Kongsvinger Fortress
The Norwegian Defence Estates Agency manages 15 national fortifications all over Norway. They welcome a total of 4,4 million visitors a year. Kongsvinger Fortress is situated north-east of Oslo near the border with Sweden. The fortress towers high above the town and the river Glomma, and it is one of the most characteristic Baroque fortresses in Norway.
The Cultural Fortress in the Border Region
Kongsvinger Fortress Hotel
Kongsvinger Fortress Hotel is an icon of the past and a landmark of the present. Here, you can fall asleep beneath ancient towers, wake up to a fairytale, and end your day with a glass of wine at sunset.
The History of the Fortress
Kongsvinger Fortress was established in the 1680s as part of a new line of border defense against Sweden following the Treaty of Roskilde. Strategically positioned along the travel routes by the Glomma River and through the Vinger region, the fortress was intended to protect inland areas from eastern attacks. It was built according to the principles of star-shaped bastion fortresses and was further developed throughout the 18th century.
Although the fortress has never been directly besieged or attacked, it maintained a high state of readiness during several conflicts, including the Great Northern War and the Napoleonic Wars. Military activity at Kongsvinger continued for over 300 years—right up until 2005—forming an unbroken line of defense history that still shapes the identity and landscape of the town.
Today, Kongsvinger Fortress is one of the most important cultural heritage sites in Innlandet County and a popular venue for art, concerts, and historical interpretation. The historic buildings and surroundings are well preserved, and development plans for the area emphasize diversity, accessibility, and continued use as an open arena for culture, experiences, and enterprise.
Practical information
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The fortress grounds are open every day, all year round.
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Admission to the fortress grounds is free of charge.
Museums, concerts, events, festivals, and similar activities have their own tickets and pricing.
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Several museums present the history of Kongsvinger Fortress.
Please contact the individual museums for more information. -
Kongsvinger festning
2213 Kongsvinger
Conduct at the Fortress
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Kongsvinger Fortress is a protected national cultural heritage site, and we kindly ask all visitors to respect the surroundings, including buildings, ruins, monuments, and landscaped areas.
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The lawns are for everyone to enjoy, but please treat our trees with care.
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Grilling and open fires are strictly prohibited year-round, including disposable grills.
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Please dispose of waste in the bins provided.
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Drone use is not permitted on or above the fortress grounds.
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Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
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Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed.
Norway’s fortresses are historic military strongholds and vibrant cultural arenas, visited by millions of people each year. They are important attractions in local communities—serving as destinations, cultural sites, and hubs of activity.
They are also spaces where history meets the present, and civil society engages with the Armed Forces.
As property managers, our role is to support development that keeps these places lively while preserving their history.
We do this by keeping the fortresses open and accessible to the public, while leasing buildings and outdoor areas to businesses that offer engaging visitor experiences.
We are responsible for the maintenance of buildings and fortress walls, as well as the management of outdoor spaces.
