Is there a changing of the guard at Akershus Fortress?

The parade, when it runs

Between April and September, typically on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, the guard parade forms up at Kontraskjæret at the north-west corner of the fortress at around 13:15. It goes up Akersgata, across Egertorget and along Karl Johans gate to the Palace, led by one of three military bands and preceded by mounted police. It is a march with music, not a ceremony, and weather cancels it at short notice.

For the rest of 2026 it is cancelled outright, for court mourning following the death of King Harald V. I would not plan an afternoon around it.

Why people expect one here

Because until 2019 there were soldiers on the gates, and because “fortress” and “guard” sit next to each other in most people’s heads. Akershus is still a working military headquarters — the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence and the Prime Minister’s office are all inside the walls — so you will see uniforms. You will not see a ceremony. If a marching band is what you came for, go to the Palace.

Walking the parade route instead

The two-hour guided walk of central Oslo covers Karl Johans gate and ends near the Royal Palace, which is most of the parade route in reverse, with the fortress at the other end of it.

Frequently asked questions