Akershus Castle was constructed around the late 13th century by King Håkon V. Initially, it had replaced Tønsberg as one of the two most important Norwegian castles of the period. It was built to protect Oslo from any further attacks, one of those attacks led by Earl Alv Erlingsson of Sarpsborg’s.
The German surrender of Akershus Fortress on 11 May 1945.
Akershus went through many sieges over the years, however it never had been successfully captured by a foreign enemy. However, when the Germans assauted Norway and Denmark during World War II in 1940, the Norwegian government evacuated the capital.
Several individuals were executed at Akershus, including Norwegian traders after the war. Among those executed was Vidkun Quisling, who's charges involved his revocation of the mobilization order, his encouragement of Norwegians to serve in the Norwegian SS division, his assistance in the deportation of Jews, and his responsibility for the execution of Norwegian patriots and a number of other charges.
Akershus was also used a prison up until the 19th century, housing infamous prisoners such as the "thief of the people" and author Gjest Baardsen.
Today, the castle is open daily for visitors until 9pm, however the premises is still being used as a military base. On your tour, you will be able to see Norwegian Royalty which have been buried in the Royal Mausoleum in the castle. They include, King Sigurd I, King Haakon V, Queen Eufemia, King Haakon VII, Queen Maud, King Olav V and Crown Princess Märtha.
Several individuals were executed at Akershus, including Norwegian traders after the war. Among those executed was Vidkun Quisling, who's charges involved his revocation of the mobilization order, his encouragement of Norwegians to serve in the Norwegian SS division, his assistance in the deportation of Jews, and his responsibility for the execution of Norwegian patriots and a number of other charges.Akershus was also used a prison up until the 19th century, housing infamous prisoners such as the "thief of the people" and author Gjest Baardsen.
Today, the castle is open daily for visitors until 9pm, however the premises is still being used as a military base. On your tour, you will be able to see Norwegian Royalty which have been buried in the Royal Mausoleum in the castle. They include, King Sigurd I, King Haakon V, Queen Eufemia, King Haakon VII, Queen Maud, King Olav V and Crown Princess Märtha.
7 Comments:
Amazing castle
-thestickman
I had not heard of this castle before, thanks for the info, Lauren.
I probably have said it before, but I would love to tour an old castle like this one. I'm not much of a traveler, but this is one of my dreams.
Quite a stuning place.... the Nazis co-opted so much of European history it is almost always something of a relief to see it handed back in 45!
Very interesting and informative. I think I have a romantic notion of castles and don't think of them as prisons.
This castle has had quite the history. Great looking pics. I got to go into a crypt under a cathedral in Brazil, Sao Paulo. All of the dead Bishops were laid to rest there. Other than creepy feeling it was also damp. I did not like it. Though I am glad to have had the chance to see it.
Rhett Out
I love learning about historical sites. I also haven't heard of this castle before and you described it well.
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