Castles, palaces and fortresses of Norway: the precious heritage of the harsh northern country. Address and opening hours
On top of a steep slope on the peninsula of Bygde, overlooking the sea rises summer palace Kings of Norway - Oscarshall. This residence is state owned and is open to the public every summer. The mansion was built between 1847-1852, commissioned by King Oscar I and his wife Queen Josephine. The Danish architect Johan Nebelong supervised the project. The royal couple went headlong into construction, invested ...
The city of Bergen has been providing a warm welcome to visitors for over 900 years. Its main shopping street Bryggen has become a symbol of cultural and economic development, for which it was included in the List world heritage UNESCO. Old Hanseatic embankment - unique architectural monument and perhaps one of the most famous images Norway on all booklets and gift cards. A long time ago...
Egeberg Castle is unique in that it was built in 1899-1901 as a family nest for the family of a major Norwegian businessman and politician Einar Egeberg, and has now been turned into a luxurious residential building with 24 apartments, which is located in a prestigious area of Oslo. A very famous architect Halfdan Berle was invited to build the castle. It took three years to build the largest private residence in...
The Kristiansten Fortress towers over Trondheim city center and is an important part of the city's recreational area. The central tower, and these are four floors with loopholes, are open to the public, as well as the Armory. Many cultural events are held in the Fortress. The castle is located on a hill, a 15-minute walk from the city center. The construction of the stronghold began in 1682 by order of King Christina V. Her appointment was...
Steinvigolm Castle, located in the Trondheim Fjord, is the largest fortress built in Norway in the Middle Ages. For its time, it was the best defensive structure, which, unfortunately, quickly became outdated and was abandoned. The castle was restored already in the 20th century, and every summer its ruins and surroundings turn into a realistic scenery for the production of the opera Olav Engelbrektsson, the world premiere of which took place on August 5...
On the main street Oslo is home to the most important building in the country - Royal Palace. The foundation stone was laid by King Karl Johan on October 1, 1825. The palace was put into operation on July 26, 1849 by King Oscar I. The building is state property and is at the complete disposal of the monarch. This is where the king and queen live and work. Meetings of the State Council are held in the palace,...
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...The old castles are beautiful.
Battlements of their gray towers
As if pouring a little visible light,
And he is strange and terrible,
Silent fire of past victories
Their proud face is decorated.
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Lifting bridges and ditches, -
Closed possessions.
Here at night the cry of an owl is heard,
Ghosts roam here.
And the sigh of gray grass is strange
During the lunar eclipse...
K. Balmont
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King Hakon V the Holy is considered the founder of the castle. Together with the fortress in Tønsberg, Norway, they were the strongest strongholds in Scandinavia. According to legend, the king laid the castle after he was attacked by Alv Erlingsson from Sarpsborg. This is the first time in the history of Norwegian architecture that the castle was built of brick and stone.
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The castle survived the siege of 1308 (Swedes led by Erik Knutsson). In 1527, the castle burned to the ground and was rebuilt from the stone of the Cistercian abbey with neighboring island.
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In 1624, King Christian IV founded a fortress near the walls new town, to which he gives his name - Christiania. The castle at this time acquires a Renaissance look. After 1811 the castle was used as a royal prison. At the end of the 19th century, restoration work began. Peter Blix was the author of the first, presented in 1896, project for the restoration of the fortress. In 1897, his project was approved and received a grant from the Norwegian Parliament. At the beginning of the 20th century, a museum was founded on the territory of the castle. Restoration work was carried out here until 1976, when the Olav Hall was completed, where official events are now held.
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The enemy could never be inside the walls of the Akershus castle. Only once did the fortress surrender to the enemy without a fight. It was in 1940, when the Norwegian government evacuated the capital after an unexpected attack by Nazi Germany on Denmark and Norway, countries that declared their neutrality in World War II (Danish-Norwegian operation, Operation Weserebung). The castle was captured by the Germans for 5 years - the Gestapo was located here.
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On October 24, 1945, Vidkun Quisling was executed here for treason, and in 1989 Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass on the Akershus fortress square - this was the first time in history that the head of the Roman Catholic Church visited Norway.
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Norwegian monarchs are buried in the castle chapel: King Sigurd I, King Hakon V, Queen Euphemia, King Haakon VII, Queen Maud, King Olaf V and Crown Princess Martha.
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Now there are museums of the Resistance and the armed forces of Norway in the castle. The fortress houses the headquarters of the Norwegian armed forces and the Ministry of Defense.
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Now let's just walk around.
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It is not known exactly when the work on the construction of the fortress began, but it is generally believed that this happened in the last decade of the 13th century.
The fortress was first mentioned in writing in 1300 in a letter from King Haakon to a church in Oslo. The letter, however, does not say at what stage the construction works are.
The castle survived the siege of 1308 (Swedes led by Erik Knutsson). In 1527, the castle burned to the ground and was rebuilt from the stone of a Cistercian abbey from a nearby island.
In 1624, King Christian IV founded a new city near the walls of the fortress, to which he gives his name - Christiania. The castle at this time acquires a Renaissance look. Since the end of the 18th century, the castle has been used as a royal prison. In 1787-97 the Norwegian prisoner of conscience Christian Lofthus spent the rest of his days here. At the end of the 19th century, restoration work began in Akershus. Peter Blix was the author of the first, presented in 1896, project for the restoration of the fortress. In 1897, his project was approved and received a grant from the Norwegian Parliament. At the beginning of the 20th century, a museum was founded on the territory of the castle. Restoration work was carried out here until 1976, when the Olav Hall was completed, where official events are now held.
In the entire history of its existence, the fortress has never been conquered as a result of a siege. Only in 1940 did she surrender to the Germans without a fight, when the Norwegian government left Oslo, as a result of the German invasion of Denmark and Norway.
During the five-year occupation, the castle housed the Gestapo, and several people were executed by the Germans there. The occupation ended on May 11, 1945, when the castle was handed over by the Germans to Norwegian hands. After the war, 8 Norwegians were executed on the territory of the fortress for collaborating with the Nazis.
On October 24, 1945, Vidkun Quisling was executed here for treason, and in 1989 Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass on the Akershus fortress square - this was the first time in history that the head of the Roman Catholic Church visited Norway.
Norwegian monarchs are buried in the castle chapel: King Sigurd I, King Haakon V, Queen Euphemia, King Haakon VII, Queen Maud, King Olaf V and Crown Princess Martha.
Attractions
Now there are museums of the Resistance and the armed forces of Norway in the castle. The fortress houses the headquarters of the Norwegian armed forces and the Ministry of Defense. The castle with a chapel and the fortress are open to tourists. Visitors can see the banquet halls, official residences and prison cells, while the museum located in the fortress displays documents related to Norway's military history, from the Viking Age to the post-World War II period.
Address and opening hours
Address: Akershus Slott, Akershusstranda, Akershus Festning.
Opening hours: Akershus Fortress - daily from 6:00 to 21:00. Akershus Castle: Monday to Saturday - from 10:00 to 16:00, Sunday - from 12:30 to 16:00 in summer, hours are reduced in winter. Tours are held at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 from Monday to Saturday and at 13:00 and 15:00 on Sunday.
Entrance to the fortress is free, to the castle - 65 NOK or free with the Oslo Pass, to the Norwegian Resistance Museum - 50 NOK or free with the Oslo Pass.
In the north of Europe is amazing country Norway, as if coming from a fairy tale.
Country northern lights, the world's most beautiful fjords and picturesque forests, among which are hidden unique creations of ancient masters - castles built for different purposes and at different times, but equally striking in majesty and beauty.
Some of them have survived through the centuries, remaining a piece of their time; others, quite modern, delight with their elegance and comfortable layout, but each is the pride and decoration of their homeland.
Sverresborg
Sverresborg Castle is located in the city of Trondheim(medieval Nidaros), Trøndelag region. It became the country's first stone fortress. Today it is a picturesque ruins.
Nidaros - ancient city Norway, leading its history from the end of the tenth century. It arose on the banks of the Nidelva River and had the status of a capital until the 13th century.
In 1177 ambitious Sverr Sigurdson declared himself king and, in fact, usurped power. He was crowned in Nidaros in the same year.
However, the enemies did not leave attempts to capture the capital. The attacks made the newly-made king think about his safety, and in 1182 he decided to build a well-fortified residence.
Sverra Castle was built quickly and in the spring of 1183 received its king.
Another attack on Sverresborg happened in 1188, in the absence of the king. It was completely destroyed, but restored already in 1197.
And more than half a century later, in 1263, the grandson of Sverre, King Haakon Haakonsson allowed his grandfather's castle walls to be dismantled for the construction of other buildings.
The remains of Sverresborg were left to their own devices until the middle of the twentieth century, when the Nazis set up an outpost there.
At the end of the war locals on their own, they tried to ennoble the territory of the ancient fortress.
Sverresborg Castle outlived its creator by more than eight centuries, and to this day remains a monument to human ambition.
Akershus
King Haakon V began to build a fortification fortress in the 90s of the XIII century. In those days, proximity to the sea was of great importance, since all trade was carried out by waterways.
The fortress was designed to protect the sea approaches to Oslo and successfully coped with this task for several centuries.
At the very beginning of the 14th century, Akershus was attacked, but safely withstood the siege of the future Swedish king.
In the 16th century, the castle was almost completely burned out by a lightning strike., but was rebuilt by destroying a Cistercian abbey located on a neighboring island.
At the same time, the famous Munch Tower appeared, and in the next century, the Rumerike Tower.
The castle was rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the 17th century.. They built another ring of defensive structures around it. Since then, it has been customary to distinguish between the Akershus fortress and the Akershus castle itself.
Since the 18th century, the castle, deprived of attention, gradually fell into decay. From the middle of the 19th century, it began to rise again from the ashes, gradually acquiring a modern look.
Huge reconstruction work was carried out, after which Akershus became the official government residence.
In the 20th century, a museum was founded on the territory of the castle., thereby ending the threat to its existence. After that, it was desecrated only once, in the Second World War.
Then the Gestapo was located within its walls, but its dominion was also ended in May 1945, when the castle was returned by the German government to the Norwegians.
in the museum under open sky you can see military weapons from different times, admire the sentries in the form of those times, and in the castle itself get acquainted with historical documents, from the Viking Age to the Second World War.
Now The castle houses the Norwegian Ministry of Defense.
The fortress is open for visits daily, from 6:00 to 21:00, the castle - from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 16:00. Sunday from 12:00 to 16:00 in summer. AT winter time hours have been reduced.
Guided tours at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 hours, from Monday to Saturday. On Sunday tours take place at 13:00 and 15:00.
A ticket for adults costs about 500 rubles, for children about 200.
Kongsvinger
Kongsvinger owes his birth to King Christian V. In the 17th century on southern border country, he erected an outpost to protect the shipping lanes from the Swedes.
At first it was just a tower with a wall. Later, the engineer Johann Kaspar von Sisignon carried out the reconstruction of the fortress.
Through his efforts, the complex turned into a fortified, self-sufficient garrison. Arsenal buildings, barracks, a bakery, the commander's house appeared, which have been preserved to this day in good condition.
Kongsvinger, who never took part in hostilities, due to its strategically important location, it turned out to be ideal for an outpost, and therefore the military began to lodge in it.
The last time Kongsvinger was expanded and strengthened was in 1905, after which all work was stopped.
The outpost is located on the river Glomma, in the Ostland region. The ancient walls offer stunning views of the river and the city.
The old barracks have been restored - a hotel has been set up in these premises. The Museum of the Armed Forces is located on the territory.
Exploring the fortress on your own is dangerous: Walls can collapse at any moment.
Gamlehaugen
In the Middle Ages, on the site of the future palace was the estate of Fyosanger, passing from hand to hand of the wealthy residents of Bergen.
At the end of the 19th century, the estate was acquired by the shipowner and statesman Christian Michelsen.
By his order, on the site of a modest chalet, the architect Jens Mongrad Kielland erected impressive palace in Scottish style with snow-white walls.
When Michelsen died in 1925, his friends and colleagues launched a campaign to raise funds for Gamlehaugen's upkeep and maintenance, as well as a possible state purchase.
The campaign was successful and Since 1927, Hamlehaugen has been the official residence of the royal family..
The castle is located near the center of Bergen. Museum opened in Gamlehaugen, which operates during the summer, in the absence of the royal family.
Oscarshall
Oscarshall Palace was built from 1847 to 1852 on the peninsula of Bygdøy by Johan Hendrik Nebelong.
The construction was initiated by King Oscar I and Queen Josefina, who did not spare their own funds so that this neo-Gothic masterpiece would finally see the light of day.
In 1881 the palace was opened to the public as a museum.
A complete renovation of the palace was carried out in 2009.. The restorers restored every detail of the interior with amazing accuracy so as not to spoil anything.
It was important to return Oscarhall to its original appearance and protect it from the damage inevitably brought by a considerable number of tourists.
Oscarhall became the king's summer residence. Tourists from all over the world come to admire its beauty. Today, official events, concerts and excursions are held here.
An excursion for an adult will cost about 500 rubles, for children - 200 rubles.
Oscar Hall is open to the public from May 25 to June 18 and from August 12 to September 8, on Saturdays and Sundays, from 11:00 to 17:00. And from June 19 to August 11 from 11:00 to 17:00, from Wednesday to Sunday.
Egeberg
In the capital of Norway, Oslo there is an amazing house in its origin. Its history is very interesting!
It was built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Norwegian politician and businessman Einar Egeberg for his family. It took him three years to make his dream a reality.
The castle was built from the finest materials of the time. Italian craftsmen were involved in the work, who were engaged in finishing. There is a beautiful park around.
Einar's wife Brigitta was seriously ill and partially paralyzed, so there is an elevator in the building- unheard of luxury!
Unfortunately, in 1930 she died, and the inconsolable widower did not want to continue to live in the family nest. Due to the crisis raging in the country, he was unable to sell the house for a long time.
As a result, Egeberg Castle was acquired by one company and, unfortunately, reacted to its uniqueness without due piety: the original design of the building was changed, two more floors were added, and castle turned into an apartment building having lost its original appearance.
Christiansten
The city of Trondheim defended Norway from the east. For the defense of the city itself, King Christian V began to build a fortress in 1682, which was named after him.
By 1740, Christiansten acquired its final form - a three-story tower with a powder magazine and loopholes.
At the beginning of the 19th century, King Karl Johan III came to the conclusion that old fortress he no longer needs it, and decided to demolish it.
But they saved her ... their own guns. They had to remain in working order in order to notify the inhabitants of the city of fires and enemy attacks.
The fortress had a chance to survive the fascist siege. The Germans soon figured out its strategically important position and installed their artillery there.
Within its walls, they carried out demonstrative executions of Norwegian patriots. The Norwegians reminded the occupiers of this by holding Nazi war crimes trials here after the end of the war.
In 1997 the castle was reconstructed. Today it is not used for military purposes.
Christiansten has become not only a museum, but also a theater platform where the battles of the past are recreated.
It is open to visitors from Wednesday to Sunday in the summer, from 10:00 to 16:00. Free admission.
Steinvigolm
In the Trondheim fjord picturesque island located the largest fortress of the Middle Ages - Steinvigolm Castle.
The building, which almost disappeared in the Middle Ages, was restored in the 19th century almost from ruins, and this process has not been completed to this day.
Archbishop Olaf, rebellious against the king's policies, built it in 1530 as his retreat.
Unfortunately, six years after the construction of the fortress, the archbishop was forced to flee. Abandoned Steinvigolm began to decline.
In the 18th century, the Northern War between Norway and Sweden accelerated the process of destruction. At first, enemies visited Steinvigolm, and then they simply abandoned it as unnecessary.
The locals helped the forces of nature by dismantling the stones for their needs.
The largest fortress of the Middle Ages would have disappeared into oblivion, however, in the 19th century, the Society for the Protection of Monuments conducted extensive excavations on the territory of Steinvigolm and bought the castle-fortress.
Today, Steinvigolm serves as the backdrop for the grandiose open-air production of Olaf Engelbrektsson, which takes place every year and inevitably attracts thousands of fans to Norway.
Legendary Norwegian castles almost completely destroyed, or in excellent condition, carefully guarded by the state.
They will always enjoy the attention of the public and will always be popular as one of the precious legacies of their harsh, but such a beautiful country.
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Strategically located on east coast Oslo harbour, Akershus fortress and castle are undoubtedly one of the masterpieces of the historical architecture of the capital of Norway and one of the most popular sights of the city. The massive walls of the fortress hide a surprisingly elegant Renaissance palace, the kings of Norway rest in the chapel of the castle, and inside the building there is a very good Museum of the Norwegian Resistance, dedicated to the events of the Second World War. An additional "chip" is a rather spectacular changing of the guard, as they say, find the difference with the Alexander Garden.
A bit of history
In 1299, Oslo became the capital of medieval Norway, and in order to protect the city from external threats from the sea, the then King Hakon V ordered the construction of a military fortress. Together with the fortress in Tønsberg, Norway, they were the strongest strongholds in Scandinavia. It was only the beginning architectural history citadel - over the centuries it has been repeatedly completed and re-planned, so today one can only guess about the original plan of Hakon V. After a devastating fire in 1624, Oslo was practically rebuilt - and most of the city blocks of the then Christiania were transferred to land areas behind the fortress. The suburbs grew even more in 1818, with an increase in population, and external enemies diminished, so that in the period from 1899 to 1963 the space around the citadel was mostly cleared.
The last modifications to the castle were made by King Christian IV in the 17th century - then magnificent Renaissance interiors appeared here: luxurious banquet halls and reception rooms. But the cellars were used for a much more practical purpose: objectionable nobles were kept in narrow cell-cells.
In 1989, Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass on the square of the Akershus Fortress - this was the first time in history that the head of the Roman Catholic Church visited Norway.
What to watch
In Akershus Castle, it is worth visiting the main halls, decorated in the Renaissance style, with many historical artifacts - the Romerike Hall is especially interesting. In the castle chapel, built under Christian IV, there are tombstones of Kings Hakon VII and Olaf V, by the way, it is still active, services are held here for the glory of the Norwegian army.
You should definitely take a walk along the walls of the Akershus fortress - from here you can see a beautiful view of the city and Oslo Bay, and at 13:30 see the changing of the guard.
In the small museum of the fortress, located inside the main gate, you can learn more about the history of the construction of the complex. Another interesting museum dedicated to the history of the Norwegian resistance during the Second World War - among the artifacts are underground newspapers, maps and photographs, as well as an amazing exhibit - a set of dentures, with which a Norwegian prisoner in a Polish prison received radio broadcasts.
Akershus Fortress
Address and opening hours
Address: Akershus Slott, Akershusstranda, Akershus Festning.
Opening hours: Akershus Fortress - daily, from 6:00 to 21:00. Akershus Castle: Monday to Saturday - from 10:00 to 16:00, Sunday - from 12:00 to 16:00 in summer, in winter the opening hours are reduced. Tours are held at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 from Monday to Saturday and at 13:00 and 15:00 on Sunday.
Entrance to the fortress is free, to the castle - 70 NOK, for children - 30 NOK, or free of charge with the Oslo Pass card; to the Norwegian Resistance Museum - 50 NOK (25 NOK for children) or free with the Oslo Pass.
Prices on the page are for September 2018.