Akershus Fortress

The grounds cover a surprisingly large area — ramparts, towers, gardens, and a network of paths that wind along the cliff edge above the fjord. Walking the outer walls is the highlight for most visitors: the view from the south-facing ramparts, looking out over the Oslofjord with the islands and the Nesodden peninsula in the distance, is one of the finest panoramas in Oslo. In summer, this is a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike at sunset.

Within the fortress walls sit three significant institutions. Akershus Castle itself — the royal palace at the heart of the complex — requires a separate ticket and offers guided tours of the royal apartments and the Royal Mausoleum. The Armed Forces Museum (Forsvarsmuseet) is free, tracing Norwegian military history from Viking times to the present with tanks and aircraft on outdoor display. The Norwegian Resistance Museum documents Norway's occupation and resistance during World War II with exceptional emotional power.

The fortress played a particularly painful role during the German occupation of 1940–1945. The Nazis used it as a headquarters, a prison, and a place of execution. Norwegian resistance fighters were shot in the grounds; a permanent memorial marks the site of the executions. On Liberation Day (May 17), the fortress is a natural focus for national commemoration.

In summer, the fortress grounds host outdoor concerts, theatre performances, and the medieval market that brings craftspeople, musicians, and food vendors into the historic space. The castle chapel holds regular services and occasionally hosts classical music events.

The walk from Aker Brygge along the fortress walls takes about 15 minutes and passes the Nobel Peace Center and Oslo City Hall. The fortress can also be approached from the Christiania Torv (old town square) on the east side. There is no parking within the grounds; approach on foot from the waterfront or take any tram to Aker Brygge.