National Defence Museum of Norway at Akershus Castle in Oslo

Forsvarsmuseet

Forsvarsmuseet Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Oslo Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Discovering Forsvarsmuseet within Akershus Fortress

Located in the heart of Oslo within the historic Akershus Fortress, Forsvarsmuseet (The Norwegian Armed Forces Museum) is a premier cultural institution dedicated to presenting Norway’s military history from the Viking Age to modern times. Established as a public museum in 1978, Forsvarsmuseet has its origins in the Artillery Museum founded in 1860, later merging with the Intendant Museum and Hærmuséet. Today, it serves as both a repository of national memory and a vibrant educational center, drawing families, students, researchers, and tourists who wish to understand the evolution of Norwegian defense, society, and identity. Its location inside Akershus Fortress—Oslo’s centuries-old military stronghold—provides a dramatic and authentic setting, enhancing the visitor experience.

Whether planning a day trip, researching Norwegian military heritage, or seeking family-friendly activities, Forsvarsmuseet offers a comprehensive, accessible, and modern museum experience. This guide covers essential visitor information, historical context, exhibition highlights, travel tips, and recommendations for exploring related Oslo historical sites (Official Forsvarsmuseet Website, Forsvarshistorisk Museum, Visit Norway).

Historical Background and Museum Development
Exhibition Overview
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Location, Directions, and Accessibility
Facilities and Amenities
Guided Tours and Special Programs
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Modernization and Public Engagement
Conclusions and Recommendations
Official Sources

Historical Background and Museum Development

Forsvarsmuseet’s story begins with the Artillery Museum established in 1860, focusing on the preservation of Norway’s artillery heritage. In 1928, the Intendant Museum expanded the focus to military logistics. After World War II, these collections were unified as Hærmuséet (Army Museum), initially accessible only to military personnel. The transformation into a public institution occurred in 1978, when King Olav V inaugurated Forsvarsmuseet at its current Akershus Fortress site, reflecting a broader effort to democratize access to Norway’s national heritage (Official Forsvarsmuseet Website).

Today, Forsvarsmuseet operates as part of the Norwegian Armed Forces Museums network, with a mission to preserve, interpret, and disseminate Norway’s military history for diverse audiences.

Exhibition Overview: From Vikings to International Peacekeeping

Forsvarsmuseet presents Norwegian military history through immersive, chronological, and thematic exhibitions. The core galleries include:

Viking Age and Medieval Period: Explore early military organization and weaponry, and the role of warfare in shaping medieval Norwegian society.
1536–1905 (Union with Denmark and Sweden): Focus on foreign rule, military reforms, and the struggle for independence.
20th Century and World Wars: Exhibits cover the modernization of Norway’s armed forces, neutrality policies, German occupation, and resistance during WWII, including the pivotal role of the merchant fleet.
Cold War and NATO Era (1945–1990): Norway’s integration into NATO, civil defense, and the country’s evolving strategic significance.
International Operations: Learn about Norway’s peacekeeping missions and military contributions abroad, including in the Balkans and Afghanistan.
Special Exhibitions: Regularly updated with contemporary topics such as ethical issues in warfare, gender roles in the military, and technological advancements (Forsvarshistorisk Museum).

Unique Features:

Krigskorset Gallery: Norway’s highest military decoration, with stories of heroism and sacrifice.
Naval and Air Force Artifacts: Ship models, uniforms, vehicles, and multimedia installations.
Library, Archives, and Image Collections: Extensive resources for researchers, including rare books and photographs.

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Opening Hours:

May–August:
- Monday–Wednesday: 10:00–17:00
- Thursday: 10:00–20:00
- Friday–Sunday: 10:00–17:00
September–April:
- Monday–Sunday: 10:00–16:00
Closed: January 1, May 17, December 24–26, December 31, and for scheduled maintenance (Forsvarsmuseet opening hours).

Ticket Prices:

Adults: NOK 150
Seniors/Students: NOK 100
Children under 18: Free
Armed Forces personnel and veterans: Free
Combined ticket (Forsvarsmuseet, Norwegian Resistance Museum, Akershus Castle): Adults NOK 300, Seniors/Students NOK 200
Purchase at the entrance or Akershus Fortress Visitor Centre (Forsvarsmuseet tickets).

Location, Directions, and Accessibility

Address:
Akershus festning, 0151 Oslo, Norway

Getting There:

15-minute walk from Oslo Central Station
Tram lines 12 and 13 to Kontraskjæret
Multiple bus lines to Oslo city center
Limited accessible parking by prior arrangement

Accessibility:

Step-free entrances and elevators
Accessible toilets
Multilingual guides, audio guides, and tactile exhibits
Fortress grounds are cobblestoned; assistance available (Akershus Fortress accessibility)

Facilities and Amenities

Toilets: Including accessible facilities
Café: Open daily (11:00–15:00), light meals and refreshments
Museum Shop: Military-themed souvenirs and books
Photography: Personal use allowed; professional photography requires permission
Cloakroom and Lockers: Available for visitor convenience

Guided Tours and Special Programs

Drop-in Guided Tours: Saturdays and Sundays at 12:00 and 14:00, included in admission
Private and Themed Group Tours: Available by advance booking (Akershus Fortress tours)
Educational Programs: Workshops, lectures, school group visits
Podcast and Digital Content: Bi-weekly podcast on war, peace, and military history (Forsvarsmuseet podcast)

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Best Visiting Season: Spring through autumn for longer hours and pleasant weather
Public Transport: Well-connected; walking from Oslo Central Station is scenic
Nearby Oslo Historical Sites:
- Norges Hjemmefrontmuseum (Norwegian Resistance Museum)
- Akershus Castle
- Oslo City Hall
- Nobel Peace Center
- Oslo Opera House
Combined Tickets: Save money when visiting multiple sites
Plan for Weather: Oslo’s climate is variable; Forsvarsmuseet is a good indoor activity on rainy days (Girl with the Passport)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: At the museum entrance or Akershus Fortress Visitor Centre. Combined tickets available.

Q: Are guided tours included?
A: Yes, drop-in weekend tours are free with admission. Private tours require booking.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: The museum interior is fully accessible, but fortress terrain may be challenging. Assistance available.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Personal photography is permitted; professional shoots require permission.

Q: Are special events held at Forsvarsmuseet?
A: Yes, including temporary exhibitions and lectures—see the website or social media for updates.

Modernization and Public Engagement

Forsvarsmuseet is actively modernizing through digital innovation, sustainability, and inclusion:

Digitization: A significant portion of the 480,000-object collection is accessible in online galleries and databases (Forsvarshistorisk museum website).
Interactive and Multimedia Exhibits: Touchscreens, augmented reality, and immersive environments enhance engagement.
Inclusive Programming: Exhibitions highlight the contributions of women and minorities, and discuss ethical questions in military history.
Educational Outreach: School programs, youth workshops, and volunteer docent projects.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with universities and other military museums expand research and exhibition capacity.

Conclusions and Visitor Recommendations

Forsvarsmuseet stands as a cornerstone of Norwegian cultural tourism—a modern, accessible, and engaging museum that brings military history to life in the evocative setting of Akershus Fortress. The museum’s thoughtfully curated exhibitions, focus on education and outreach, and commitment to inclusivity and innovation ensure a rewarding experience for all visitors. Combined with nearby Oslo historical attractions, Forsvarsmuseet is essential for anyone seeking to understand Norway’s past and present.

For up-to-date information on opening hours, tickets, events, and digital resources, consult the official websites. Enhance your visit by downloading the Audiala app for guided tours, and follow Forsvarsmuseet on social media for the latest news.