Norway

Sandefjord

Tønsberg

Horten

Larvik

Sandefjord Airport, Torp

Oslo Airport, Gardermoen

Sweden

Trollhättan-Vänersborg Airport

Vestfold

Skien

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Fredrikstad

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Sarpsborg

Drammen

Buskerud

Oscarsborg Fortress is a coastal fortress situated on two small islets in the Oslofjord, near the village of Drøbak in Norway. The fortress was built in the late 19th century to protect Oslo and its surrounding areas from possible attack by sea. The fortress played a key role in the defence of Norway during the German invasion in 1940.

The main fortifications on the islands are the Kongsvinger Fortress, the Middle and the South Fortresses. The Kongsvinger Fortress was built in the 1850s and was the first fortification on the islands. The Middle and South Fortresses were built later, in the early 20th century. The main armament of the fortress is the two 28 cm guns on the Middle Fortress.

During World War II, the fortress played a significant role in the defence of Norway. On the night of April 9, 1940, a German naval force entered the Oslofjord with the intent to capture Oslo. However, the fortress fired its guns, sinking the German cruiser Blücher, and damaging other ships, which delayed the German invasion and allowed King Haakon VII and his government to escape to Britain.

Today, the fortress is a popular tourist destination and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the fortifications, visit the museum, and enjoy scenic views of the Oslofjord. The fortress also hosts various events and concerts throughout the year.

Oscarsborg fortress

The Rock Carvings in Tanum are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in western Sweden. The carvings, dating back to the Bronze Age, depict a wide range of images, including animals, humans, boats, and geometric shapes. The carvings were made by people from the Nordic Bronze Age, and are believed to have been used for religious, social, and cultural purposes.

The rock carvings are located on over 600 panels, scattered across a 30-kilometer area around the Tanum plateau. They are believed to have been created over a period of 1000 years, from around 1700 BCE to 500 BCE. The carvings were rediscovered in the late 19th century, and since then they have been a major attraction for tourists and scholars alike.

In addition to the carvings themselves, the Rock Carvings in Tanum also feature a museum and interpretive center. The museum contains artifacts related to the carvings, as well as exhibits on the Bronze Age and the people who created the carvings. The interpretive center offers guided tours of the rock carvings, as well as educational programs and workshops.

The Rock Carvings in Tanum provide a unique glimpse into the life and culture of the Nordic Bronze Age, and are considered an important archaeological site in Scandinavia.

Rock Carvings in Tanum

Photo credits: Viking Ship Museum.

The Viking Ship Museum reopens as the Museum of the Viking Age in 2026.

The Viking Ship Museum is located in Oslo, Norway, and is part of the Museum of Cultural History at the University of Oslo. The museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of Viking ships and artifacts from the Viking Age.

The museum's most famous exhibit is the Oseberg ship, a well-preserved Viking ship dating back to the 9th century. The ship was excavated in 1904 from a burial mound in Oseberg, Norway, and is believed to have been used as a royal ship. Other notable exhibits include the Gokstad ship, a 9th-century Viking ship discovered in Gokstad, Norway, and the Tune ship, a Viking ship discovered in Tune, Norway, dating back to the 9th century.

In addition to the ships, the museum displays a range of Viking artifacts, including weapons, tools, and household items. Visitors can learn about Viking society and culture, as well as the history of Viking shipbuilding and seafaring. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and offers educational programs for both children and adults.

The Viking Ship Museum is a popular tourist attraction in Oslo and is often visited in conjunction with other nearby museums, such as the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History and the Kon-Tiki Museum.

Viking Ship Museum

Photo credits: Fram Museum.

The Fram Museum is located in Oslo, Norway, and is dedicated to the exploration of the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The museum is centered around the polar exploration vessel Fram, which was used by explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. The museum contains exhibits and interactive displays that detail the history of polar exploration, the ship itself, and the scientists and explorers who sailed aboard it.

The Fram Museum is home to several artifacts and exhibits, including the original Fram ship, which is open for visitors to explore. Visitors can also learn about the scientific experiments that were conducted on the ship, as well as the daily life of the explorers who lived on board during their expeditions. The museum also has a polar simulator that allows visitors to experience what it was like to travel in the polar regions.

In addition to the Fram ship, the museum has several other exhibits, including exhibits on the history of polar exploration, the natural history of the Arctic and Antarctic, and the cultural history of the Sami people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. The museum also has a cafe and gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and refreshments.

Fram Museum

Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle located in Oslo, the capital city of Norway. The fortress was built in the late 13th century to protect the city from external attacks. Over the centuries, it has served various purposes, including as a royal residence, a prison, and a military stronghold.

Today, Akershus Fortress is a popular tourist attraction and a cultural landmark in Norway. Visitors can explore the castle's various rooms, halls, and towers, which are adorned with medieval art and architecture. The castle also houses several museums, including the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum and the Akershus Art Center.

One of the most prominent features of Akershus Fortress is the imposing Akershus Castle, which is the oldest and most significant part of the fortress. The castle has undergone several renovations over the centuries, and its current appearance dates back to the 17th century. Visitors can climb the castle tower to get a panoramic view of Oslo's harbor and the surrounding countryside.

Another notable feature of Akershus Fortress is the Norwegian Resistance Museum, which tells the story of Norway's resistance movement during World War II. The museum features a range of exhibits, including photographs, artifacts, and personal accounts of individuals who participated in the resistance.

Akershus Fortress is open to visitors throughout the year, and guided tours are available for those who wish to learn more about its history and significance. The castle is also a popular venue for concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events, making it a vibrant and dynamic part of Oslo's cultural landscape.

Akershus fortress

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