Oscarsborg Fortress

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.