Akershus Castle and Vigeland Sculptures

The Akershus Castle was originally a 1300’s medieval fortress, in the 1600th century under the reign of King Christian IV it was rebuilt and then in the 18th & 19th centuries it fell into disrepair. Today it has been restored for use by the Norwegian government as meeting rooms or dining halls.

The castle tour was through a dungeon, a secret passage, a mausoleum, a church/chapel (still used today, actually held a wedding there that morning), and a couple of Halls that are used for dining (they can seat up to 180 people at one table), dancing, receptions and court rooms.

The walls were hand painted by one person.  It took 2 years. 

Before the castle opened to the public John, Susanna and I strolled through Norway’s Resistance Museum that is housed in a building on the fortress grounds.  Norway was occupied by the German’s for five years beginning in 1940. A highly efficient and well organized resistance group was established early in the war and was supported by the British, where the king and head government officials had escaped.  It was a well done and interesting museum.

After lunch we grabbed an Uber and visited the Vigeland Sculpture Park. Gustav Vigeland was a prolific artist.  The park is filled with over 200 of his original works in granite, bronze and wrought iron.  His masterpiece is the monolith of one piece of granite carved with intertwining bodies.  There were 60 bronze statues lining the main path leading up to the huge water fountain and its surrounding sculptures.  He also created several wrought iron gates depicting men and women.  Quite an amazing place.