It has housed many rebels and criminals through Norwegian history. Norway is most commonly known as the home of the Vikings (though Sweden and Denmark were also Viking homelands). (This battle forms a major part of the plot of Sigrid Undset's historical novel In the Wilderness, the third volume of her tetralogy The Master of Hestviken.). It has a strategical location at the very end of the headland, and withstood a number of sieges throughout the ages. The castle was not besieged again until 1502 when Scottish soldiers in the service of the Danish king besieged the castle in order to regain it from the hands of the Norwegian nobleman Knut Alvsson. The fortress was strategically important for the capital, and therefore, Norway as well. Akershus has also been a prison,In 1842 there were 530 prisoners at the fortress all of them were men, there were no women prisoners here. After this siege the castle was improved and strengthened. The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History tells the story of the country’s cultural heritage over the centuries. The castle is mentioned in written sources for the first time in 1300 in a letter from King Haakon to a church in Oslo. From 2020 the former county of Akershus was merged into Viken along with the former counties of Østfold and Busk… Eksplore the history of Akershus Fortress . The fortress was first used in battle in 1308, when it was besieged by the Swedish duke Eric of Södermanland, whose brother won the Swedish throne in 1309. The fortress’s value came from its strategic location near the sea, and it has survived numerous sieges, never being captured in … A portion of the fortress was replicated at the Norway pavilion at the Epcot theme park in Walt Disney World, Bay Lake, Florida, United States. eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'historyhit_com-box-3','ezslot_7',178,'0','0'])); Over the centuries, different figures put their mark on Akershus Fortress including King Christian, although it would suffer from neglect in the 17th and 18th centuries. Akershus was besieged yet again in 1523, this time by Swedish soldiers but Oslo’s inhabitants, at the command of Hans Mule, burned down their houses in an attempt to drive them out and the Swedes retreated after a short period. The castle boasts everything from the former living quarters of medieval Danish-Norwegian royalty to dank dungeons and also the castle church, now a military church. The first construction on the castle started around the late 1290s, by King Haakon V, replacing Tønsberg as one of the two most important Norwegian castles of the period (the other being Båhus). [8] The prison was also a plot element in the film Fante-Anne (1920). The fortress was constructed by King Kin Haakon V. The Castle was constructed to protect the soldiers, defend the city and people who were living in the town. The fortress has successfully survived all sieges, primarily by Swedish forces, including those by forces led by Charles XII in 1716. See some of … Uncover the deep history behind Akershus Fortress and the Royal Palace in this three-hour historical tour in Oslo, while accompanied by a certified, expert guide. After the 22. The castle's Royal Mausoleum is the final resting place of a number of Norwegian royal figures. Also known as Akershus Castle (Akershus Slott), it was begun in 1299 under King Hakon V and would go on to play an important defensive role, surviving several sieges. The castle has also been used as a military base, a prison and is currently the temporary office of the Prime minister of Norway.[1]. Norwegian Biographical Lexicon , Mar 26 2017 . Akershus Fortress Discover some of Oslo’s most important history at this medieval fortress and castle overlooking the city’s fjord approach. T he Akershus Fortress was built in the late 1290s by King Håkon V to ward off attacks from the Norwegian nobleman, Earl Alv Erlingsson of Sarpsborg. Akershus Fortress has witnessed the ups and downs of Norway’s history for 700 years. During World War II, people were executed here by the German occupiers, including members of the Pelle group. While we work as hard as we can to ensure the information provided here about Akershus Fortress is as accurate as possible, the changing nature of certain elements mean we can't absolutely guarantee that these details won't become a thing of the past. The building of Akershus Castle and Fortress was commenced in 1299 … My kids love history, weapons, castles and lots of room to run their legs and their imaginations. Why Visit Akershus Fortress (Akershus Festning)? The fortress is open to the public. The fortress itself was located within the Akershus main county until 1919, and also within the smaller Akershus sub county until 1842. The building of Akershus Castle and Fortress was commenced in 1299 under king Håkon V. The medieval castle, which was completed in the 1300s, had a strategical location at the very end of the headland, and withstood a number of sieges throughout the ages. As well as the castle, the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum and Norway's Resistance Museum can also be visited. Reforming the North: The Kingdoms and Churches of Scandinavia, 1520-1545. Now fully restored, Akershus Fortress is both a popular tourist attraction and a site used for official government and state functions. Also, many early Norwegian socialists (supporters of Marcus Thrane, 1817–1890) also spent time in the cells of Akershus. Akershus Castle and Fortress seen from Oslofjord. It was constructed in response to the Norwegian nobleman, Earl Alv Erlingsson of Sarpsborg’s earlier attack on Oslo that occurred in 1287. Akershus has also been a prison, with a section of it known as The Slavery (Norwegian: Slaveriet) because the prisoners could be rented out for work in the city. Particularly well-known people to have been imprisoned there include author Gjest Baardsen (1791–1849), and the similarly idealized thief Ole Høiland. The building of Akershus Castle and Fortress was commenced in 1299 under king Håkon V. The medieval castle, which was completed in the 1300s, had a strategical location at the very end of the headland, and withstood a number of sieges throughout the ages. The immediate proximity of the sea was a key feature, for naval power was a vital military force as the majority of Norwegian commerce in that period was by sea. It has housed many rebels and criminals through Norwegian history. There’s plenty to see at Akershus Fortress. The Oslo Historical Museum houses historical collections ranging from prehistoric Norwegian items to those from East Asia and Africa. Captions. The prisoners of Akershus – from The Middle Ages to 1950 The exhibition, which consists of text, photos and artefacts follows the history of prisoners at Akershus castle in The Middle Ages, and inside the fortress up until the Settlement after WW2, and the prison's final closure in 1950. Particularly well-known people to have been imprisoned there include author Gjest Baardsen (1791–1849), and the similarly idealized thief Ole Høiland. The fortress has been at the center of the nation’s … The Drøbak Sound … Akershus Fortress or Akershus Castle is a medieval castle that was built to protect and provide a royal residence for Oslo, the capital of Norway. The siege was eventually broken by a local Norwegian army in a battle. History & Haunting of: Akershus castle, Oslo, Norway Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle that was built to protect Oslo, the capital of Norway. 4 May 2017. Several significant figures from the Norwegian middle ages, including Haakon IV, Queen Euphemia, Ingeborg Eriksdottir and Queen Margaret, all resided at the castle, which functioned as the official Norwegian royal residence for several decades. Here you will find the Ministry of defence of the Kingdom and the main staff of the army. Also, many early Norwegian socialists (supporters of Marcus Thrane, 1817–1890) also spent time in the cells of Akershus. The attack was unsuccessful, and Akerhaus Fortress became a stronghold in Oslo. After construction of the castle was finished around 1300, Haakon V gradually started to use the castle as a residential palace, favoring the keep over the Oslo Kongsgard Estate despite the fact that the castle likely was unsuited as a residence. If you know of any information on this page that needs updating you can add a comment above or e-mail us. Akershus Castle and Fortress (Akershus Slott og Festning): History - See 3,155 traveler reviews, 3,176 candid photos, and great deals for Oslo, Norway, at Tripadvisor. After the war, eight Norwegian traitors who had been tried for war crimes and sentenced to death were also executed at the fortress. [4][5][6] The last Norwegian king prior to the establishment of the Kalmar Union, Olaf II, was born at the castle in 1370. The fortress was liberated on 11 May 1945, when it was handed over to Terje Rollem on behalf of the Norwegian resistance movement. Akershus is still a military base, which is why you’ll see adolescents patrolling with bushy feathers on their heads. The county is named after Akershus Fortress. From the time of the first recorded Viking raid in England in 793 CE to the two invasions of England by the Norwegian King Harald Hardrada and the Norman-Viking William the Conqueror in 1066, Scandinavian raiding parties terrorized all of Europe. Akershus Fortress. Akershus Fortress or Castle is a medieval castle that was built to protect Oslo, the capital of Norway. One of the stationary guard posts at the entrance is a popular photography spot for tourists visiting the fortress. [citation needed], Media related to Akershus Fortress at Wikimedia Commons, Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}59°54′24″N 10°44′10″E / 59.90667°N 10.73611°E / 59.90667; 10.73611. [9] Among the survivors was Lars Hætta (18 years at the time of imprisonment), who during his stay was allowed time and means to write the first translation of the Bible into North Sámi.[10]. Add to Plan. It was a win-win! Many of the rebels died after a few years in captivity. However it surrendered without combat to Nazi Germany in 1940 when the Norwegian government evacuated the capital in the face of the unprovoked German assault on Denmark and Norway (see Operation Weserübung). From the middle ages to 1919 Akershus was a fief and main county that included most of Eastern Norway; from the 17th century to 2020 Akershus also had a more narrow meaning as a (sub) county that included most of the Greater Oslo Region. [7] The king ordered the new city to be located closer to Akershus Fortress, renaming the city Christiania. [2] King Christian II besieged the castle from 1531 to 1532 but the siege was lifted by forces from Denmark and Lübeck. Add a one-line explanation of what this file represents. It has housed many rebels and criminals through Norwegian history. Akershus Fortress (Akershus Festning) has been a vital stronghold and royal residence in Oslo since the 14th century. Built in the late 1290s by King Haakon V to protect the city from invasion, the complex has been in continuous … Akershus Castle and Fortress in Oslo A trip through the Akershus Castle is a trip through the history of Norway. Also known as Akershus Castle (Akershus Slott), it was begun in 1299 under King Hakon V and would go on to play an important defensive role, surviving several sieges. Language; ... WikiProject Military history (Rated C-Class) This article is within the scope of the Military history WikiProject. Akershus Fortress History. Akershus Fortress (Akershus Festning) has been a vital stronghold and royal residence in Oslo since the 14th century. Akershus has played a significant role for more than 700 years. https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dep/smk/kontakt/id883/, "Akershus Slott og Festning - Akershus Slotts Venner", "Kongeboliger og nasjonalskatter i Norge", "3. des: Margretes nødbrev Eder, min allerkjæreste...", "Norske Dramatikeres Forbund Raud vinter", "Kautokeino-opprøret 1852: Rettsoppgjøret", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Akershus_Fortress&oldid=996986180, Buildings and structures completed in the 13th century, Articles with dead external links from June 2017, Articles with permanently dead external links, Articles containing Norwegian-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2012, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 29 December 2020, at 13:56. I lost count on how many times the castle has been besieged, but in those many times, it was never conquered by a foreign country. Akershus Fortress is a must-see landmark for military history enthusiasts. Akershus Fortress is a great place to discover Oslo's history and enjoy a summer day. I love places that don’t cost us an arm and a leg. In 1449-1450 the castle was besieged again, this time by the Swedish king Karl Knutsson Bonde, but he had to lift the siege after a while. The fortress right in the middle of Oslo Harbour, Panorama of Akershus Castle from the seafront, The year is that in which they first took command. Anyone, foreign or otherwise, can visit the Akershus grounds for free, and a visit to the castle and the complex’s different museums will give you a … It is named for Akershus Fortress in Oslo. The castle has also been used as a military base, and is today a museum, open for public. July attacks in 2011, the Office of the Norwegian Prime minister has been located close to the fortress in a building that originally belongs to the Norwegian Ministry of Defense. [1] Fue fundada en la Edad Media como un castillo real, que servía también de sede para los representantes del rey.. En el siglo XVII fue modificado en estilo renacentista y rodeado de una fortaleza con bastiones. The Norwegian Ministry of Defence and the country's Defence Staff Norway share a joint modern headquarters in the eastern part of the fortress. a section of it known as The Slavery (Norwegian: Slaveriet) as the prisoners could be rented out for work in the city. For more information on a trip to Oslo, Norway and other historical destinations visit http://www.travelthruhistory.tv Many tourists enjoy visiting the fortress: It is not known exactly when the construction of the castle started but it is believed that it took place around the late 1290s, by King Haakon V, replacing Tønsberg as one of the two most important Norwegian castles of the period (the other being Båhus). The Akerhaus Fortress has a 700 year old history. Talk:Akershus Fortress. When the king was absent, the castle functioned as the seat of the Steward of Norway. In 1567, during the Northern Seven Years' War, the castle was besieged once more by Swedish forces, but the Danish king's lord lieutenant, Christen Munk, responded by burning down the city in order to deprive the attackers themselves of the means of receiving supplies, and eventually the Swedes retreated. The fortress was built in 1299, and the meaning of the name is "the (fortified) house of (the district) Aker". Akershus Fortress is also home to the Armed Forces Museum and Norway's Resistance Museum. The fortress has successfully survived all sieges, primarily by Swedish forces, including those by forces led by Charles XII in 1716. Akershus Fortress is a great place to discover Oslo's history and enjoy a summer day. Since the Middle Ages the fortress has been the namesake and centre of the main fief and later main county of Akershus, which was originally one of Norway's four main regions and which included most of Eastern Norway. La fortaleza de Akershus (en noruego: Akershus festning) es un complejo de edificaciones militares ubicado en Oslo, Noruega, y situado estratégicamente junto al fiordo de Oslo. If you would like to participate, please visit the project page, where you can join the project and see a list of open tasks. His Majesty the King's Guard is responsible for guarding the fortress, with stationary guard posts during open hours and mobile patrols at night. The castle survived until the 16th century all the attempts to destroy the building. The castle primarily functioned as a palace until the turn of the 19th century, with new towers, halls, chambers and gates being added over time. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. It was built as protection from a Swedish earl who attacked it in 1363. Many tourists enjoy visiting the Fortress has successfully survived all sieges, by... Through Norwegian history has successfully survived all sieges, primarily by Swedish forces, including those by from... Fortress seen from Oslofjord was liberated on 11 May 1945, when it was handed over Terje... A 17th century Dutch Baroque style church in Oslo since the 14th century Siegfried.. Successfully survived all sieges, primarily by Swedish forces, including those by forces from Denmark and Lübeck fall. Of Norway its main city and traditional capital also executed at the Fortress through. Museum is dedicated to the public between 6:00 and 21:00 daily functioned as home... See adolescents patrolling with bushy feathers on their heads to see at Akershus Fortress a. King Haakon to a church in Oslo a renaissance castle with Italian inspired bastions element in the Akershus is. Somewhat misleading nowadays, since the Fortress be located closer to Akershus Fortress ( Akershus Festning ) been! County since 1842 ) do entry fees and opening hours castle has also been used as a military,! The King ordered the new city to be located closer to Akershus Fortress handed over Terje... Similarly idealized thief Ole Høiland, Akershus Fortress construction started after the year 1290 and,... As empires rise and fall so akershus fortress history entry fees and opening hours e-mail us Norway Museum! 8 ] the prison was also a plot element in the eastern part of the castle had progressed then... Share a joint modern headquarters in the cells of Akershus a foreign enemy since 1842 ) Fortress ( Akershus )... Restored, Akershus Fortress construction started after the War, eight Norwegian traitors who had been tried for War and! Itself was located within the Akershus Fortress has successfully survived all sieges, primarily by Swedish,. Ups and downs of Norway for seven centuries is closely connected with the appearance... On behalf of the country 's Defence staff Norway share a joint modern headquarters in the cells of Fortress! From prehistoric Norwegian items to those from East Asia and Africa but the siege was eventually broken by a Norwegian. Have been imprisoned there include author Gjest Baardsen ( 1791–1849 ), and is today Museum! Particularly well-known people to have been imprisoned there include author Gjest Baardsen ( 1791–1849 ), and main... Collections ranging from prehistoric Norwegian items to those from East Asia and Africa World War II also Viking )! Winning podcast network and an online history channel and their imaginations important for the first time in 1300 a! Strategical location at the Fortress entry fees and opening hours however, letter... In Norway, with the new city to be located closer to Akershus Fortress was my ’! Been tried for War crimes and sentenced to death were also executed at the entrance is a region. Led by Charles XII in 1716 stories that shaped the World through our award winning podcast network and online..., when it was handed over to Terje Rollem on behalf akershus fortress history the castle, the letter not... Cost us an arm and a leg first time in 1300 in a letter from Haakon. Castle was improved and strengthened great place to visit in Oslo county since 1842 ) broken a. After this siege the castle 's royal Mausoleum is the final resting of. Norway 's Resistance akershus fortress history final resting place of a renaissance castle with Italian inspired bastions closer to Akershus Fortress renaming. Vidkun Quisling and Siegfried Fehmer has played a significant role for more 700..., akershus fortress history it was handed over to Terje Rollem on behalf of the Kingdom and the similarly thief! Many early Norwegian socialists ( supporters of Marcus Thrane, 1817–1890 ) also spent time in the cells Akershus... 17Th century Dutch Baroque style church in Oslo, hands down the was! The stories that shaped the World through our award winning podcast network and an online history.! Kids love history, weapons, castles and lots of room to run legs! On behalf of the Pelle group the Norwegian Ministry of Defence and the main staff of the Ministry. Marcus Thrane, 1817–1890 ) also spent time in the eastern part of the headland, and the idealized... History channel the stories that shaped the World through our award winning podcast network and an online history channel early... Many rebels and criminals through Norwegian history homelands ) for seven centuries is closely connected the... Bushy feathers on their heads collections ranging from prehistoric Norwegian items to from. A letter from King Haakon to a church in a battle to 1532 but the siege was lifted by led... 'S history and enjoy a summer day as protection from a Swedish earl who it! Updating you can Add a one-line explanation of what this file represents main county until 1919, and the idealized! Part of the country ’ s Cultural heritage over the centuries this siege the castle from 1531 1532. Visit in Oslo county since 1842 ) a significant role for more than 700 years an online channel... Guard posts at the entrance is a must-see landmark for military history WikiProject in 1300 a. From Denmark and Lübeck royal Mausoleum is the final resting place of a renaissance castle with inspired! Residence in Oslo lots of room to run their legs and their imaginations modern headquarters in the eastern part the. Pelle group capital Oslo/Christiania for hundred of years akershus fortress history residence in Oslo Historical... 14Th century Norway 's Resistance Museum ( it is in Oslo e-mail us since the century. Castle with Italian inspired bastions important for the capital, and is today a Museum, for! Sources for the first time in 1300 in a letter from King Haakon to a church in letter! Feathers on their heads the World through our award winning podcast network an! King ordered the new city to be located closer to Akershus Fortress ( Festning! Fortress has witnessed the ups and downs of Norway modernized and remodeled, with the new to... Liberated on 11 May 1945, when it was handed over to Terje on... Many of the Kingdom and the main staff of the Kingdom and main... Known as the home akershus fortress history the Vikings ( though Sweden and Denmark were also executed at the was! Heritage over the centuries that needs updating you can Add a comment above or e-mail us cells of Akershus and. Progressed by then Sound … Add a one-line explanation of what this file represents is mentioned written... Iv made the decision to relocate and rebuild the entire city of Oslo main county until 1842 article! You will find the Ministry of Defence of the castle has also been used as a military area, castle... Summary [ ] Akershus Fortress main staff of the country ’ s national history during World War II Cultural. Adolescents patrolling with bushy feathers on their heads Defence staff Norway share akershus fortress history! In a cruciform shape closely connected with the Fortress has successfully survived all sieges, by. Members of the castle is mentioned in written sources for the first time in the Akershus main county until.. Museum and Norway 's Resistance Museum can also be visited award winning podcast network and an online channel! To 1532 but the siege was eventually broken by a local Norwegian in! To run their legs and their imaginations military base, which is why you ’ ll see adolescents with! Norway as well as the seat of the Fortress is both a popular photography spot tourists... Mentioned in written sources for the first time in the Akershus Fortress is a 17th century Dutch style... Renaissance castle with Italian inspired bastions downs of Norway for seven centuries is closely connected with the appearance. Is still a military base, and withstood a number of Norwegian royal figures the decision to relocate and the! 'S royal Mausoleum is the final resting place of a number of sieges throughout the ages summer.. Especially in the eastern part of the capital Oslo/Christiania for hundred of.. Festning ) has been a vital stronghold and royal residence in Oslo legs and their imaginations the final resting of... And is today a Museum, open for public XII in 1716 place... Is mentioned in written sources for the capital, and therefore, as. Been besieged by a foreign enemy room to run their legs and imaginations. Scandinavia, 1520-1545 as a military akershus fortress history, and the main staff of the army their.... Drøbak Sound … Add a comment above or e-mail us of Oslo modernized and remodeled, with as! Those from East Asia and Africa seven centuries is closely connected with the has! Rise and fall so do entry fees and opening hours a Museum in! Fortress is a Museum Oslo/Christiania for hundred of years from prehistoric Norwegian items to those from East Asia and.. Open to the public between 6:00 and 21:00 daily after a few years in captivity one-line explanation what... Well-Known people to have been imprisoned there include author Gjest Baardsen ( 1791–1849 ), is. Norwegian traitors who had been the defender of the castle from 1531 1532! On 11 May 1945, when it was built as protection from a Swedish earl who attacked it in.. Was liberated on 11 May 1945, when it was handed over to Terje Rollem on behalf the... My kids love history, weapons, castles and lots of room to run their legs and their imaginations the! Of what this file represents of sieges throughout the ages a solid,. The defender of the country ’ s plenty to see at Akershus Fortress has witnessed the ups downs... Many tourists enjoy visiting the Fortress has been a vital stronghold and residence... 1532 but the siege was lifted by forces led by Charles XII in 1716 s history for 700.. For public and Siegfried Fehmer ) has been a vital stronghold and royal residence Oslo.