Strolling Through Beautiful Castles Norway

Akerchus Castle in the capital Oslo serves the present-day government. The castle was built by King Hakon V in 1299 and used as a prison. Connected to the castle is a church and a museum. Displayed here are relics from Medieval times, WW II relics, and information about Swedish attacks.

Bahus Fortress dates back over 700 years. It is located on the border between Norway and Sweden at the head of the Gota River. The fortress was constructed by King Haakon V Magnusson. It stands on a cliff with awesome views of the river.

Bergenhus Fortress was built in the 1500s. Its first and only siege occurred in 165 when English warships came after Dutch ships that fled into the Bergen Harbor area. This ws known as the Battle of Vagen. It also was used as a fortress during WW II when Germans used it as one of their main stations. Some of the oldest sections of the fortress were destroyed during an explosion in 1944.

Fredricksten Fortress built in 1661 is the largest and most important fortress in Norway. It stands in Halden on the Norwegian-Swedish border. Today it hosts art exhibitions and outdoor contemporary and classical music concerts. This has become the place to take in views of the city and the surrounding landscape. There is a museum and you can walk the forest and nature trails.

Frizoehus Manor was designed by Jacob Wilhelm Nordan in 1865. The manor has 75 rooms of which 21 are in the basement. On the grounds are 1700 acres of trees and the park looks-like an English-style landscape with mouflon and fallow deer roaming. There is a courtyard with a fountain.

Gamlehaugen Castle was built to represent Scottich architecture and is located in Bergen. Building on the castle began in 1901 and the castel became one of the most famous castles in Europe. Royalty resides here. King Hakon Hakonsson lived near the Rosenkrantz Tower seciton of the Renaissance fortress. The halls and rooms are done in neo-Renaissance style. Other interios designs are in the Baroque style. You can see the former Prime Minister Michelsen's office, the Music Room, the Library, and other rooms. Visitors can take a guided tour and climb to the roof for awesome views. Surrounding the castle are manicures lawns with trees and flowers and the outdoor botanical areas have an English garden theme.

Kristiansten Fortress (pictured above) was built in Medieval times by Christian V, King of both Norway and Denmark. This fortress provided defense against eastern attacks. There is a museum and dugeon attractions. The views outside are lovely of the fjord and mountains. Inside is a recreational area open to the public.

Oscarshall Castle is located on the Bygdoy Peninsula. It was commissioned by King Oscar I and Queen Josephine. It was built with neo-Gothic style. In 1881 King Oscar II designated the castle as a public museum. Guided tours are available to see the interior and artworks owned by monarchs.

Steinvikholm Castle or Steinvikholm Slott is located on the Skatval Penninsula near Stjordal in Nord-Trondelag. It was built by Olav Engelbrektsson between 1525 and 1532. It marks the end of Norway having its last Roman Catholic Archbishop. The castle hosts an annual midnight opera every August.

Tonsberg Fortress (Castrum Tunsbergis Ruins) among the odest in the country stood agains enemy attacks for over 300 years. It was built in the 13th century by King Hakon IV. Located in the town of Tonsberg which is the oldest town in Norway.

The Royal Palace stands near on of the main routes of Oslo. It was built in 1814. The castle was the residence of King Charles XIV. Today it is the home of the King and the Queen and routine monarchy operations happen here. You can see the changing of the guard every day at 1:30 PM. On tour of the castle you can view the Palace Chapel, Ballroom, Banqueting Hall, Council Chamber, King Haakon VII Suite, and Cabinet Parlor. Outside of the castle visitors can enjoy green spaces and trees, ponds, and historical statues.

Vardohus Fortress is located on Vardoyo Island in Vardo. It was first built by forty soldiers after 1734. This is an 18th-century star-shaped fortifications to protect against cannon firing. During WW II it held prisoners.