Akershus castle and fortress

Up on the hill to the right, you now see Akershus Castle and Fortress. The construction of this majestic medieval royal stronghold began in the late 1200s, carrying a long and exciting history. Over the years, it has served as a royal residence, a defensive fortress, and a prison. Today, the Akershus Castle area houses the Defense Museum, Akershus Church, Norway's Home Front Museum, Karpedammen, cultural agencies, and several restaurants. Inside Akershus Castle, you'll find remnants of the original medieval fortress, rooms from the Danish-Norwegian kings' residence, grim dungeons, narrow corridors, and grand halls. It also houses the Royal Mausoleum where members of the royal family are buried. The Defense Museum exhibits the dramatic history of the Norwegian defense, focusing on the period from the 1400s to the present day. It provides insight into the rapid development of the defense forces, spanning technology, economics, and political decisions. At the top of the area, perhaps the most exciting museum on the fortress, is the "Hjemmefront museet" or Home Front Museum. Here, you gain a solid understanding of the dark years from 1940 to 1945 when Norway was occupied. Nevertheless, the museum also pays tribute to Norway's men and women in the Home Front who worked tirelessly for freedom and democracy. The fortress area is open every day of the week. Check opening hours and activities on the links below. Hjemmefront: The civil resistance movement in Norway during the Second World War.