Akershus Fortress, Oslo

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Akershus fortress was established in 1299 by Haakon B Magnuson

Through most of its time Akershus has had a role as a prison. From old publications we read about the knight Guttorm Gaste who escaped from a "dark tower". From the middle of the 1600 century they started practicing jail and the phenomenon "slavery" came into being. They were used as workers to maintain the fortress. And of course they lived a miserable life.

Some of the famous prisoners here are Ole Høyland and the thief Gjest Baardsen who spent his 18 years here and wrote a biography

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The Fortress is old and right on the water, so it's scenic and photogenic. I enjoyed the green space it has along with the sense of peace and quiet away from the more active part of the city. There are military people at the fort and, as a result, there is a changing of the guard.

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Oslo Castle dominates the city when viewed from the Harbor. It was originally built in 1299 as a castle but it's modern look is due to an upgrade to a Renaissance palace in the 17th century when the city was rebuilt after a fire.

It was originally a medieval fortress built in 1299, but was later rebuilt to a renessansecastle before it was expanded to an armed fortress in 1592.

In summer there are guided tours on the areas around the fortress, and also inside the castle. Inside the fortress are many different museums, and everyday at 13.30 you can see the changing of guards.

From the fortress is a great view of the fjord with it's many islands, and to Aker Brygge and the harbour. The grassy hill outside the fortress is a nice place to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

This was built around 1300 and contains a castle, dungeons, and a chapel. It is only a 5 minute walk distance from the City Hall. There are great views of City Hall, the city, and the harbor from here.

This is a really historical site. Find the information office, and ask if you can join a guided tour. It contains bouth a palace buildt for the king, a fortress to protect the city and a church.

Now it's the place for some museums and the national monument. It still has a millitary significanse, but not for its walls. There are mostly offices etc..

Near the gates of this old castle (built approximately 700 years ago) two soldiers were staying. Inner part of castle is interesting enough, as I have found like a little town inside with a small church. Museum about occupation of Third Reich (in Second World) is inside and it made me think how much bad things Nazis had done to our World. From this castle a beautiful view of another part of Oslo could be overseen with mixture of old and modern buildings and ships on shore.

Akershus castle is really strong and every fragment of this monumental building looks differently.

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Akershus Festning was build as a fortress to protect Oslo. The first construction started around late 1290's, but has been rebuilt and remodelled many times since then.
The fortress has earlier been used as a prison and a military area. It it still the military headquarter and houses the Norwegian Ministry of Defence and Defence Staff.
The fortress is open to the public daily until 9pm. The Norwegian Armed Forces museum and the Norwegian Resistance museum can be visited there.