to the fortress takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you also want to visit the Norwegian Resistance Museum, allow an additional 1-2 hours.

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Combine with

The fortress is right by Oslo's harbor, a short walk from the City Hall and Nobel Peace Center. A boat tour on the Oslofjord combines well.

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Getting there

The fortress is a 10-15 minute walk from Oslo's city center. The nearest tram stop is „Akershus festning”. Parking is scarce in the area.

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Insider tip

Combine your visit with a guided tour of the royal reception rooms, only accessible with a tour. The view over the fjord from the fortress wall is especially worthwhile.

Geography

Coordinates

59.90760, 10.73890

Facts

The fortress was established in 1299 by King Håkon V Magnusson.
King Christian IV converted the castle into a Renaissance palace in the 1600s.
The fortress has survived a total of nine documented sieges in its history.
The Royal Mausoleum was established here in 1948 for the royal family.
The site currently serves as the headquarters for the Norwegian Ministry of Defence.
The Norwegian Resistance Museum on-site covers the period of 1940 to 1945.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Oslo Fortress<1 km · SWExplore →

Kon-Tiki Museum2 km · WExplore →

Oslo City Museum3 km · NWExplore →

Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology7 km · NExplore →

Fjellstrand14 km · SWExplore →

Nordmarka16 km · NExplore →

Lommedalen16 km · WExplore →

Lillestrøm17 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Akershus Fortress (10)

Akershus fortress

Akershus Fortress in Oslo is a medieval castle and fortress by the harbor.

The National Museum - Architecture🏛 museum

The National Museum of Architecture in Oslo showcases Norwegian architectural history and designs.

🌐 nasjonalmuseet.no🕒 Tu-We 11:00-17:00; Th 11:00-19:00; Fr 11:00-17:00; Sa-Su 12:♿💶

Retterstedet på Akershus festning

The former execution site at Akershus Fortress in Oslo commemorates executions during the occupation.

National Monument for War Victims 1940-45

The National Monument for War Victims 1940-45 in Oslo is a sculpture by Gunnar Janson.

Norway's Resistance Museum🏛 museum

Norway's Resistance Museum at Akershus Fortress documents the fight against the 1940-45 occupation.

Akershus castle

Akershus Castle in Oslo is a former medieval castle and royal residence.

Akershus slottskirke

Akershus Castle Church in Oslo is a church building within the fortress grounds.

Grev Wedels plass🌳 park

Grev Wedels plass is a square in Oslo laid out as a park with green spaces.

Munks tårn🗼 tower

Munks tårn is a tower at Akershus Fortress in Oslo.

Monument in memory of deported Norwegian Jews

The monument commemorates 532 Norwegian Jews deported from here to Auschwitz in 1942.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Akershus Fortress?

A medieval castle and fortress in central Oslo by the fjord's edge.

Can you visit the castle?

Yes, Akershus Castle is open to visitors during the summer.

Is there a fee for entering the fortress grounds?

Walking around the fortress grounds is free.

Are there museums there?

Yes, the Norwegian Resistance Museum and the Armed Forces Museum are located there.

Is the fortress still used militarily?

Yes, it is still a military area but mainly serves representative purposes.

Akershus Fortress: where is it located?

Akershus Fortress is located in Norway, Norway.

Akershus Fortress: what is there to see?

Highlights include Akershus fortress, The National Museum - Architecture, Retterstedet på Akershus festning.

Akershus Fortress: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Akershus Fortress: why is it worth visiting?

Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle located in the heart of Oslo that has served as Norway's primary defensive structure for centuries.

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