Kristiansten Fortress

Kristiansten Fortress stands on the hill above Trondheim, with views over the city, the fjord, and Bymarka. The fortress was built after the great city fire of 1681. The fire showed how vulnerable the city was, and the new city plan was not only about streets and buildings – it was also about defence. Kristiansten was constructed between 1682 and 1684, by order of King Christian V. Johan Caspar de Cicignon and Anthony Coucheron were central to the planning. Its location was strategic. From the hill, the approach from the east could be controlled, and the city could be protected from attack. The fortress faced its most important test during the Great Northern War in 1718, when Swedish forces under General Armfeldt attempted to take Trondheim. The fortress helped prevent the city from being captured. Later, Kristiansten lost much of its military importance, but the area continued to be used. Among other things, it served as a fire lookout, because of the excellent view over the city. During the Second World War, the fortress was used as an execution site by the occupying forces – a dark chapter in its history. Today, Kristiansten is a protected museum area and one of Trondheim’s best viewpoints. From here, you can clearly see how the city lies between the river, fjord, and landscape.