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Once Norway’s largest fortress, the medieval Tønsberg Fortress in the historic city of Tønsberg is well worth a visit during your time in Norway. Learn more about the fascinating history of this incredible tower and castle ruins in our complete travel guide to Tønsberg Fortress, including where exactly the fortress is located, how to get there and top tips for your visit.
All About Tønsberg Fortress in Norway
The medieval Tønsberg Fortress, also called Slottsfjell, was used to defend the city of Tønsberg for over 300 years. Slottsfjell means the ‘castle hill’, which is very fitting for Tønsberg Fortress, as the castle is indeed located on top of a hill.
Consisting of ruins from Norway’s largest castle in the 13th century, as well as a newer tower that was built in 1888, Tønsberg Fortress sits on a site that has been in use since 871 AD. The 13th century castle called Castrum Tunsbergis was originally built for King Håkon IV and is now part of the largest ruin park in all of Scandinavia.
At 17 meters high, the tower of Tønsberg Fortress offers amazing views over the city of Tønsberg, which was incredibly useful during the time the fortress was used to defend the old city of Tunsberg, as eastern Norway’s most important port.
Many Norwegian royals have been married at Tønsberg Fortress and the signatures of three Norwegian kings can be seen in the fortress’ tower, namely King Hakon VII in 1906, King Olav V in 1958 and King Harald V in 1992.
History of Slottsfjell and Tønsberg
Did you know that Tønsberg is believed to be Norway’s oldest town and one of the country’s oldest fortified locations? Tønsberg was actually founded before Norway was united under one king, King Harald I, after the Battle of Hafrsfjord from 872 to 900.
An important trading center with both land and naval routes, the city was also the site of the Norwegian parliament for Vestfold county, called the Thing (assembly). A castle was built on the current site of Slottsfjell in the 13th century during King Haakon Haakonson’s reign and was expanded by King Magnus Lagabøte, who added a church, towers, large walls and residential quarters.
Today, you can see the ruins of this historic castle, as well as the 1888 tower that was built as a memorial of the medieval fortress. There’s a plaque over the tower entrance that reads: ‘871 – 1871 May the Town Which Stands on This Site Prosper for Another Thousand Years’.
Where is Tønsberg Fortress?
Located in the coastal city of Tønsberg in southern Norway, Tønsberg Fortress sits south of the Norwegian capital, Oslo. The outer Oslofjord flows past the coast of Tønsberg, with the fortress situated on a hill close to the shore, providing a strategic view over the surrounding water.
How to Get to Tønsberg Fortress
Reaching Slottsfjell from Oslo will take around 1 hour and 15 minutes by car. You’ll need to take the E18 for most of the 100-kilometer journey, which requires tolls.
There’s also the RE11 train that runs from Oslo Central Station that takes the same amount of time to reach Tønsberg Station as by car. From the station, it’ll take you around 10 minutes to walk to the fortress.
Tønsberg Fortress Opening Times and Prices
You can visit the ruins at Tønsberg Fortress any time of the year, but the tower is closed from April to October. During May, and from August 19th to September 1st, the tower is open on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm. From June 17th to August 18th, you can visit the tower every day of the week between 11am and 4pm.
Entrance tickets to the tower start at 40 NOK ($3.75 USD) for adults, students and seniors. Children under 7 years old can visit the tower for free.
Top Tips For Visiting Tønsberg Fortress
If you’re planning to visit Tønsberg Fortress for yourself, we recommend keeping these top travel tips in mind.
- Visit the nearby Slottsfjells Museum, Slottsfjellsmuseet, where you can learn more about the castle and life in medieval Norway, plus see a historic Viking ship, a massive blue whale skeleton, historic farmhouses and a wartime bunker.
- Plan some time to explore the city of Tønsberg, including the historic buildings (think cathedral and museums), scenic marina and beautiful, green coastal walks.
- Check out the local Norway weather forecast before you set off on your journey to Slottsfjell, so you can make sure the weather will be optimal for your trip.
- Particularly in winter, you can keep an eye on the up-to-date Norway road conditions to ensure your route is open and road conditions remain safe for driving.
- Wear or bring waterproof outer layers, especially a waterproof jacket with a hood, as the weather in Norway is very changeable. It’s best to be prepared for all weather, no matter what season it is.
Explore Tønsberg Fortress and Norway For Yourself
Want to visit the historic Tønsberg Fortress and explore the amazing sights all across Norway for yourself? From flowing fjords to majestic mountains, lush forests and fascinating cultural heritage sites, Norway truly has it all.
Get started with your vacation planning by checking out our selection of reliable and affordable campervan rentals in Norway, perfect for the trip of a lifetime exploring all that Norway has to offer.
