Oddane Fortress
Oddane Fort was constructed by the German army in 1941 to protect the Grenland area from Allied attacks. After the war, the fort was taken over by the Norwegian Armed Forces and remained in use until 2005. Today, the protected site stands as one of the most complete coastal forts in the country – with buildings, emplacements and history that convey both the occupation period and the Cold War in a cohesive military-historical landscape.
History of the Fort
Oddane Fort was established by the German occupying forces as a coastal battery in April 1941, as part of the defence of the approaches to Skien, Porsgrunn, and Larvik. Together with the batteries at Kriken on Skåtøy and Tangen at Langesund, it was intended to protect the strategically important Grenland region, with its export harbours, industrial activity, and transport routes to the rest of the country. The area also included the harbour used for shipping heavy water from Vemork at Rjukan.
The German army was responsible for the construction, and the fort was placed under the command of Artilleriegruppe Larvik, as part of the continuous coastal artillery defence along the Norwegian coast. On 21 April 1941, the Germans requisitioned large parts of the property belonging to Hans Kr. Oddane. The family was forcibly relocated the following year, and most of the farm buildings were demolished – except for the main house, which was used as officers' quarters.
After the German surrender in 1945, the Norwegian Coastal Artillery took over the facility. From 1946, the Home Guard became a new branch of the Norwegian armed forces, and as early as 1949, Oddane Fort was staffed with Home Guard personnel and used for annual exercises. Throughout the post-war period, the fort functioned as a mobilisation fort without a permanent garrison.
The last live firing with the fort's cannons took place in 1991. It was then decided to decommission all forts equipped with former German materiel. The Home Guard vacated Oddane Fort in 2005, after nearly 60 years of use.
Practical information
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Oddane Fort is located in a natural area with particularly valuable biological diversity. To protect this environment, the site is generally not open to the public. During the spring and autumn seasons, guided tours for larger groups may be arranged by appointment. No guided tours are offered during the summer months of June, July, and August.
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The cost of pre-booked guided tours is determined on a case-by-case basis.
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The site is situated on private land, and the landowner conducts guided tours for larger groups by agreement. Oddane Fort is closed to guided tours and visits during the summer months of June–August. In the spring and autumn seasons, guided tours can be arranged upon request for organised groups of 10–20 people. The tour lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
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Oddane fort
3296 Nevlunghavn
Conduct at the Fort
Oddane Fort is an important cultural heritage site that must be preserved for future generations. In addition to its military structures and buildings, the area is home to unique botanical, zoological, and geological features—many of which have been preserved due to the site’s long-standing restricted access. We therefore ask that all visitors show respect for both the fort and its surroundings.
- Open fires and grilling, including disposable barbecues, are strictly prohibited year-round.
- Please dispose of rubbish in the designated bins.
- Flying drones on or over the site is not permitted.
- Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times throughout the year.
- Consumption of alcohol brought from outside is not allowed.
The fortifications are historic defence structures and vibrant cultural venues visited by millions every year. They are significant local landmarks across Norway—serving as destinations, points of interest, and spaces for economic activity. These sites are also where history meets the present, and civil society engages with the Armed Forces.
As the property manager, our mission is to facilitate development that brings these places to life while honouring their history. We do this by keeping the fortifications open and accessible to the public, and by leasing buildings and outdoor spaces to organisations that offer enriching experiences. We are responsible for maintaining the buildings and fortress walls, as well as managing the surrounding grounds.
