Kristiansten fortress was built between 1682 and 1684 on the hill east of the city centre, after the great fire of 1681 destroyed most of Trondheim. General Cicignon, who redesigned the city's street plan, also designed the fortress. Its job was to protect the city from attack from the east.
It earned its keep in 1718 when Swedish forces besieged Trondheim. The strength of the fortress convinced the Swedes to retreat. After that, it was never seriously tested again and was decommissioned in 1816.
During World War II, the German occupiers used the fortress as an execution site. Several Norwegian resistance fighters were shot here. A memorial marks the spot.
Today the grounds are open and free to enter. There is a small museum and a cafe in summer. The main reason to walk up is the view over the city, the fjord, and the mountains beyond. It is a short but steep walk from Bakklandet.
It earned its keep in 1718 when Swedish forces besieged Trondheim. The strength of the fortress convinced the Swedes to retreat. After that, it was never seriously tested again and was decommissioned in 1816.
During World War II, the German occupiers used the fortress as an execution site. Several Norwegian resistance fighters were shot here. A memorial marks the spot.
Today the grounds are open and free to enter. There is a small museum and a cafe in summer. The main reason to walk up is the view over the city, the fjord, and the mountains beyond. It is a short but steep walk from Bakklandet.