Strategically positioned in the narrow strait of Drøbak, Oscarsborg offers a unique insight into Norwegian military history.
A holiday in Oscarsborg allows you to experience one of the most important fortresses in Norway that dates back to the Second World War. Children can go on a tunnel safari and experience all of the fortress ’s interesting nooks and crannies. Visit the Kommandantboligen building and join in the tours to learn more about the history of the fortress.
Oscarsborg is a fortress that was constructed on Kaholmen in the strait of Drøbak in the 1850s, acting as a key defence in the Oslo fjord for some time. At its most extensive, the fortress also incorporated other facilities on both sides of the strait. The fortress is generally best known for sinking the German cruiser, Blücher, in 1940. Military activities at Oscarsborg came to an end in 2002 and the facility is now open to the general public.
From Drøbak, you can take the ferry to Oscarsborg, with the journey taking around five minutes. Make sure to visit the Oscarsborg festningsmuseum, which offers great insights in to the fortress’s history. Walk the Festningsløypa route at your own pace to familiarise yourself with the fortress and the area. The nearby Galleri Oscarsborg also hosts exhibitions from many local artists.
The island itself is small and you can easily visit in just one day. It’s also an ideal place for a picnic, so make sure to pack a hearty lunch and then find yourself a nice patch to spend the afternoon.
During the summer, there are ferries to Oscarsborg from various towns around Norway, including Oslo. The ferry from Drøbak also runs during winter. There are guest quays on the island, too, so you can arrive by boat if you wish. The island also has its own hotel if you plan on staying for more than a day.
Norway boasts plenty of holiday treasures and you do not need to travel far for incredible experiences. At Oscarsborg you can experience exciting history from the wartime era and explore all that the impressive fortress buildings have to offer.
