Karljohansvern

Karljohansvern is an expansive naval installation with 73 buildings spread along the western shore of Oslofjord, including barracks, storage buildings, and residential quarters from different eras. The site shows the full infrastructure of a working fleet base, with repair shops, administrative offices, and spaces for daily military and civilian routines.

The naval installation was founded in 1818 and served as the main base for the Royal Norwegian Navy until it closed in 1963. The name was chosen in 1854 to honor King Oscar I, and it has defined the place ever since.

The site bears names connected to Norwegian royalty and naval officers who shaped life here for workers and soldiers. Walking through the grounds, you can see how buildings range from simple homes to workshops, reflecting the order and structure of naval life.

The site sits about one hour from Oslo by car and offers wheelchair access to open areas for exploration. Keep in mind the complex is large, so wear comfortable shoes and allow time to walk between different sections of the grounds.

On the nearby island of Vealøs stands the fortress Norske Løve, which remains an active military zone with limited public access today. This hidden defensive structure shows how important the fjord was to Norway's naval defense strategy over the centuries.