Akershus Fortress is a great place to discover Oslo's history and enjoy a summer day. The building of Akershus Castle and Fortress was commenced in 1299 under king Håkon V. The medieval castle, which was completed in the 1300s, had a strategic location at the very end of the headland, and withstood a number of sieges throughout the ages.

King Christian IV (1588-1648) had the castle modernised and converted into a Renaissance castle and royal residence. Guided tours of the fortress are available to the public in summer, and start at the Fortress Visitor Centre. Guided tours for groups are also available.

The fortress area is a popular venue for major events, including concerts, public holiday celebrations and ceremonies. Norwegian name: Akershus festning.