Just a few minutes by ferry from Drøbak, where the Oslo Fjord is at its narrowest, you will find Oscarsborg Fortress. Today a peaceful coastal gem where stately fortifications, museums, a guest harbour, restaurants and a historic fortress hotel set the mood for a great visit with historical buzz.
But on 9 April 1940, the atmosphere at Oscarsborg Fortress was completely different. The decisions made here on that fateful fog-filled night changed Norway’s history.
The sinking of the Blücher postponed the German invasion of Oslo and allowed the royal family, government and parliament to escape and Norway’s gold holdings to be transported to safety.
Oscarsborg Fortress is therefore one of the most iconic places in Norwegian history.
The movie Blücher showcases this history.
All photos: Lillian Julsvik/Ymer media
Travelling here
The historic journey already starts on the Oscarsborg ferry, an older military boat that has been given new life as a ferry boat for tourists between Drøbak and Oscarsborg. In the summer and on weekends in the autumn, the ferry departs from both Sjøtorget in Drøbak city centre and Sundbrygga north of Drøbak, but on weekdays in the autumn and in the winter, the ferry only departs from Sundbrygga north of Badeparken.
Check the Oscarsborg ferry timetable here.
The B21 and B22 ferries run to Oscarsborg from Aker Brygge during the summer months, from Easter to October. Check timetables with Ruter here.
Where to stay
The fortress island of Oscarsborg, which was released for civilian use in 2004, is also an excellent place for an overnight stay, whether you moor your own boat in the beautiful guest harbour, which holds around 110 boats, or check in at Oscarsborg Hotel & Resort, one of several hotels under the Fortress Hotels umbrella.
In the old officers’ and students’ barracks, simple military barracks have been converted into beautiful hotel rooms, many with sea views. Military jackets and helmets are appropriate decorations in the rooms of this unique accommodation in the Oslofjord. In addition to a comfortable double bed, the family rooms also have military bunk beds, with names such as 36 Trym and 49 Isaksen written on the concrete walls. The attentive receptionists always try to match the surname on the wall with the guest’s name, if possible.
Despite the military setting, there’s no morning inspection or requirement to make your bed if you’re staying overnight, but it’s a short walk up to the Forpleiningen restaurant with a great outdoor seating area and seasonal dishes on the menu. Or how about a delicious festive menu in the fortress, where the entire royal family has also been served good meals? The hotel also operates Havnekroa in Oscarsborg guest harbour.
Oscarsborg Hotel & Resort also has several conference rooms and is a favourite venue for brides and grooms who want to be forged in the chains of the anthem with a stately banquet hall and officers’ mess.
Oscarsborg Hotel & Resort also offers guided tours for groups called Experience Oscarsborg.
“Experience Oscarsborg” is a 1.5-hour guided tour around Kaholmene. They visit the places of significance and talk about the stories, people, architecture and today’s Oscarsborg. A place filled with so much mystery also has its travelling and tall tales! During the tour, they will also visit the main fort’s salons, officers’ mess, banqueting hall and, not least, the order hall, where royal and historical personalities have walked the corridors.
Read more about Experience Oscarsborg here.
Oscarsborg museums & guided tour
Oscarsborg’s museums consist of the Fortress Museum, the Coastal Artillery Museum, the Fire Control Museum, the Torpedo Battery and the Cannon Park.
The Fortress Museum focuses largely on the historical events that took place on 9 April 1940 and the German invasion, when the cruiser “Blücher” sailed through a dark and foggy fjord at night. The role of Oscarsborg and the sinking of the Blücher helped postpone Hitler’s plan to take Oslo and had great significance in Norwegian history. Here you’ll find everything from interactive installations where you can get a digital tour “by ear” from your mobile phone to exciting exhibits. Children will also enjoy the tunnels leading to the fortress and the coastal goats that graze around the island during the summer months.
General information and opening hours for the museum can be found here.
For a deeper dive into the history of Oscarsborg, there are also several highly knowledgeable authorised guides who offer guided tours of the island. This provides a unique insight into the fortress island’s historical significance and gives you the opportunity to see areas that are not otherwise accessible. You can book tours and guided tours here.
Eating and drinking at Oscarsborg
In addition to the restaurants associated with Oscarsborg Hotel & Resort, there are also two eateries in Oscarsborg guest harbour. Havnekroa, which is operated by Oscarsborg Hotel & Resort, and Oscarsborg Gjestehavns Spiseri, which is operated by Oscarsborg Gjestehavn. Oscarsborg guest harbour also operates a seasonal kiosk and information centre.
Sun and bath
Today, Oscarsborg is a peaceful island gem a short distance from the capital, with fresh sea air, great hiking opportunities and swimming beaches. While most of the attractions are located on Søndre Kaholmen, Nordre Kaholmen is where you can find a cosy bay, roll out a picnic blanket and enjoy life by the Oslofjord. It’s therefore a good idea to bring a swimsuit and towel if you visit Oscarsborg in the summer.
Pole hunting at Oscarsborg
There is also a pole hunt at Oscarsborg every season. Read more about Stolpejakt here.