Akershus, County of Eastern Norway
Akershus is an administrative area in eastern Norway that surrounds the capital Oslo and connects urban centers with agricultural land, forests, and many lakes. The landscape shifts between densely settled suburbs, open fields, and wooded hills that stretch down to the shores of the Oslofjord.
The region was a vast area in medieval times that covered much of eastern Norway and was later divided into smaller units. The current administrative structure emerged in 1919 when Oslo was declared the capital and the boundaries were redrawn.
The name derives from the medieval fortress of Akershus in Oslo and points to the central role this region played for Norway. Many place names across the area stem from Old Norse and show the long settlement history of the valleys and coastlines.
The region is well connected by highways E6 and E18, which link the municipalities and provide access to different areas. Gardermoen Airport lies centrally and offers quick access to most parts of the region.
Eidsvoll belongs to this region and is the place where the Norwegian Constitution was signed in 1814. This event marks the beginning of modern Norwegian democracy and is celebrated nationwide every year on May 17.
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