Fredrikstad Fortress

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Fredrikstad festning
Fredrikstad, Norway
Built	1663-1666
In use	1663-1903(fort) -2001(garrison)
Controlled by	Norway
Battles/wars	Swedish invasion 1814

Fredrikstad fortress was constructed in the city of Fredrikstad 1663-1666 by the officer Willem Coucheron and his son Anthony Coucheron following the order of the Dano-Norwegian King Frederick. The first commander was appointed 6 January 1662; he was Lieutenant Colonel Johan Eberhard Speckhan. Besides the fortress the prison works was also under the supervision of the commander of Fredrikstad fortress. In 1716 the fortress was used by the naval hero Tordenskjold when he attacked the Swedish fleet at Dynekil. The only time the fortress were attacked was when Sweden invaded Norway in 1814, and the fortress capitulated 4 August 1814.

The fortress was closed in 1903, but continued to serve as a garrison. Fredrikstad fortress is unique in Norway by being the only fortress that is preserved as it was. The remaining military installations was closed in 2001 and today the fortress is very popular for visitors; with its mix of old buildings and art exhibitions.