Right in the heart of Oslo sits a medieval fortress with more than 700 years of history. Akershus Fortress Oslo is one of the most interesting historic places we visited in the city, with old stone walls, peaceful grounds, and beautiful views over the Oslofjord.
Akershus Fortress in Oslo
The Akershus Fortress is a historic castle and military fortress located in central Oslo.
Construction began around 1290 under King Håkon V Magnusson, and the property became both a royal residence and an important defensive stronghold for the city.
Over the centuries, it was expanded, attacked, rebuilt, and eventually transformed from a medieval castle into a Renaissance fortress.
Today, the fortress is still an important part of Norwegian history, but its outdoor grounds are also open for visitors to explore.
And one of the best parts is that the fortress grounds are free to enter.
More Than 700 Years of Norwegian History
I knew Akershus Fortress was old before visiting, but I did not realize just how much history had happened here.
The fortress was first tested in battle in 1308 and was besieged several times during the following centuries.
During the 1500s and 1600s, Akershus was expanded and modernized to keep up with changing military technology. The castle itself was eventually transformed into a Renaissance palace.
Walking around today, you can still see pieces from different periods of its history.
That was one of the things I found most interesting about visiting.
It does not feel like one perfectly preserved building from a single time period. Instead, it feels like you’re walking through hundreds of years of Oslo’s history all at once.
Akershus Fortress During World War II
Akershus Fortress also played a much darker role during World War II.
During the German occupation of Norway from 1940 to 1945, Nazi forces used the fortress as a military site, prison, and execution location.
More than 40 Norwegian resistance members were executed there during the occupation, and a memorial now stands at the site.
Knowing that history definitely changes the way you experience the grounds.
It is a beautiful place to walk around today, but there are also reminders everywhere that this was once a very serious military stronghold.
Walking Around the Akershus Fortress Grounds
We visited while exploring Oslo and spent our time wandering around the historic fortress grounds.
This is one of those attractions where you can simply walk and see what you find.
There are stone walls, old buildings, towers, gates, cobblestone paths, cannons, grassy areas, and viewpoints scattered throughout the property.
I loved that it felt peaceful even though we were still right in the middle of the city.
It was an easy place to slow down for a little while between some of the busier stops on our Oslo itinerary.
Visiting Akershus Castle and the Museums
There is more to see here than just the outdoor fortress grounds.
The site is also home to Akershus Castle, the Armed Forces Museum, and the Norwegian Resistance Museum.
Akershus Castle includes historic halls, narrow passageways, the castle church, and the Royal Mausoleum. The castle has served as a royal residence and is still used for official government functions today.
If you are especially interested in Norwegian history, you could easily spend more time here visiting the museums in addition to exploring outside.
Just remember that while walking around the fortress grounds is free, some museums, tours, and other attractions require separate admission.
How Much Time Do You Need at Akershus Fortress?
If you’re mainly planning to walk around the outdoor grounds like we did, I would give yourself around an hour.
You could easily stay longer if you want to take photos, enjoy the Oslofjord views, or visit Akershus Castle and the museums.
The fortress is also incredibly convenient for sightseeing.
It sits in central Oslo and is about a 15-minute walk from Oslo Central Station, so you don’t have to plan an entire day around getting there.
That made it very easy to work into our day while exploring the city.
Tips for Visiting Akershus Fortress in Oslo
Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking over stone, cobblestones, and some uneven surfaces throughout the fortress.
Give yourself at least an hour. That should be enough time to wander the outdoor grounds and stop at the viewpoints without feeling rushed.
Take advantage of the free grounds. You can explore the fortress grounds without paying admission.
Check prices before visiting the indoor attractions. Akershus Castle, museums, and guided tours may require separate admission.
Look up current opening hours. Hours for the castle and museums can vary depending on the season.
Bring your camera. The medieval architecture and views over the Oslofjord make this one of the prettiest historic stops in Oslo.
Watch My Visit
Watch my visit to Akershus Fortress to see the medieval walls, historic grounds, and beautiful Oslofjord views for yourself.
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