Akershus Fortress on Postcard

@travelleisure

"Prison sentences at the Akershus Fortress often involved hard physical labor, and it was known for using irons and chains as a way to discipline prisoners. Rumors persist of whispers and scratching heard along the hallways, and guards have reported weird sensations while on duty, like being pushed by someone who wasn't there. Entry is free and in the summer, daily tours are offered in English." - Travel + Leisure Editors

The 10 Most Haunted Places in Europe

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@afar

"Discover some of Oslo’s most important history at this medieval fortress and castle overlooking the city’s fjord approach. Built in the late 1290s by King Haakon V to protect the city from invasion, the complex has been in continuous use ever since, including as a prison and military site. A quick stroll around the free museum—not to mention the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum and Resistance Museum—is enough to transport you back in time. Watch out for the smart young soldiers patrolling the grounds. They’re not there to entertain tourists—the fortress is still an active military site."

72 Hours in Oslo

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@afar

"A Medieval Feast for the Eyes at Akershus Fortress This 700 year old fortress lies nestled by the Oslo fjord, still quite imposing even though lots of modern buildings have shot up all around it. The remains of the Medieval Akershus Castle lies within the fortress walls, once home to Norwegian kings and queens. Complete with narrow winding corridors, dungeons, and great halls, this truly is one of the most important buildings in Norway if you’re historically inclined. The castle church is still used for services, christenings, weddings and concerts, and the whole fortress area is visited by thousands of people each year, perhaps proving that history still matters?"

Museums of Oslo

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Tim Lam

Google

The Akershus Fortress is free to roam around. There are a few museums within and around the fortress that require admission or is free with the Oslo Pass. Walking through the fortress with the random stop here and there will probably take around 45 minutes. It’s a nice leisurely stroll if you’re looking for something to do outdoors.

David Freeman

Google

This fortress is a must-see on your visit to Oslo. It is very unique in that it is a living fortress, meaning it has been used for hundreds of years on and off, even today. Although not much of the so-called "original" fortress is still there (besides parts of the walls), the reconstruction done during the 1930s is a great depiction of what the fortress looked (and could have for some sections) like in past centuries. Using the audio guide you get with your ticket, you get a great walkthrough of the different rooms in the fortress, and if you choose to, more detailed descriptions of some of the artwork or items. A lot of the artwork is very interesting, although much had come to the fortress later, meaning it isn't as old as you might expect.

Cat HK

Google

With gorgeous view and beautiful structure, I couldn't believe this Fortress was free, no admission fee needed! This place was like a time machine, I took so many pictures and videos I'd lost count of them. Must-go if you're in the area.

Steven Cheng

Google

An old fortress build by the King Hakon V in 1300s. But the fortress only open to public in the summer with guided tours that start at the visitor center. There also a church building that opens to public from 12:00 noon to 17:00. We visited the fortress in mid-fall which was very quiet and peaceful. Wondering about on our own was a great time spent. There are also few old cannons displayed in here with the great view of the harbor and fjords that we took some great pictures of.

Ana Carrizo

Google

The castle is closed during fall and winter but you can still walk around the property. They have a guide that does not work properly and there is no easy way of following it. Signage should be better also.

J Tan

Google

Great place, was maybe a little too early at 9am to be there because there was a lot of cleaning crew - but it is an important piece of Norwegian history and a beautiful location to see the city. I recommend going to the Norwegian Resistance Museum for better context.

Francisco Oliveira

Google

With an excellent view and a museum inside, it is the ideal place to spend some time visiting. The museum doesn't take much time to visit, but the outside of the fortress is really big and has a great view to the bottom.

Anastasia An

Google

The fortress is definitely a must-see, though I daresay the sights are better than the content that the museum has to offer. The entrance to the fortress if free, and the entrance to the museum is 100NOK (full adult fee). The interiors of the castle are heavily renovated in the 1930s, do not expect much and you will not be disappointed. The hall with the stained glass which is in the end of the visit is quite interesting.

Tim Lam

Google

The Akershus Fortress is free to roam around. There are a few museums within and around the fortress that require admission or is free with the Oslo Pass. Walking through the fortress with the random stop here and there will probably take around 45 minutes. It’s a nice leisurely stroll if you’re looking for something to do outdoors.

David Freeman

Google

This fortress is a must-see on your visit to Oslo. It is very unique in that it is a living fortress, meaning it has been used for hundreds of years on and off, even today. Although not much of the so-called "original" fortress is still there (besides parts of the walls), the reconstruction done during the 1930s is a great depiction of what the fortress looked (and could have for some sections) like in past centuries. Using the audio guide you get with your ticket, you get a great walkthrough of the different rooms in the fortress, and if you choose to, more detailed descriptions of some of the artwork or items. A lot of the artwork is very interesting, although much had come to the fortress later, meaning it isn't as old as you might expect.

Cat HK

Google

With gorgeous view and beautiful structure, I couldn't believe this Fortress was free, no admission fee needed! This place was like a time machine, I took so many pictures and videos I'd lost count of them. Must-go if you're in the area.

Steven Cheng

Google

An old fortress build by the King Hakon V in 1300s. But the fortress only open to public in the summer with guided tours that start at the visitor center. There also a church building that opens to public from 12:00 noon to 17:00. We visited the fortress in mid-fall which was very quiet and peaceful. Wondering about on our own was a great time spent. There are also few old cannons displayed in here with the great view of the harbor and fjords that we took some great pictures of.

Ana Carrizo

Google

The castle is closed during fall and winter but you can still walk around the property. They have a guide that does not work properly and there is no easy way of following it. Signage should be better also.

J Tan

Google

Great place, was maybe a little too early at 9am to be there because there was a lot of cleaning crew - but it is an important piece of Norwegian history and a beautiful location to see the city. I recommend going to the Norwegian Resistance Museum for better context.

Francisco Oliveira

Google

With an excellent view and a museum inside, it is the ideal place to spend some time visiting. The museum doesn't take much time to visit, but the outside of the fortress is really big and has a great view to the bottom.

Anastasia An

Google

The fortress is definitely a must-see, though I daresay the sights are better than the content that the museum has to offer. The entrance to the fortress if free, and the entrance to the museum is 100NOK (full adult fee). The interiors of the castle are heavily renovated in the 1930s, do not expect much and you will not be disappointed. The hall with the stained glass which is in the end of the visit is quite interesting.

Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress

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