Torås Fort is located on the island of Tjøme in Færder municipality and is one of Vestfold's best-preserved military sites from the Second World War. Explore former gun positions, enjoy views over the outer Oslofjord and join guided tours through the fort's underground tunnels. The former coastal fortress also houses Færder Military History Museum and a memorial commemorating the events in the Oslofjord in April 1940.
Explore the wartime tunnels
Construction of Torås Fort began under Norwegian authorities in 1938. During the German occupation, the coastal battery was expanded and completed in November 1941 as Marineküstenbatterie 4/501, equipped with three 15-centimetre Bofors guns as its main armament.
On a guided tour, you can discover how the fortress formed part of the coastal defences and learn about the soldiers who lived and worked here. The tour takes you through underground tunnels and across the fort grounds, where military structures remain from the years when the Oslofjord was defended. After the Second World War, the fort returned to Norwegian military use. During the Cold War, parts of the facility were also used for secret training associated with the Stay Behind organisation. Military operations continued until the fort was decommissioned in 1999.
Færder Military History Museum
After the fort closed, its tunnels were sealed. Since 2008, the Torås Fort Interest Group has worked to preserve the site and reopen parts of it to visitors. In 2018, Færder Military History Museum opened in one of the restored tunnels. The exhibition presents the history of the fort and the military activities that took place here, with objects and stories covering different periods of Norwegian defence history. The museum can be visited during advertised opening hours and organised guided tours. Access to the underground tunnels is restricted outside these visits.
The Pol III memorial
Torås Fort is also home to a memorial commemorating the events in the outer Oslofjord on 8 April 1940. At its centre is the original bow of the Norwegian patrol vessel Pol III, which attempted to warn of and stop the German invasion force entering the Oslofjord.
The memorial was unveiled on 8 April 2020, with Norwegian artist Vebjørn Sand responsible for its artistic design. It offers a tangible connection to the dramatic hours before the invasion of Norway.
Guided historical walks and group visits
The Torås Fort Interest Group organises guided historical walks, introducing visitors to the site's military past, from its earliest history to its closure in 1999. A guided tour normally lasts around two hours and includes both outdoor areas and underground tunnels. Private guided tours can be arranged for groups of at least ten people. Cultural and historical events also take place at the fort throughout the year. During the summer season, a café has offered refreshments such as coffee and Norwegian waffles. Opening hours and event schedules vary, so check the latest information before visiting.
Combine history with a coastal walk
Torås Fort stands in a coastal landscape overlooking the outer Oslofjord. The grounds are also an interesting place to walk if you would like to combine local history with time outdoors. An unmarked trail of approximately 2.5 kilometres leads from the fort towards Havna. The route is included in Visit Vestfold's overview of coastal trails on Nøtterøy and Tjøme. It takes you through varied coastal scenery and provides an opportunity to continue exploring the island on foot. You can also combine your visit with Verdens Ende, at the southern tip of Tjøme, known for its rocky coastline, distinctive tipping lighthouse and views over Færder National Park.
Plan your visit
Torås Fort is located at Rødsgata 55, 3145 Tjøme, in Færder municipality.
The outdoor grounds can be visited throughout the year. The museum, tunnels and café have separate opening arrangements and are normally accessible during the summer season, guided tours and advertised events. Check current opening hours before travelling. Guided historical walks take approximately two hours and can be arranged for groups of between ten and 50 people. Previous visitor information listed a price of NOK 200 per person, with free admission for children under 12. Current prices must be confirmed when booking. Tours include outdoor terrain and historic underground tunnels, where visitors may encounter uneven surfaces, steps and narrow passages. Contact the organisers in advance if you have specific accessibility requirements.
For current opening hours, upcoming events and guided tour bookings, contact the Torås Fort Interest Group or consult its official social media channels.