Akershus Fortress

Since the 14th century, Akershus Fortress (Akershus Festning) has served as a significant fortress and royal home in Oslo, Norway. Various personalities, including King Christian, have left their imprint on Akershus Fortress over the years, albeit it was neglected in the 17th and 18th centuries. Akershus Fortress, which has been fully rebuilt, is a famous tourist destination as well as a location for formal government and state functions.

It was begun in 1299 by King Hakon V to replace Tnsberg as one of Norway's most important fortresses. It is also known as Akershus Castle (Akershus Slott). In reaction to prior raids on Oslo by a Norwegian nobleman, Earl Alv Erlingsson of Sarpsborg, Hakon had Akershus Fortress erected. Following the attack, it was evident that Oslo need a more robust defensive core.

When the Swedish attacked and gained the kingdom in 1308, the stronghold experienced its first fight. In 1523, Swedish forces attacked Akershus again, but were pushed out by Oslo inhabitants, who set fire to their own homes around the citadel. The strategic location of Akershus Fortress on the coast provided Norway with a significant advantage in protecting maritime trade during the early modern period.

Akershus Fortress has a lot to offer today. The castle houses everything from medieval Danish-Norwegian royalty's residential rooms to dark dungeons and the castle church, which is now a military church. The Armed Forces Museum and Norway's Resistance Museum are both located at Akershus Fortress, which is particularly relevant given the site's ties to the Nazi occupation.

Location: Oslo, Norway