Oscarsborg Fortress
Oscarsborg Fortress is situated on the Oslofjord and has had the important function of defending the seaward approach to the capital. With its strategic location on an island, Oscarsborg Fortress is a very popular tourist destination, with its own marina and great biological diversity.
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Symbol of freedom and fjord arena
Buy ferry tickets
Buy ferry tickets before boarding. QR code must be presented when boarding the ferry. The ticket is only valid for 7 days from the time of the selected departure date. Here you will also find information about parking and ferry routes.
Fortress history
Oscarsborg Fortress was originally built in the mid-19th century to protect the capital, Christiania (now Oslo), from naval attacks. The fortress is best known for its role during the Second World War. On April 9, 1940, when Germany invaded Norway, Oscarsborg Fortress sank the German cruiser Blücher. This delayed the German advance and gave the Norwegian government time to evacuate and organize resistance.
After the war, the fortress was used for various military purposes, but in 2004, Oscarsborg was opened to the public as a military cultural heritage site and visitor destination.
How Oscarsborg Came to Be
- 1641: King Christian IV decided that a so-called blockhouse should be established on the Kaholmen islets. It was completed in 1643.
- During the 1830s, various proposals were discussed for what would later become known as Oscarsborg Fortress.
- In 1847, the first building was completed: the Harbor Fort, the round structure where the boat from Drøbak docks today.
- By 1853, the Main Fortress was completed in the form we recognize today. In 1856, all the surrounding fortifications were also finished.
- In 1855, it was decided by royal decree that the fortress would be named Oscarsborg.
Rules of conduct /Accessibility
Please show respect for the buildings and grounds and show due care when walking around the area.
Littering and other thoughtless behaviour can easily spoil the appearance of the fortress, so please use the litter bins that have been provided. There is a year-round prohibition on fires and barbecues. Visitors are not allowed to remove parts of buildings, bricks, stones, timber or other loose objects from the fortress. Digging and searches using metal detectors are not permitted.
At the marina, please show consideration for your neighbours – and remember that adults are responsible for children's safety.
Oscarsborg Fortress is a fortress with many high walls and quays along the shore. Some of the walls are not secured. Be careful when walking along the fortress walls, and keep a close eye on children. There can be strong currents in the sea, so keep an eye on small children when they are bathing.
The fortress is not especially adapted for disabled people, but work has started on finding good solutions for universal design. Oscarsborg Fortress is situated on two islands, Nordre and Søndre Kaholmen, and you can get there by ferry. It is no problem getting wheelchairs on board the ferry. The roads on the islands are partly gravel roads and partly tarmac roads. There are steep sections in some areas, but there are also alternative paths to the most important attractions.
The Fortress Museum in the main fortress and the restaurants and cafés have lifts/arrangements for wheelchairs. There is also a separate building with a disabled toilet.
