Akershus Fortress lies by the harbour in Oslo, very close to the departure and arrival point of the Copenhagen ferry. The fortress was established in the fourteenth century by King Haakon V, and held key strategic importance. It was several times beseiged. Its modern development owes much to Christian IV, king of Denmark and Norway, who converted it into a royal residence and palace in the Renaissance style. Guided tours of the palace are available and are a popular tourist attraction. The changing of the Royal Guard occurs here daily.
