AKERSHUS FORTRESS (AKERSHUS FESTNING)

Akershus is home to a medieval castle dating back to the ^13th century, remodeled in the Renaissance style in the first half of the ^17th century. People come to Akershus mainly for its lawns. The fortress occupies a special place as a national monument because of its position in the capital and its history, which is closely linked to royal and state power. Numerous events have left their mark on the site, which today houses a military academy, offices and a number of cultural sites and events. The site also houses the Resistance Museum, which documents the course of the Second World War in Norway, and the Defense Museum. A stroll through the castle gardens will reveal an exhibition of modern art sculptures, and you can also enjoy the magnificent view of the fjord on one side and the town hall square on the other.

Castle and church. A visit to Akershus Castle is a journey through Norwegian history, from the ^14th century to the present day. Few buildings in Norwegian history have played such a central role. From the remains of its medieval roots to the chambers of the Danish-Norwegian kings, the scenery is striking. Obviously, there has always been a church or chapel on the site of the fortress, ever since it was built in the time of Håkon V. But it was after a fire in 1527 that the second floor was partly converted into a church, and completely refurbished by Christian IV around 1630.

Information center. This offers a one-hour guided tour of the fortress, as well as two permanent exhibitions. The first traces the history of prisoners from the Middle Ages to the prison's closure in 1950. The second explains the Swedish army's siege of the Akershus fortress.

Defense Museum. Two exhibitions trace Norwegian military history from Viking times to the present day. Emphasis is placed on several decisive periods in Norwegian history, such as the union with Denmark until 1814, the union with Sweden from 1814 to 1905, the attack on Norway by Germany on April 9, 1940 and the naval warfare of the Second World War.

Museum of the Resistance. Through several exhibitions of photos, original documents and objects, the Musée de la Résistance aims to explain the country's situation during the Second World War.