So, the Oslo fortress is one of those things I think is more impressive from afar than up close… It sits quite beautifully on a hill, downtown by the harbour, but if your time is scarce, this might not be where you’d like to direct your attention, not more than admire it from a distance, if you happen to pass by. I should however let you know I didn’t go inside any of the fortress buildings, like Akershus Castle and its church, the guard towers, and the prison cells. I just stomped around the grounds, which are quite large, but still feel empty. Like a lot is shut off to the public. In addition to the fortress itself the area is filled with a good amount of anonymously looking buildings, Karpedammen, which hosts cultural events, and Norway’s Resistance Museum is based here as well. I guess for the locals this is more a place to hang out, with a nice view of the harbour and Aker Brygge across the waters – though I’d say there’s not that many that use it as a recreational area. More so the lawns outside the fortress walls. There’s also a (I hear nice) restaurant on site, with the same harbour view, and outside seating.
Website: forsvarsbygg.no/no/festningene/akershus-festning/akershus-fortress
This looks lovely, and I am sure the locals do love to hang out on the lawns and enjoy those views. Would love to see the inside. #MondayEscapes
On a sunny summer day the lawns are pretty packed, but unfortunately they’re behind the fortress, so you don’t have those views… Maybe I’ll make it inside some day 🙂
As you say, it looks like a nice spot for the locals to hang out and admire the view. I’m intrigued to know what it looks like inside some of the buildings.
Thanks for linking up to #MondayEscapes
If I ever make it inside, I’ll do a post on it 🙂 I’ve seen some photos, and didn’t make me too curious…
I love old fortresses and this one looks beautiful. I would love to see the interior as well 🙂
#MondayEscapes
I am pretty tired of fortresses by now… Must be very extraordinary looking to get my attention 🙂
This looks very impressive! #MondayEscapes
I think the photos might make it look better than it is 😀
I would love to visit this fortress when in Oslo, Bea. I am immediately adding it to my bucket list next to Oslo. Thanks for whetting my appetite!
You really liked it that much…? I am not smitten 😀
The fortress does look quite formidable and probably served its purpose well in its day. The locals must appreciate being able to use it for their recreation now.
It does looks nice from a distance. We don’t use it that much…
I went pretty early in the morning so I chose not to revisit the Resistance Museum. I’m a huge history buff, so it would have been cool to see again. I did sit near the harbor a bit.
So what did you think about the fortress being a history buff? I am not, and I was thinking that might be why I don’t find it particularly appealing. But then again, had there been more to explore, without entrance fee or a tour, it might have scored higher.
Well the first time I definitely loved it…it is much smaller than other fortresses or castles in Europe, but it was neat to see. It was very quiet and not too vibrant compared to Akker Brygge and the harbor. It seems more underrated.
I don’t know if the Resistance Museum changes its exhibits, I think that is a reason why I chose not to revisit. I would still love to learn more about Norway during WWII.
Though I wasn’t too thrilled with the Nobel Peace Center’s exhibits this time compared to in 2014. I learned a lot more when they had an exhibit on censorship, Malala, and more.
Did you go on a tour of the fortress, any of the two times? My mom was a little kid during WWII, and seeing long leather coats still makes her uncomfortable, luckily those are out of style these days 😀
No, on either occasion did I take a guided tour of the fortress. We did a self guided tour of the castle itself.
I’ll be writing at some point on my cultural (entertainment) experience, ie what Norwegian movies and series I’ve already seen with English substitles.
Looks Interesting to visit! Especially the location, close to harbor and situated on hill top! 🙂
Yes, nice location and views, and the fortress itself offers a little bit of atmosphere, but it feels like you walk up, have a look at the views, turn around, and there is nowhere to go, but back down.
okay, well catching the views only too are worth the experience! 😉
Ok, then 😀