Akershus Fortress

Oslo · Norway · Tier C

Akershus Fortress, a C-tier castle in Norway

Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle built in the late 1290s by King Haakon V on a promontory above the Oslofjord in Oslo, Norway, following a 1287 attack on the city. It repelled every military assault until Nazi forces entered unopposed in 1940. After a great fire levelled medieval Oslo in 1624, King Christian IV transformed the fortress into a Renaissance palace and rebuilt the city alongside it.

Used as a prison throughout its history, it saw Vidkun Quisling executed on its grounds after World War II. Today it is an active military installation, open free of charge daily, and houses Norway's Resistance Museum and the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum. Several Norwegian monarchs, including Haakon VII and Olav V, are interred in its Royal Mausoleum.

Wikipedia

Visitor information

Location
Oslo
Country
Norway
Tier
C (Worth a visit if you're already in the area)
Coordinates
59.9067, 10.7361

Frequently asked questions

Where is Akershus Fortress?
Akershus Fortress is in Oslo, Norway (approximately 59.9067, 10.7361).
Can you visit Akershus Fortress?
Yes — Akershus Fortress is a recognised tourist attraction in Norway.
What tier is Akershus Fortress on the Castle Atlas?
Akershus Fortress is rated C tier on the Castle Atlas — Worth a visit if you're already in the area.
What can you see at Akershus Fortress?
Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle built in the late 1290s by King Haakon V on a promontory above the Oslofjord in Oslo, Norway, following a 1287 attack on the city. It repelled every military assault until Nazi forces entered unopposed in 1940. After a great fire levelled medieval Oslo in 1624, King Christian IV transformed the fortress into a Renaissance palace and rebuilt the city alongside it.

All castles in Norway · Explore the full Castle Atlas →

The Castle Atlas
100Castles
28Countries
Methodology

A castle here means anything Wikipedia lists as a castle — which often includes fortresses, palaces, monasteries, and châteaux. The list also includes historicist creations like Neuschwanstein, but only when their main construction was completed before the 20th century.

All castles are sorted into tiers based on nothing but the author’s vibe and whim. Feel free to rearrange them however you personally see fit. Ultimately, the criteria were not historical significance or defensive capability, but how exciting a visit there would likely be.