Attraction · Oslo
Akershus Fortress (Akershus festning): free entry days, tickets & hours
Independent guide, not the official Akershus Fortress website. Official links are under Sources.
Part of Akershus Fortress is free: fortress grounds are free to enter.
- Also free: Castle and fortress museums free for children 0-5.
Before you go
How to actually get in for free
- From September to April Akershus Castle opens only on Saturdays and Sundays 12:00-17:00 and may close at short notice for official events.
- Start at the Visitor Centre in the long red building by Karpedammen.
- About 15 minutes' walk from Oslo Central Station to the main gate in Kirkegata.
All free options
Who gets in free, and when
| Free option | Who | Conditions | Book? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free areaFortress grounds are free to enter | everyone | Akershus Castle, the Armed Forces Museum and Norway's Resistance Museum are ticketed (adult NOK 160 each, combined NOK 320). | No |
| Free forCastle and fortress museums free for children 0-5 | children under 6 | Same rule listed for Akershus Castle and the Armed Forces Museum; Norway's Resistance Museum lists 'Children (age 0-5): Free'. | No |
| Free with passCastle and fortress museums free with the Oslo Pass | oslo pass holders | Guided tours are not included in the Oslo Pass. | No |
Official prices
Akershus Fortress ticket prices
| Combined ticket: Akershus Castle + Armed Forces Museum + Norway's Resistance Museum (adult) — All three fortress sights on one ticket. | kr 320 |
| Akershus Castle, adult — Medieval castle turned Renaissance royal residence; Sep-Apr open weekends only. | kr 160 |
| Drop-in guided tour of the fortress from the Visitor Centre (adult) — Cannon tower, Serpent Yard and the underground King's Casemate; tickets on site only. | kr 150 |
Prices from the official website, checked Oct 2026. Free options are listed above.
Tickets & tours
Best-rated tickets and tours: Akershus Fortress
Ratings and prices from the booking partners; prices may change.
Practical
Opening hours & how to get there
| Mon | 06:00–21:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 06:00–21:00 |
| Wed | 06:00–21:00 |
| Thu | 06:00–21:00 |
| Fri | 06:00–21:00 |
| Sat | 06:00–21:00 |
| Sun | 06:00–21:00 |
Main gate daily 06:00-21:00; side gates 07:00-18:00. Visitor Centre May-Aug 10:00-17:00, Sep-Apr 10:00-16:00. Museums and the castle have their own hours.
Akershus festning, 0150 Oslo, Norway
Also free nearby
Make a free afternoon of it
Worth paying for nearby
Paid highlights within walking distance
FAQ
Akershus Fortress: common questions
Is Akershus Fortress free?
Fortress grounds are free to enter. Also free: Castle and fortress museums free for children 0-5.
Who gets free entry to Akershus Fortress?
Children under 6 — same rule listed for Akershus Castle and the Armed Forces Museum; Norway's Resistance Museum lists 'Children (age 0-5): Free'..
Visitor reviews
What visitors say about Akershus Fortress
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Sources
Where this comes from
- forsvarshistoriskmuseum.no/akershus-festning/en · checked Saturday, 24 October 2026
- forsvarshistoriskmuseum.no/akershus-slott/en · checked Saturday, 24 October 2026
- forsvarshistoriskmuseum.no/forsvarsmuseet/en · checked Saturday, 24 October 2026
Every free rule is checked against the official source and re-checked on a schedule. Spotted a change? Tell us.