Fredrikstad Fortress
The Norwegian Defence Estates Agency manages 15 national fortifications all over Norway. They welcome a total of 3,3 million visitors a year. Fredrikstad is situated in the south-eastern corner of Norway, at the mouth of the River Glomma. The Old Town is the oldest fortified town in Norway and in the Nordic countries, and one of the best-preserved fortress towns in Northern Europe.
The City Fortress – The Fortress Town
The Old Town of Fredrikstad
At Visit Fredrikstad and Hvaler, you’ll find a great overview of the Fortress Town.
The Old Town of Fredrikstad is one of Norway’s most popular attractions—and truly a must-see when you're in the area. It’s not just well-preserved; it’s vibrantly alive. Shops, galleries, and cafés are buzzing with activity, and history comes to life as the 18th century meets the present day.
The History of the Fortress
Origins and Strategic Importance
Fredrikstad Fortress was established after Norway lost Bohuslän and Bohus Fortress to Sweden in 1658. This loss made it necessary to strengthen defenses along the new eastern border, giving Fredrikstad a central role as a border town and supply base. In 1663, construction of a new fortress began under the leadership of Dutch military engineer Willem Coucheron.
The fortress became an important military assembly point for the army in southern Norway and formed part of a larger defense system alongside Halden.
Fortification System and Architecture
Fredrikstad Fortress is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Europe and the most intact of its kind. It was built according to the Old Dutch system, with wide, water-filled moats and deep earthen ramparts. On the landward side, the fortress is protected by three full and two half bastions—star-shaped projections designed to hold cannons. Within the moats lie ravelins, and outside the fortress proper stands Kongsten Fort as an advanced defensive position. Toward the Glomma River, a thick stone wall reinforced with earthworks provides protection. The main entrance was via a drawbridge and through the rampart gate or other gates leading to the quays.
Military Significance and War History
Fredrikstad Fortress has a relatively short war history. It came under attack only once, during the Swedish-Norwegian War in August 1814. At the time, the fortress was old, poorly maintained, and weakly manned. After a few hours of bombardment, the garrison surrendered to Crown Prince Karl Johan Bernadotte. That same day, the peace agreement in Moss was concluded, and Karl Johan signed it at his wartime headquarters in Fredrikstad.
Decommissioning and Civilian
Use Fredrikstad Fortress was officially decommissioned in 1903, but the Old Town (Gamlebyen) continued as a garrison town until 2002, when the last soldiers left the area. Since its decommissioning, the former military buildings have taken on new life through civilian use, and the Old Town is now a vibrant urban environment.
Cooperation Between Civil and Military Sectors
A close relationship between the Armed Forces and the civilian community in the Old Town has existed for over 350 years. This cooperation has continued through organizations such as the Friends of Old Fredrikstad and the Old Town Committee. The municipality of Fredrikstad also established a reuse advisory group to propose future uses for the historic buildings, with a particular focus on culture and knowledge development.
Practical information
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The Old Town is Open Year-Round
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Admission to the fortress grounds is free of charge. Museums, concerts, events, festivals, and similar activities require separate tickets and pricing.
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Smedjegaten 87
Gamle Fredrikstad
Conduct at the Fortress
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Fredrikstad Fortress is a protected national cultural heritage site, and we kindly ask all visitors to treat the buildings and outdoor areas with care and respect.
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It is not permitted to remove building materials, masonry, timber, or other loose objects from the fortress.
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Any form of vandalism or defacement is prohibited.
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Climbing on the cannons is not allowed.
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Grilling and open fires are strictly prohibited year-round, including disposable grills.
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Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
Norway’s fortresses are historic military sites and vibrant cultural arenas, visited by millions of people every year. They serve as important landmarks in local communities—both as destinations and venues for cultural and business activities.
These sites are also meeting grounds where history engages with the present, and civil society meets the Armed Forces.
As property managers, our role is to foster development that brings these sites to life while preserving their historical significance.
We do this by keeping the fortresses open and accessible to the public, while leasing buildings and outdoor spaces to enterprises that offer cultural and visitor experiences.
We are responsible for the maintenance of buildings and fortress walls, as well as the care of the surrounding grounds.
