Viking Magazine - October 2020 - 17

angular faces. Several of these bastions
were created throughout the 17th
century-most of which still stand
today.
While fortifications transformed
the exterior, King Christian IV cast
his eyes inward: During the DanishNorwegian
ruler's nearly 60-year reign,
he gradually converted the castle into a
true Renaissance palace. Several towers
were demolished or rebuilt during this
time. The South Wing was converted
into extravagant apartments for the
royal family, and a lavish kitchen and
viceroy living quarters were added to
the Romerike Wing.
From Castle to Correctional Facility
Despite such extensive remodeling,
the castle slowly fell into decay after
Christian IV's death in 1648.
The castle's purpose gradually took
a correctional turn, starting under
Frederick III's rule. In 1652, he ordered
that anyone convicted of petty larceny
(minor theft) must be sent to Akershus
for harsh labor. The convicts could
also be rented out for public works and
even private parties-which later made
Akershus known as The Slavery.
A guardhouse, barracks and prison
cells were added in the 18th century.
A former powder magazine was
converted into dormitories for convicts,
with " punishment cells " added
later-a place where prisoners who
breached regulations were punished
with half rations and forced to sleep on
hard pallets.
Gradually, more and more prison
facilities were created. By the 1840s,
more than 500 prisoners lived there. In
1902, it was converted into Akershus
National Penitentiary. The fortress
would maintain its prison status for
nearly another 50 years.
World War II
Everything changed in the spring
of 1940, when German troops
invaded Norway and took charge of
Akershus. Under Nazi occupation,
the grounds served as a German
military prison, court and barracks.
The Germans controlled Akershus
for five dark years-with a rather
grim ending. Between February
and March of 1945, German firing
squads executed 42 patriots from the
Norwegian Resistance movement.
Just two months later, on May
11, 1945, Akershus was finally
liberated: German occupying forces
surrendered and returned the fortress
to Norway in the war's final hours.
Fittingly, Akershus is now home to
Norway's Resistance Museum.
After the war, the castle continued
to serve as a prison until 1950.
Over the next several decades
the fortress underwent many
restorations and renovations,
revealing layers of rich architectural
history. Several buildings were also
repurposed to house government
offices, educational institutions and
museums.
Akershus Today
Today, Akershus still stands proudly
over the harbor. After surviving
centuries of battles and bloodshed,
the fortress is now a calm and
peaceful place that serves as an
important cultural landmark. It is
home to the Norwegian Resistance
Museum, Norwegian Armed
Forces Museum, and the Royal
Mausoleum-where many modern
monarchs are buried, including King
Haakon VII (Norway's first king
after regaining independence), Queen
Maud, and their son, King Olav V.
It also serves as the main reception
venue for government affairs and as a
unique backdrop for lively concerts,
theatre performances and other
cultural events.
Visiting the Castle
While the castle is temporarily
closed, it's normally an Oslo
must-see. Entrance to the main
fortress area is free year-round,
and there's a walking trail with
a map so visitors can wander
and learn about each building's
history. Planning a future visit? You
can purchase tickets to explore
the castle itself, with its narrow
hallways, majestic main halls and
spooky prison cells. Guided tours
are available. akershusfestning.no
Oslo Ghost Walk
Feeling brave? Try this two-hour
walking tour hosted by Oslo City
and Nature Walks. As you wander
the streets of old Christiania (Oslo)
and explore the historic fortress,
you'll learn the spooky legends
and back stories surrounding
these areas. Keep your eyes and
ears open for anything strange-
past participants have reported
mysterious sights and sounds!
oslowalks.no
sonsofnorway.com VIKING OCTOBER 2020 17
PHOTO: ALIAKSEI SKREIDZELEU / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
http://www.akershusfestning.no http://www.oslowalks.no http://www.sonsofnorway.com
Viking Magazine - October 2020

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