Top 5 Military Museums in Central Norway, Central Norway

Hegra Fortress was finished in 1910, an was build as a result of the end of Norways union with Sweden in 1905. The fortress was intended to stop a swedish invasion through the walley of Stjørdal. The fortress is most known for its effort during the german invasion in Norway in spring 1940. Major Holtermann and his men held the fortress without surrending for 25 days, until the southern parts of Norway capitulated. Today the fortress is open during the summer season, with a museum and a restaurant, and it is possible to wander around the whole fortress and the beautiful surroundings.

The cannon at Austratt, a triple-barreled gun turret, is the only of its kind remaining. The cannon, which originally was part of the battleship Gneisenau, has three 28.3 cm cannons with a range of 38 km. The cannon tower is five stories tall. During a guided tour you will descend five stories into the mountain. You will experience the impressive insides of the gun turret and you will among other things see and hear about the German soldiers underground barracks, the electrical generating system and hospital. In summer season: guided tour every day.

Kristiansten Fortress is an important part of the City of Trondheim's identity, and an area with excellent environmental qualities. Kristiansten Fortress is often used for various cultural events and the city's inhabitants use the area for recreational purposes. On the night of 19 April 1681, Trondheim experienced the biggest and most destructive of many town fires. Afterwards, King Christian V asked Major General Jean Caspar de Cicignon and his chief of staff Quartermaster General Anthony Coucheron to prepare a new plan for the city and its fortification. A completely new network of streets was built, with wide streets in accordance with the Baroque ideal and fortifications around the city centre. The result was a fortress town based on the Continental model, surrounded by fortified ramparts to the south and west, and with two tower fortresses – Munkholmen out on the fjord to the north of the city and Kristiansten, on a hill above the city . Kristiansten was completed in 1684.

How did the Norsemen defend their country against enemies in the Viking Age and in the medieval times? What kind of weapons did the soldiers use in the 18th century? Who were the Caroleans who looted Trondelag in 1718-1719? Why did the German occupation take Norway completely by surprise in 1940? Why are some people willing to risk their lives to defend a nation's interests and values? What is the importance of the Norwegian military defense through history, and what is the importance today? These, and other questions, you will find answers to in our collection and displays.

Second world war museum. Showing Kriegsmarines and Luftwaffes activities in Trondheim fjord in period 1940 to 1945. The museum do also show pictures and stories about the Royal Air Force bombing campaign against Tirpitz in 1942.