Fredriksvern Naval Yard
Fredriksvern is Norway’s first naval yard and a historic center for naval expertise, education, and shipbuilding.
Here, you can experience a vibrant cultural venue with galleries, museums, and exhibitions—blended with rich naval history and beautiful surroundings, right in the heart of Stavern.
Today, the naval yard is home to museums, art galleries, and national educational institutions, and is a popular destination year-round, offering easy access to the archipelago, coastal trails, and a wide range of experiences.
Naval Yard and Knowledge Hub
Exhibitions Featuring This Year’s Artists
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21.06–27.06
Line Gammelsæter28.06–11.07 | Jeg skal drepe deg
En utstilling om psykisk sykdom og dets fordommerAmalie Lybekk Andersen // Amanda Klovning // Hanne Jones Solfjeld // Sofie Jellum Reinsfelt
12.07–25.07
Finn Erik Helberg og Kari Helberg Roligheten26.07–01.08
Liv Sandberg02.08–08.08
Ludvik Møller Støldal09.08–10.08
Jostein Aas -
28.06–04.07
Tone Stålstrøm05.07–18.07
Anne Margrethe Bjerkebro19.07–25.07 | Fotogruppa A11
Kjersti Øritsland // Gro Anette Nilsen // Erik Roland // Elin Martinsen // Carlo Thomsen // Hanne Jørgensen // Espen Dahl // Marit Nilsen // Kari Margrethe Sabro // Bjørn Embretsen // Ingeborg Norshus
26.07–01.08
Jorunn Westad02.08–03.08
Sverre Støren04.08–10.08
Kunstgruppe 5 Uttrykk -
30.06 – 13.07
Haldis Kjomme Lid14.07 – 20.07
Grete Marie Johnsen21.07 – 27.07
Åse Schumacher Olsen28.07 – 01.08
Ingunn Gjone02.08 – 08.08
Cecilie Stjernholm Jensen -
28.06–06.07 og 15.07–20.07
Monica Norum07.07–14.07
Nina Sandok og Guy Sardinoux21.07–27.07
Tone Flesche -
Lena Dybdahl // Therese Vadem // Per Hoel // Jan Olav Forberg // Fritz Helge Nyegaard // Irene Harvik // Benita Tornholm // Trine Midtsund // Ingunn Moseng // Marianne Mehl // Anita Røbech // Hege Elisabeth Haugen // Jakub Ismer
Events
Rental Venues at the Naval Yard
he historic buildings and unique shipyard setting provide a special atmosphere for your event. Here, you can rent venues suited for everything from large celebrations like weddings and anniversaries to informal gatherings with friends or colleagues.
We also offer rooms for courses, seminars, day meetings, and various types of events and functions. In addition, we rent out outdoor areas for both small and large occasions—such as outdoor weddings, concerts, markets, and vintage vehicle gatherings.
Fredriksvern Naval Yard offers a unique blend of historic charm and flexible possibilities, centrally located in the heart of Stavern.
History of the Naval Yard
Fredriksvern Naval Yard was established by royal decree in 1748, with construction beginning in 1750. It became Denmark-Norway’s first permanent naval yard and represented the maritime military stronghold in Norway during the Danish era. Its primary purpose was to build and equip a fleet division capable of confronting the Swedish navy, while ensuring the swift movement of land forces. The yard was also developed as a fortified base with both military and strategic functions.
During the 18th century, over 50 large vessels were built at Fredriksvern, including the frigate Christiania, launched in 1774 as the largest ship ever constructed at the site. The yard quickly evolved into a center of expertise in shipbuilding, seamanship, and naval operations.
After the dissolution of the union with Denmark in 1814, Fredriksvern was designated as Norway’s main naval base. Education and training became central missions, and the site emerged as a hub for the development of the Norwegian naval defense. Institutions such as the Telemark Regiment, the Naval Academy, and the Royal Norwegian Navy Band (Marinemusikken) were established here.
Fredriksvern is unique in Norwegian military history as the only site to have housed all branches of the armed forces—the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Home Guard—at different points in time.
Throughout the 20th century, the Armed Forces continued to use the yard for training and educational purposes, hosting officer schools, medical training, and logistics education. Continuous military activity at the site ended in 2002, after more than 250 years of operation.
Today, Fredriksvern Naval Yard is a national heritage site and serves as an important venue for preparedness, education, and the arts. It is home to institutions such as the Norwegian Police University College, the Justice Sector Training and Exercise Centre, Civil Defence, and the Norwegian Fire Academy. The area also includes museums, galleries, and a variety of events in historic surroundings, right in the heart of Stavern.
Practical information
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The fortress grounds are open 24 hours a day.
Galleries, museums, events, and similar venues have their own opening hours. -
Admission to the fortress grounds is free of charge.
Museums, concerts, events, festivals, and similar activities require separate tickets and pricing. -
Fredriksvern verft 1, 3290 Stavern
Conduct at Fredriksvern Naval Yard
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Please dispose of waste in the bins provided, and sort recyclables where possible.
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Dogs must be kept on a leash year-round.
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Grilling and open fires are prohibited throughout the year, including disposable grills.
– Exception: For larger, pre-planned events within the naval yard area, it is possible to apply for permission to use gas grills at designated locations.
Norway’s fortresses are historic defense sites and vibrant cultural venues, attracting millions of visitors each year. They are vital landmarks in local communities—serving as destinations, visitor attractions, and spaces for business activity.
These fortresses also serve as meeting points where history connects with the present, and where civil society meets the Armed Forces.
As property managers, our mission is to enable development that brings these places to life while preserving their historic value.
We do this by keeping the fortresses open and accessible to the public, while leasing out buildings and outdoor areas to businesses offering meaningful experiences.
We are responsible for the maintenance of buildings and fortress walls, as well as the care and upkeep of outdoor areas.
