About Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress (Akershus Festning) is one of the most significant historical sites in Norway and among Oslo's most visited attractions. Founded around 1290 by King Haakon V to protect Christiania (as Oslo was then known) from Swedish attack, the fortress has stood guard over Oslo Fjord for more than seven centuries. Today it serves both as an active military area and as one of the city's greatest open-air historical monuments.
The fortress grounds are free and open to visitors daily, offering dramatic views over the Oslo Fjord, the harbour, and the city skyline. Within the grounds stands Akershus Castle (Akershus Slott), a magnificent medieval castle that served as a royal residence through the 17th century and later as a prison and military headquarters. The castle's interior can be visited on guided tours, including the royal mausoleum where Norwegian monarchs are interred — a hauntingly beautiful space of stone and candlelight.
Akershus carries a particular weight of WWII history. During the German occupation of Norway (1940–45), the fortress served as Nazi headquarters and a site of political executions. Norwegian resistance fighters and patriots were shot in the fortress courtyard. The adjacent Norwegian Resistance Museum and Armed Forces Museum both explore this period in depth, making Akershus Fortress the centrepiece of an essential Oslo history experience.
What to See: Highlights
- Akershus Castle — 700-year-old medieval fortress (guided tours)
- Royal mausoleum with Norwegian royal tombs
- Panoramic Oslo Fjord and harbour views
- Norwegian Resistance Museum (within fortress)
- Norwegian Armed Forces Museum (within fortress)
- WWII execution sites and memorials
- Medieval fortifications and ramparts
Guided Akershus Fortress Tours
A guided tour brings the seven centuries of Akershus history alive in a way that self-guided visits cannot match. Expert guides cover the medieval period, royal history, and WWII in a compelling narrative.
Prices may vary. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. DisclosureAkershus in World War II
The German occupation of Akershus Fortress from April 1940 represents one of the darkest chapters in Norwegian history. The Nazis used the fortress as their headquarters in Oslo and as a site for imprisoning and executing Norwegian patriots. Members of the resistance, captured spies, and political prisoners were held and shot within the fortress walls. A memorial in the courtyard marks the site of these executions.
The Norwegian Resistance Museum, located within the fortress complex, tells the story of the five-year occupation and the brave Norwegian resistance movement in full and moving detail. The Armed Forces Museum nearby provides broader military context. Together with the physical space of the fortress itself, these museums create an extraordinarily powerful historical experience.
Oslo WWII History Tours
- 🎧 Expert-guided WWII Oslo walking tours
- 👥 Small group tours (max 12)
- 🌟 Private guided fortress experiences
- 🌎 Combined Oslo history day tours
Getting to Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress is ideally located on the central Oslo waterfront, between Oslo S (Central Station) and Aker Brygge. From Oslo S it is a flat 10–15 minute walk west along the harbour. Tram 12 stops at Christiania Torv, a 5-minute walk from the main fortress entrance. In summer, the area is also easily reached on foot along the scenic waterfront promenade from Aker Brygge.
Hotels Near Akershus Fortress
Stay within easy walking distance of Akershus, Aker Brygge, the Nobel Peace Center, and Oslo's waterfront.
🏠 Find Hotels Near Akershus →Akershus Fortress: FAQ
Yes — the Akershus Fortress grounds are free to enter and open daily. Walking the ramparts, enjoying the fjord views, and visiting the fortress area is entirely free. Akershus Castle (the medieval castle building) charges ~100 NOK for guided tours. The Norwegian Resistance Museum and Armed Forces Museum charge their own admission (or free for the Armed Forces Museum).
Akershus Castle (Akershus Slott) is the medieval castle at the centre of the fortress complex. Built by King Haakon V around 1290 and expanded in the 17th century, it served as a royal residence, a prison, and a military headquarters. Today it is open for guided tours and contains the royal mausoleum where Norwegian monarchs including Haakon VII and Olav V are interred.
Yes — children enjoy exploring the fortress grounds, the ramparts, and the dramatic setting overlooking the fjord. The castle guided tour is suitable for older children interested in history. Some of the WWII content in the associated museums may be intense for younger children.
The fortress complex contains two museums: the Norwegian Resistance Museum (documents Norway's WWII occupation and resistance; small admission fee) and the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum (600 years of Norwegian military history; free entry). Both are included as part of a thorough visit to the Akershus area.
A walk around the free fortress grounds takes 30–60 minutes. Add a castle tour (45 min), a visit to the Resistance Museum (1 hour), and the Armed Forces Museum (1–1.5 hours), and you have a full morning or afternoon of history. Most visitors spend 2–3 hours in total.
