Akershus Fortress, Medieval fortress in Oslo, Norway
Akershus Fortress is a medieval complex on a headland overlooking Oslo Fjord, comprising stone walls, defensive towers and a Renaissance castle within its grounds. The entire compound spans multiple levels with casemates, bastions and buildings that now house museums and administrative offices.
Construction began in the late 1290s on orders from King Haakon V following an assault on Oslo by Earl Alv Erlingsson. Later rulers expanded the fortifications over centuries and transformed parts into a Renaissance palace with ceremonial rooms.
The complex takes its name from the medieval county of Akershus and now serves as the seat of Norway's Ministry of Defence and a venue for state receptions. The inner courtyard hosts regular military ceremonies and the daily changing of the guard, where soldiers appear in traditional uniform.
The grounds open daily from 6:00 to 21:00, though certain indoor areas and exhibition spaces keep different hours. Guided tours in English and Norwegian run regularly, especially on weekends.
German forces occupied the site during World War II and used it for executions of resistance fighters until liberation on May 11, 1945. A memorial within the grounds now commemorates those victims.
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