Forsvarsmuseet

About the museum

Forsvarsmuseet is the main museum of the Armed Forces (Forsvaret) and has been located at Akershus Fortress since 1860. In the old arsenal building, visitors can learn about the strategy, technology and people who have shaped the Armed Forces throughout Norway's history. The museum is part of Forsvarshistorisk museum (the Armed Forces Historical Museum).

The exhibitions focus on the period from the 15th century to the present and show how military strategy, technology and politics have shaped the country's history. The museum presents material from all branches of the armed forces and gives a combined picture of how the Armed Forces have developed. The exhibitions invite reflection on questions of defence history and on the role of the Armed Forces today, and the history is conveyed honestly and without distortion.

The permanent exhibitions cover, among other things, the period 1300–1814 and the union with Sweden 1814–1905, the battle for Norway in 1940, the naval war 1939–1945, international operations and the Krigskorset (War Cross), Norway's highest decoration. The museum also has a special library with publications from the 16th century to the present and a picture archive in the historic premises of the fortress.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibitions on Norwegian defence history from the 14th century to today
• “62 dager” – The Battle for Norway 1940
• 1939–1945: The Naval War
• Krigskorset (War Cross) – Norway's highest decoration
• Special library and picture archive
• Drop-in guided tours on Saturday and Sunday

Permanent exhibitions

• 62 dager – Kampen om Norge 1940 – Permanent exhibition on the battles in Norway in 1940.
• 1939–1945: Sjøkrigen – Permanent exhibition on the naval war during the Second World War.
• Krigskorset – Norges høyeste utmerkelse – Permanent exhibition on the War Cross.

Founded

1978

Operated by

Forsvarshistorisk museum

Admission & discounts

Free admission for children under 6, Oslo Pass holders, Armed Forces personnel and veterans, ICOM members and companions with a companion card. Pre-booked guided tours are free for school classes and nurseries. Payment by card or cash.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Parking for people with reduced mobility: contact the guard at the main gate in Kirkegata.

Kids & families

Family ticket for two adults and one to four children. Children under 6 enter free.

Getting there & parking

The main gate is open daily 06:00–21:00, the side gates 07:00–18:00. Entry to the fortress grounds is free.

Amenities & dining

The visitor centre at Akershus Fortress by the Karpedammen has a museum shop and offers coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit