Oscarsborg Fortress

Island Fortress Whose Guns And Torpedoes Sank The German Cruiser Bluecher On 9 April 1940, Buying Time For The King To Escape · Drobak, Akershus

Oscarsborg is a coastal fortress on two small islands, the Kaholmen islands, in the Drobak Sound, the narrowest point of the Oslofjord about an hour south of Oslo. In the early hours of 9 April 1940 its old Krupp guns and a torpedo battery sank the German heavy cruiser Bluecher as it steamed toward Oslo carrying troops and officials meant to seize the capital. Hundreds died aboard. The delay gave King Haakon VII, the government and parliament time to leave Oslo, and the country's gold reserves were moved out, so Norway kept a legal government in exile through the war. The fortress stopped being a military base in 2002, and today a short ferry from Drobak takes you to the islands to see the guns, the torpedo battery, a museum, walking paths and swimming rocks. The honest caveat: it is a small site with modest museums, and it is best for people who care about the war story or want a relaxed fjord island day from Oslo; on a short trip, Akershus Fortress in Oslo covers similar ground.

Oscarsborg on the Kaholmen islands in the Drobak Sound, by ferry from Drobak, Frogn municipality, Drobak, Akershus, Norway

The islands are reached all year by a small ferry from Sundbrygga in Drobak, a crossing of about 5 minutes. Tickets are sold online only, not on board, so buy before you walk down to the quay. In summer there are extra departures from central Drobak. The museums are open daily except on festival and event days, with longer hours in summer and shorter in winter - confirm. From Oslo, take a bus (about 45-60 minutes) or a summer boat to Drobak. Book the ferry online in advance on summer weekends.

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