Kristiansten Fortress
The Norwegian Defence Estates Agency manages 15 national fortifications all over Norway. They welcome a total of 3.3 million visitors a year. Kristiansten Fortress is situated in Central Norway, in Norway's third biggest city, Trondheim.
Protector of the City and Cultural Heritage Park
GET TO KNOW THE AREA
Kristiansten Fortress offers stunning views, historic buildings, a museum in the Donjon, and a café in the Commandant’s Residence. Visitors can join guided tours or walk the fortress trail. Today, the fortress is used for ceremonial salutes, historical interpretation, cultural events, recreation, and as a popular walking area. It is especially well-suited for families and children, with activities throughout the year and both a school and kindergarten nearby. Here, history and everyday life come together in truly unique surroundings.
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The fortress history
Kristiansten Fortress was established on the strategic height of Erlandshaugen, east of the city, to prevent a potential Swedish army from firing down upon Trondheim. During the Armfeldt Campaign in 1718, the fortress helped prevent Swedish forces from taking the city—despite never coming under direct attack. After the union with Sweden in 1814, the threat from the east disappeared. In 1816, Kristiansten Fortress was decommissioned from active military service and left to the “ravages of time.” Its salvation from complete decay was its continued use as a fire watch station, thanks to its commanding view over the city. In this way, the fortress actively defended Trondheim against both invasion and fires for several centuries.
Experience Kristiansten Fortress
Kristiansten Fortress offers breathtaking views, historic buildings, a museum housed in the Donjon, and a café in the former Commandant’s Residence. Visitors can join guided tours or explore the fortress trail on their own. Today, the fortress serves as a ceremonial salute site and a venue for historical interpretation, cultural events, recreation, and nature walks. It is especially well-suited for families and children, with year-round activities and both a school and kindergarten located nearby. Here, history and everyday life come together in truly unique surroundings.
Practical information
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The inner fortress is open as long as the flag is flying. We follow the official national flag regulations.
- Winter season: The gates open at 09:00 and close at sunset (opening hours vary).
- Summer season: The gates open at 08:00 and close at 21:00.
The museum in the cannon tower is open from May 19 to August 31, 2025, daily from 10:30 to 16:00. Ice cream, coffee, and refreshments are also available for purchase at the museum.
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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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The Donjon / museum is staffed daily during the summer season. Guided tours for groups are offered by the Friends of Kristiansten Fortress Association and can be booked by phone: +47 47 60 19 86. Visit the association’s website for more information.
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Kristianstensbakken 60
Trondheim
Conduct at the Fortress
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Kristiansten Fortress is a protected national cultural heritage site, and we kindly ask all visitors to show consideration for the surroundings, including buildings, ruins, monuments, and park areas.
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It is prohibited to remove building parts, masonry, timber, or other loose objects from the fortress.
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You may come across a wedding or other event taking place. Please be mindful and avoid unnecessary disturbance.
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Climbing on cannons or fortress walls is not allowed.
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The lawns are for everyone to enjoy, but please be gentle with our trees.
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Grilling and open fires are strictly prohibited year-round, including disposable grills.
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Please place all waste in the designated bins.
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Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
Norway’s fortresses are historic defense structures and vibrant cultural arenas, visited by millions of people every year. They are key attractions in their local communities—serving as destinations, heritage sites, and hubs for economic activity.
These fortresses are also places where history meets the present, and where civil society connects with the Armed Forces.
As the property manager, our mission is to facilitate development that breathes life into these sites while preserving their history.
We achieve this by keeping the fortresses open and accessible to the public, while leasing buildings and outdoor areas to businesses that offer engaging cultural and visitor experiences.
We are responsible for the upkeep of historic buildings and fortress walls, as well as the management and care of outdoor spaces.
