Bergenhus Fortress

In the Middle Ages, the area was known as Holmen and served as the site for a new royal court for King Øystein Magnusson in the 12th century, after he moved the Norwegian throne here. With the consolidation of Norway under Håkon Håkonsson in the 13th century, a stone fortress was built, making Bergen a political center. The Håkonshallen and parts of the Rosenkrantz Tower (Magnus Lagabøte's keep) from this period are still preserved. Additionally, a stone church, other halls, gate castles, and a fortress wall were added. Although Bergen lost its status as a royal residence with the Dano-Norwegian personal union, the old royal court remained an important administrative center. From 1660, with the introduction of absolutism in Denmark, Bergenhus evolved into a pure fortress. It participated in the Battle of Vågen in 1665 and was significantly expanded in the 17th century. Around 1700, it formed a combined defensive complex with Sverresborg. In the early 19th century, Sverresborg was separated again, and parts of the grounds were converted into a park, while its military use as a headquarters and non-commissioned officer school continued. During World War II, it served as the German Wehrmacht headquarters and was severely damaged by an explosion in 1944. After the war, it became the headquarters of the Vestlandet District Command and has housed the Naval Schools since 2002.

Bergenhus Fortress is located in Bergen, in the Hordaland district, in the Vestlandet region of Norway, at an elevation of approximately 3 meters above sea level.

Today, Bergenhus Fortress serves as the location for the Naval School and other military facilities, including the Accountability Administration of the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Defense Museum, the Hordaland Home Guard District, the Vestland Military Band, and the Bergen Conscription Office.

• Sverresborg Fortress (Fortress), approx. 0.3 km away
• Fredriksberg Fortress (Fortress), approx. 0.6 km away
• Gamlehaugen Castle (Castle), approx. 6.4 km away
• Lysekloster (Ruin) (Sacred building), approx. 19.8 km away