Akershus in a New Light

Photo: Forsvarsdepartemente/Erik Selmer

There’s a familiar face with a new look on Oslo’s night skyline. As we headed for the darkest day of the year, finishing touches were being put on renovations to Akershus Castle, including an exterior lighting system that casts the historic building’s façade in a new light against the city’s night sky. On the evening of December 8, Norway’s defense minister flipped the switch for the first time, lighting up this 700-year-old symbol of Norway’s royal and medieval history.

One of 14 historic fortresses in Norway, Akershus is just one among many renovations along Oslo’s waterfront. Viking’s February issue takes a look at the city’s concerted effort to revive its harbor area in our feature “The New Oslo.” Read about the dynamic mix of old and new, like the cutting-edge financial district development Barcode alongside restored warehouse buildings, museums and parks. Oslo’s ongoing Bjørvika development combines futuristic architecture and historic restoration in a cultural cocktail of business, arts and entertainment, residential and green space.

Lest Oslo’s nightlife forgets where it all started, Akershus stands at the heart of it all, a glowing reminder of the city’s ancient beginnings.

Ann Pedersen is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in St. Paul, Minn.