Fredrikstad Fortress, Fredrikstad, Norway

Fredrikstad fortress was constructed between 1663-1666 by the officer Willem Coucheron and his son Anthony Coucheron following the order of the Dano-Norwegian King Frederick II. A temporary fortification had previously been built on the site during the Torstenson War (1644-1645) between Sweden and Denmark-Norway.

The first commander was appointed 6 January 1662; he was Lieutenant Colonel Johan Eberhard Speckhan. Besides the fortress the prison works was also under the supervision of the commander of Fredrikstad fortress. In 1716 the fortress was used by the naval hero Peder Tordenskjold when he attacked the Swedish fleet during the Battle of Dynekilen.

The only time the fortress were attacked was during the Swedish-Norwegian War (1814). The fortress, under the command of Nils Christian Frederik Hals, capitulated on 4 August 1814. The fortress was closed in 1903, but continued to serve as a garrison. Fredrikstad fortress is unique in Norway by being the only fortress that is preserved as it was. The remaining military installations in Fredrikstad were closed in 2002 and today the fortress with its mix of old buildings and art exhibitions is very popular for visitors.

The fortifications in Fredrikstad include Kongsten fort, Isegran fort, Cicignon fort, Huth fort, Akerøya fort and Slevik battery.

References:

Wikipedia

Castles and fortifications in Norway

User Reviews

Sarj S (2 years ago)
Came to see the fort after driving from Oslo. Got here and the place is closed because of some theatre production at 11am??? Nothing posted anywhere else to indicate such. The guy goes “come back next time you are in Norway!” Norwegians live up to the expectation of poor hosts!

Vu Thi Huyen Thu (2 years ago)
I love to visit the historical place. Go to old Fredrikstad and old city in Fredrikstad is an expereience when you (are) travelling to/in the East of Norway ( gamlebyen, gamle Fredrikstad)

Bijaya Kumari Devi (4 years ago)
Best place to visit

Sebek Komarenko (4 years ago)
Hey ??‍♂️???‍♂️?? My historical place from today's bike ride is Kongsten fort, founded in 1685, is a detached (free-standing) work for Fredrikstad ( Norway) fortress ????? Thanks for the likes ?❣️enjoy like and share ???? foto ?? @comar.foto

helge nesøen (4 years ago)
Awesome little fortress in genuine pre-1800 style. Worth a visit when you are in the neighborhood. Old Town is nearby in walking distance.

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These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

Fredrikstad Fortress

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