Best for
History lovers, royal family interest, Oslo first-timers
Time needed
1–1.5 hours
Worth it?
Yes — the Royal Mausoleum alone makes it worthwhile
Skip if
Skip if you have no interest in royalty or medieval history
About Akershus Castle
Akershus Castle is the medieval palace at the heart of Akershus Fortress, and one of the best-preserved Renaissance castles in Scandinavia. While the surrounding fortress grounds are free, the castle interior requires a ticket — and it is well worth it for anyone with an interest in Norwegian royal history, medieval architecture, or the stories that have unfolded within these walls over seven centuries.
The castle was begun around 1299 by King Haakon V, who needed a defensible royal residence close to the growing town of Oslo. The original structure was a simple rectangular tower, but successive kings expanded and modified it, and the most significant transformation came in the early 17th century when Christian IV — Denmark-Norway's most prolific builder — converted it from a medieval fortress into a Renaissance palace. The stepped gables, the ornate doorways, and the great hall with its barrel-vaulted ceiling all date from this period.
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The interior is richer than its exterior suggests. The Royal Mausoleum in the basement holds the coffins of Norwegian kings and queens from Haakon VII (1872–1957), who led Norway's government-in-exile during the German occupation, to Olav V (1903–1991), widely considered the most popular king in Norwegian history. The mausoleum is simple, granite-walled, and quietly moving — a contrast to the more elaborate royal burial spaces of other European traditions.
The Great Hall — Romerikssalen — is used for state banquets and royal receptions, and its walls are hung with portraits of the Danish-Norwegian monarchs who ruled from Copenhagen. The adjacent rooms contain period furniture, silverware, and tapestries. A guided tour (included with admission) explains the historical significance of each room in detail and covers stories that are not immediately obvious from the artefacts.
The views from the castle's outer walls are exceptional. The south-facing ramparts look directly out over the Oslofjord and the container port; the north-facing side looks back across the fortress grounds toward Oslo City Hall and Aker Brygge. The view has been the strategic point of the site since the 14th century: whoever controlled Akershus controlled access to Oslo harbour.
The castle's darker history includes its use as a state prison. During the German occupation (1940–1945), the Nazis used Akershus as a place of detention and execution. Norwegian resistance fighters were shot in the grounds; a simple memorial marks the spot. The Norwegian Resistance Museum, which tells this story in detail, is located immediately adjacent to the castle within the fortress walls.
Visiting the castle: tours run several times daily in summer and less frequently in spring and autumn. The guided tour takes around 45 minutes and is genuinely informative. Self-guided visits are also possible with the information sheets provided at the entrance. The castle is closed in winter except for special events. Combine with the Armed Forces Museum and Resistance Museum for a full day at Akershus.
What to See: Highlights
- 1Royal Mausoleum with tombs of Norwegian kings and queens
- 2Medieval dungeon carved into the bedrock
- 3Grand Renaissance reception rooms from the 1600s
- 4Royal portraits and historic furnishings
- 5Panoramic views from the castle terraces
- 6700 years of continuous Norwegian royal history
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Included with the Oslo Pass
Akershus Castle is included with the Oslo Pass — a city card that covers entry to 30+ attractions, unlimited public transport, and discounts across Oslo. It can represent serious savings if you plan to visit multiple museums.
Insider Tips
Book guided tours in advance in peak summer season
The mausoleum is the highlight — don't miss it
Combine with the free fortress grounds before or after
Oslo Pass covers castle entry — good value if you have one
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Where to stay
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you visit.
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Should You Visit?
Visit if...
- You're interested in Norwegian royal history
- You want to see the Royal Mausoleum
- You enjoy medieval architecture and interiors
- You already have the Oslo Pass — entry is included
Skip if...
- You're only here for the views — the free grounds give those
- You're very short on time — the grounds alone are free and rewarding
Ready to Book Your Visit?
More to See in Oslo
Akershus Fortress
Oslo's medieval fortress on the waterfront — free to enter, open daily. Panoramic fjord views, WWII memorials, and home to both the Armed Forces Museum and Resistance Museum.
Armed Forces Museum
Norway's military history from Viking age to the Cold War — free inside Akershus Fortress, with tanks and aircraft on outdoor display.