Kategori: Fortress

Karljohansvern

Karljohansvern is located just outside the centre of Horten and was once the main base of the Royal Norwegian Navy. Today, you can explore the historic naval grounds on foot, visit museums, walk beside the Horten Canal and enjoy the natural surroundings of Hortenskogen forest. Historic military buildings, maritime heritage and coastal scenery make this an ideal place for a relaxing walk or a day of exploring.

Discover the history of Norway's naval base
Karljohansvern's history as a naval base began in 1818, when the Norwegian Navy established its main station in Horten. Over the following decades, the area developed into an extensive military complex with dockyard buildings, warehouses, workshops and other facilities connected to naval operations. The architecture reflects this development. Buildings from different periods stand alongside one another, revealing how the naval base expanded and adapted to changing technology. Much of Karljohansvern was once closed to the public. Today, you can walk among the historic buildings and discover how the former naval base has become an active cultural and heritage area.

Explore the Naval Museum and historic warships
At the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum, you can discover the history of Norway's naval forces in times of war and peace. Its collections include maritime objects, ships, models and equipment that reveal life at sea and the development of the Royal Norwegian Navy. Visitors can also explore historic naval vessels, including the KNM Utstein submarine and the KNM Blink gunboat, when these are open to the public. Nearby, KNM Narvik, a preserved Norwegian warship from the Cold War, offers the opportunity to explore life aboard a naval vessel and discover its military history.

Discover photography and the Oslofjord
Inside one of the historic naval warehouse buildings, you will find Preus Museum, Norway's national museum of photography. Its exhibitions explore the history of photography and photography as an artistic medium. Karljohansvern is also home to the Oslofjord Visitor Centre. Particularly suitable for families, the centre offers interactive activities that introduce visitors to marine life and the environmental challenges facing the Oslofjord. Each museum has its own opening hours, so check current visitor information before planning your day.

Walk along the Horten Canal and through Hortenskogen
Karljohansvern is surrounded by green spaces, old trees and coastal scenery. The Horten Canal separates the historic naval grounds from the rest of the town, with paths offering views of small boats, historic buildings and the waterfront. Continue into Hortenskogen forest to discover woodland paths, mature oak trees and a varied natural environment. Parts of the area are protected for their plant and birdlife, so visitors should respect the natural surroundings. For a longer walk, follow the Karljohansvern circular trail, which leads through the historic naval grounds, beside the canal and through Hortenskogen towards the coast and Møringa.

Historic buildings and cultural experiences
Karljohansvern has developed into a place for art, culture and activities in historic surroundings. Former military buildings now serve various cultural purposes, and the area hosts concerts, exhibitions, markets and other events throughout the year. A visit can therefore include more than museums and history. You might discover a cultural event, explore the architecture or simply enjoy walking between the historic buildings. Events and activities vary throughout the year, so check current programmes before visiting.

Plan your visit
Karljohansvern is located in Horten, with the general address Karljohansvern, 3183 Horten, Norway. The museum area is approximately a 20-minute walk from central Horten and the harbour. The outdoor grounds are open to the public 24 hours a day, throughout the year. Exploring the grounds is free, while museums and selected events operate with their own opening hours and possible admission charges. Parking is available in designated areas, including near Kulturverftet on Kommandørkaptein Klincks vei. The area inside the historic walls at

Kulturverftet is car-free, with ordinary vehicle access and parking prohibited. The grounds include paved paths, woodland trails and historic outdoor areas with varying surfaces. Visitors with specific accessibility requirements should contact individual museums or venues for information about their facilities. Visit the Norwegian Defence Estates Agency website for further information about Karljohansvern and visiting the historic grounds.

Krutthuset, Stavern

Krutthuset, the historic Gunpowder House, is located within Fredriksvern Naval Base in Stavern. Originally used to store gunpowder for military operations, the building also served as a prison for a period. Today, Krutthuset hosts changing art exhibitions, where you can discover paintings, prints, photography and other artistic expressions in a building connected to Stavern's naval history.

Discover art in the former gunpowder store
Galleri Krutthuset is part of the art community at Fredriksvern. Different artists present their work through exhibitions that change throughout the season. The gallery has exhibition spaces on both the ground and first floors. The works on display vary from one exhibition to another, with previous seasons featuring painting, glass art, printmaking and other artistic expressions.
Visiting Krutthuset offers an opportunity to discover artists while exploring one of the historic buildings at the former naval base.

From gunpowder storage to exhibition space
Krutthuset was constructed as part of the military complex at Fredriksvern. Storing gunpowder required special safety precautions, and as early as 1756, plans were discussed for two separate gunpowder towers to reduce the risks associated with storing large quantities in one location.
The building's construction also had to provide protection against bombardment. Historical plans described an upper floor designed to accommodate a thick protective layer. The building was later used as a prison for a period. Today, it has taken on a very different role as a venue for art and culture.

Explore historic Fredriksvern
Krutthuset stands within a historic area where naval heritage and cultural life come together. Construction of Fredriksvern began in 1750, establishing Norway's first main naval base. Many of the original buildings have been preserved and are now used for galleries, exhibitions and cultural events. Take time to explore the grounds before or after your gallery visit. Here you can see historic warehouses, workshops and galley sheds, and discover how the former naval base has become an active cultural heritage site. Just outside Fredriksvern stands Fredriksvern Church, consecrated in 1756. The church is another interesting stop for visitors exploring Stavern's military history.

Plan your visit
Krutthuset is located within Fredriksvern Naval Base, 3290 Stavern, in Larvik municipality, Norway.
Galleri Krutthuset opens for scheduled art exhibitions, mainly during the summer season, with some events taking place at other times of the year. Opening hours and any admission charges vary. The outdoor grounds at Fredriksvern are open 24 hours a day and are free to visit. Parking is available in Stavern town centre and in designated paid parking areas within Fredriksvern. Public toilets are located in Galley Shed 17 (Galeiskur 17).

If travelling by public transport, take the train to Larvik and continue by bus towards Stavern. Visit the Fredriksvern art exhibition programme for up-to-date information about participating artists, opening hours and events.

 

Bolærne

Bolærne was recently opened up to the public after having been owned by the military for many years. The military influence is most apparent on Eastern Bolæren, but all three islands show signs of human activity, sometimes streching as far back as 1000 years BCE.

All together the three islands, Western Bolæren, Middle Bolæren and Eastern Bolæren cover over 2 square kilometers. In addition to this there are over 40 smaller islands, islets and skerries around the main islands. Due to the rich and varied flora and fauna that exists in the area, much of the archipelago is part of the Færder national park.

Transport
The only way to reach Bolærne is by boat. People will prefer to travel out in their own boat if they have one, but there is also a ferry which leaves daily from the town of Tønsberg in the summer. For more information on the ferry go to the official website Flybåten.no

There is also possible to go by taxiboat; Fjordtaxi. 

Middle Bolæren
Considered by many the most beautiful island, Middle Bolæren is prized for its rich flora and scenic landscapes. There is a nice costal trail which connects the different sights on the island. Among other things there are various remnants from a POW camp built to house Russians during WWII,
several burial mounds from the viking age and a grand decidous forest. The Earls lodge is also a popular attraction. The most common way to access the island is from Kongshavnsundet.

Western Bolæren
Not as visited as the two other islands in summer, Western Bolæren nonetheless boasts many nice sights and swimming spots. Accessed mostly by the main quay at Jenserud, it is ideal for a quiet day out enjoying nature. There is a café, several cabins that can be rented and a big area where one can pitch tents for free. It has a coastal path, burial mounds, a viking camp and several fine beaches.

Eastern Bolæren
The most popular island of the three, Eastern Bolæren shows the strongest signs of human influence. Most of the buildings are situated around the guest port on the west side. These include a small hotel for overnight stay, a resturant and a kiosk. Bolærne fort organises guided trips of the islands defensive fortifications, but one may also walk among the bunkers and trenches at leisure. Like the two others, Eastern Bolæren has several bathing spots and paths crisscrossing the forests and rocks. There is also a designated area for pitching tents.