16 Jul 2008 – Akershus Slott og Festning
King Håkon V built this fortified castle around the 13th century. In the 17th century it was converted into a renaissance castle. Several Norwegian royals have been buried in the Royal Mausoleum in the castle. Today it is used for state representations, public activities and housing the headquarters of the Armed Forces and the Norwegian Resistance museum can be visited there.
The fortress has successfully survived many sieges. In the early 17th century, the fortress was modernized and remodeled under the reign of the active King Christian IV, and got the appearance of a renaissance castle. The fortress was first used in battle in 1308 and has never been successfully captured by a foreign enemy. It surrendered without combat to Nazi Germany in 1940 when the Norwegian government evacuated the capital. During WWII, several people were executed here by the German occupiers. After the war, traitors who had been tried for war crimes and sentenced to death were also executed at the fortress. Among those executed was Vidkun Quisling.
No worse fate can befall a man than to be surrounded by traitor souls –
William S Borroughs
Beautiful pictures! I love these old castles but this has too many executions. Must be spooky at night.
Such a place of beauty with such a nasty past. Was the intention really to allow the dead “welcome” him by executing him there?
Just think, our Sentosa is very spirited due to the mass execution there during Japanese occupation… and look it it now, all groom to attract the tourist!
Pingback: Oslofjord Surroundings « 1st SIN AT Thru-Hiker