Blaker Fortress

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Blaker skanse
Blaker, Norway
Built	1675
In use
Battles/wars	Swedish invasion 1718

Blaker Fortress is one of the Norwegian fortresses which were constructed in the period of intense competition among the Baltic powers (Denmark-Norway, Sweden, Russia, Poland and the German states) for northern supremacy. The 17th and beginning of the 18th century was a period of virtually continuous war or preparation for war, as follows:

1611 to 1613 - Kalmar War
1618 to 1648 - Thirty Years' War
1655 to 1658 – Northern Wars
1673 to 1675 – Fortification Upgrades
1675 to 1679 – Gyldenløve War
1700 to 1721 – Great Northern War

In 1675 Gyldenløve indicated an intent to construct a fortress in the Glomma river where Blaker (a former township in Akershus) lies as part of his general program of Norwegian fortification upgrades. His objective was a stronghold available both to serve as a safe defensive position when necessary and a location to station troops who could take the offensive against invaders when the opportunity availed itself.

Blaker Fortress saw action in 1718, when it was surrounded by the invading Swedish army, but the siege collapsed upon the death of Charles XII of Sweden in front of Fredriksten Fortress.