Bolærne Fort, Military fortress on Østre Bolærne island, Norway
Bolærne Fort is a fortification spanning multiple islands in the Oslofjord, featuring military structures, bunkers, and strategically positioned cannon installations along the water. The layout demonstrates how the installation was designed to control shipping routes and protect the surrounding coastline.
The fortification was established in 1916 to protect Norway's naval base in Horten and played a key role in controlling the Oslofjord. It came under German occupation during World War II and remained in military use until 2002.
The northern farmhouse on Østre Bolærne displays traditional Norwegian coastal building methods with preserved architectural details from the 1800s. The structure tells a story about daily life as it was lived on these islands long ago.
Access to the site requires boat transportation to the islands, and visitors must join guided tours to explore the military installations and historic structures. It is important to prepare for changing weather conditions and depend on boat schedules, which vary by season.
The fort houses a 7.5 cm Bofors turret cannon in its original position, showing military technology from the early 1900s. This gun demonstrates how advanced weaponry of that era was used to defend the Norwegian coast.
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