Akershus Fortress

Visit The Armed Forces at Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress was built as a medieval castle late in the 13th century and has been at the centre of events in Norwegian history ever since. The Norwegian Armed Forces has played a vital role at Akershus from the Middle Ages until the present day.

At the Fortress we host several cultural events open to the public in addition to the permanent open all-year round museums on the grounds; The Armed Forces Museum; Akershus Castle and Norway’s Resistance Museum. The offers range from small scale concerts by the picturesque Karpedammen stage, to grand scale rock concerts and military parades.
Here is a short presention of culture events this year.

More information in English: www.mil.no .

The Visitor Centre

We offer historical information and small exhibitions about the history this unique place.

The Fortress Trail
The Visitor Centre is the starting point for the ‘Fortress Trail’- a brochure based self-guided tour of the fortress grounds. Follow the trail and gain valuable insight about the history of the Fortress.

Opening hours at the Visitor Centre
May – August
Monday – Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday –Sunday 11am-5pm
September – April
Monday – Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday – Sunday 11am-5pm

Phone: (+47) 23 09 39 17 / 23 09 39 82
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Guided tours at Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress through 700 years
Join us for a walk on the fortress grounds and learn about the building of Akershus, daily life throughout the centuries, Royal visits and hostile sieges. We promise fun, exciting and terrible glimpses from the fortress’s first 700 years!

Tickets for tours
Adults NOK 30,-
Seniors/students NOK 20,-
Children NOK 10, - (0-6 years free admission)
Family NOK 70,-
Free with the Oslo Pass

Several tours daily in July and August. For guided tours, please contact Tom Andersen (Visitor Centre), phone: +47 23 09 39 82, E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Musical events

On the 26th and 27th of August, Akershus Fortress will host the big musical event “Festningen 2011”. For more information, click here

The Norwegian Armed Forces` staff band (The Staff Band) is Norway`s largest professional wind ensemble, with 39 employed musicians. You can find information about our concerts at Akershus Fortess below.

Season opening concert with The Staff Band
Friday September 9th, 7pm
Conductor: Lars Erik Gudim
Ridehuset concert hall at Akershus Fortress

The first concert of the season will be a musical celebration presenting a variety of genres, styles and composers of both past and present. The concert showcases the band’s exceptional sound and broad musical horizon.

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The Staff Band on request!
Friday September 15th, 7pm
Conductor: Terje Boye Hansen
Ridehuset Concert Hall at Akershus Fortress

Once a year The Staff Band makes it possible for our audience to decide our repertoire. This concert is entirely made up of requests from the audience, and consists of many exciting audience-favorites with a broad appeal!

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The Ridehus series: Cabaret with Tora Augestad
Thursday October 20th, 7.30 pm
Conductor: Ole Kristian Ruud
Ridehuset Concert Hall at Akershus Fortress

The Staff Band is guested by the well known Norwegian contemporary cabaret singer Tora Augestad. Together we will present a program that includes jazzy, cool and suave cabaret numbers and, in contrast, large and breathtaking orchestral works from some of the greatest European composers of the last century.

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Halloween Concert – A family show!
Friday October 28th, 6pm & 8pm
Conductor: Nick Davies
Ridehuset Concert Hall at Akershus Fortress

Join us for a scary and fun adventure when The Staff Band joins forces with ghosts and ghouls in a family show celebrating Halloween! The set list consists of scary music form both the classical repertoire as well as music from the big screen. Åsleik Engmark, a famous Norwegian comedian, is the host of the night and will tell many creepy ghost stories! Included in the price is also a guided ghost tour on the fortress ground !

Note: The stories at the show will be told in Norwegian only. Guided ghost-tours at the Akershus Fortress in English can be arranged.

For musical events, please contact: Marit Gabler, phone: + 47 23093170, E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Special-offer for tourist groups

Please contact us for more information and cultural events aimed at tourist groups. Concerts and guided tours can be arranged together.

Contact information: Tom Andersen (Visitor Centre), phone: + 47 23 09 39 82, E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it