The most beautiful military monuments Norway

Akershus is home to a medieval castle dating back to the ^13th century, remodeled in the Renaissance style in the first half of the ^17th century. People come to Akershus mainly for its lawns. The fortress occupies a special place as a national monument because of its position in the capital and its history, which is closely linked to royal and state power. Numerous events have left their mark on the site, which today houses a military academy, offices and a number of cultural sites and events. The site also houses the Resistance Museum, which documents the course of the Second World War in Norway, and the Defense Museum. A stroll through the castle gardens will reveal an exhibition of modern art sculptures, and you can also enjoy the magnificent view of the fjord on one side and the town hall square on the other.

Castle and church. A visit to Akershus Castle is a journey through Norwegian history, from the ^14th century to the present day. Few buildings in Norwegian history have played such a central role. From the remains of its medieval roots to the chambers of the Danish-Norwegian kings, the scenery is striking. Obviously, there has always been a church or chapel on the site of the fortress, ever since it was built in the time of Håkon V. But it was after a fire in 1527 that the second floor was partly converted into a church, and completely refurbished by Christian IV around 1630.

Information center. This offers a one-hour guided tour of the fortress, as well as two permanent exhibitions. The first traces the history of prisoners from the Middle Ages to the prison's closure in 1950. The second explains the Swedish army's siege of the Akershus fortress.

Defense Museum. Two exhibitions trace Norwegian military history from Viking times to the present day. Emphasis is placed on several decisive periods in Norwegian history, such as the union with Denmark until 1814, the union with Sweden from 1814 to 1905, the attack on Norway by Germany on April 9, 1940 and the naval warfare of the Second World War.

Museum of the Resistance. Through several exhibitions of photos, original documents and objects, the Musée de la Résistance aims to explain the country's situation during the Second World War.

This fortress was built in 1672 and was designed by the architect Willem Coucheron in order to be able to defend the city of Kristiansand in case of need. The fort was actually used only once, in 1807, against an attack by the British (from the HMS Spencer). In 1872 it was closed and is now owned by the municipality of Kristiansand. In summer, temporary exhibitions of art and crafts. A relatively interesting visit.

The Adolf Guns are the greatest guns in the world. They were built by the German occupiers during the Second World War and installed in the stronghold of Trondenes. Today, four are still in place but only one is fully preserved and maintained (in working order). These are the largest naval guns placed ashore during the Second World War in the whole of Europe. They formed Hitler's most powerful battery on his Atlantic Wall. Remembrance of a heavy and traumatic period for northern Norway as well.

The fortifications and the Fredriksten Festning fortress, built around 1660 in the shape of a star according to the French model of the time, can be admired here. The fortress contains a collection of exhibits on the city's military history. The castle has been attacked six times, but never conquered. It is a very beautiful place, beautifully preserved. You can go for a walk, have a bite to eat or spend a night there. The view of the city and the fjord is breathtaking. Events are also organized there.

The fortress is a historic building that played a major role in the country's history, notably by sinking a German cruiser during the German invasion of Norway in the Second World War. As a result, the royal family and government escaped to the UK in extremis. It's one of the finest examples of Norwegian military art, and the pride of the local population. A monument not to be missed if you're in the area.

The Fredrikstad fortress is the only one in the country still standing with ramparts. Built between 1663 and 1666 by Willem Coucheron and his son Anthony Coucheron on the orders of the Danish-Norwegian King Frederik II, it is modelled on Dutch fortresses and features a wide moat which, curiously, forms a half-star shape around the old town. It was only attacked once, in 1814, during the war between Sweden and Norway.

Austrått has existed since the Renaissance. Its history is partly told in Ibsen's play Lady Inger of Austrått, which paints a powerful picture of the 16th-century mistress of Austrått. In the 17th century, the Danish governor Ove Bjelke had the medieval building razed to the ground and replaced it with the present castle dating from 1656. Austrått then became a defensive place, rearmed in an increasingly modern way for each era. Closed in 1968, it was renovated in 1990 and opened to visitors. Cafeteria and walking paths.

There was a fort here as early as 1307, but the present star-shaped fortress dates from 1730 and is based on the French model, with fortifications that allow the enemy to be seen wherever he is. The Lushaugen Museum is dedicated to polar expeditions and local life. It is the most northerly fort in the world, nicknamed Norway's border post in the northeast. Events are organized from time to time: concerts, readings, and even a language café.

Tønsberg was an important trading centre. Located in the town centre, it is the ruins of the most important Scandinavian castle built in the 13th century for King Håkon Håkonsson and his son, Magnus Lagabøter, and destroyed in 1503. Part of the castle walls and fortifications remain, as well as an observation tower, the royal hall and the church dating from 1191. Entrance fee required. A visit not to be missed if you decide to pass through the very charming town of Tønsberg.