Whenever you visit Oslo, it is impossible to pass by Akershus Fortress without paying attention to it. This magnificent castle is situated right on the shore of Oslofjord and has played a crucial role in the history of this country.

If we were to compile a list of “top 5 things to see in Oslo,” Akershus Fortress would most certainly appear on that list. This medieval castle dates back to the 13^th century. Even though today it is located in the heart of Oslo, at the time of its construction it stood further away from the city. Back then, the city lied farther inland and had not grown near its current size.

Today, we are going to learn a couple of facts about this imposing castle, so on your next trip to Oslo you won’t miss a chance to visit it. Here are the top 5 facts about Akershus Fortress!

Fact No. 1: Strategic Importance of the Castle

Built back in the 13th century, the castle has been of strategic importance to the city, and had initially been built on the outskirts. But after a devastating fire at Christiania, a new city was built closer to the fjord. The castle’s strategic importance is expressed in the common saying: “The one who controls Akershus, controls all of Norway.”

In fact, it was decided to that the castle had to be built after an attack by Alv Erlingsson, a Norwegian nobleman, on Oslo in 1287. Then, it became clear that the city’s defense needed improvement, and so the castle was built. For the first time, the castle was mentioned in 1300 in a letter, written by King Haakon to a church in Oslo.

Fact No. 2: No Foreign Enemy Has Conquered It by Force Ever

No foreign enemy has ever conquered the fortress by force. Until 1940, Akersus had never been captured by foreign enemies. That record has only been broken when the fortress surrendered without combat to the Nazi invaders.

But so far, the castle has withstood all sieges and attacks, especially those of Swedish forces. In 1716, Charles XII, a Swedish king, led its army to attack Oslo, but failed at the siege of Akershus Fortress.

Fact No. 3: Akershus Fortress Served as a Prison

For quite a long period of time, this famed fortress also served as a prison. Many legendary Norwegian criminals served their term here. For a short period of time, the prison even had a dungeon for political prisoners.

Fact No. 4: It Was First Used in Battle in 1308

Akershus Fortress faced combat for the first time when used against the Swedish duke Eric of Södermanland. However, he had been defeated by the local Norwegian army, which broke the siege and repelled the invaders.

An interesting fact: this battle is a major part of the plot in Sigrid’s Undset’s historical novel “In The Wilderness.”

Fact No. 5: Akershus Fortress Still Belongs to the Norwegian Ministry of Defense

Akershus Fortress is still an important place for the Norwegian Ministry of Defense and houses Museum of Defense and the Royal Mausoleum. Since the terrorist attacks in 2011, it also serves as the Office of the Norwegian Prime Minister. After the main building of the castle was restored, it is often used as a venue for official events and dinners, and the grounds play host to concerts and other performances.