Discover Horten: Karljohansvern and the Naval Museum

Horten offers a range of reasons to visit: at Karljohansvern, you can explore the history of the Norwegian Navy, while museums and trails in the wider Horten destination appeal to other interests.

Karljohansvern: Fortress history by the water

Karljohansvern is a national fortification in Horten. The fortress grounds are open around the clock. Its history as the Navy’s main base began in 1818; for more than 150 years, Karljohansvern was one of Norway’s most important military-strategic and technological centres. This makes the site particularly interesting if you are interested in the development of the military and technology. The Karljohansvern Fortress Trail has 31 information stations, offering a tangible way to explore this historic site.

Maritime history is also at the heart of the Naval Museum at Karljohansvern in Horten. It is one of the oldest naval museums in the world. Special visitor experiences include going aboard the gunboat KNM Blink and the submarine KNM Utstein. Visit details may vary. The vessels add a vivid insight into different types of naval craft to the historical perspective.

Museums, art and historic sites

The cultural offering in the wider Horten destination also extends beyond military history. The Preus Museum explores all aspects of the history of photography and has two galleries for temporary exhibitions. The Harald Kihle Art Museum displays 170 works, ranging from the artist’s childhood drawings to his final works. Galleri Verftsporten is home to eight resident artists and craftspeople, each with their own studios and workshops. If you enjoy discovering different forms of art and culture, these places each offer a distinct focus.

Åsgårdstrand has the character of a historic seaside resort and artists’ town. There, Edvard Munch’s House is a small museum whose interior has been preserved as it was during the artist’s lifetime. Galleri Ask features a variety of styles and materials in contemporary visual art and crafts; its exhibition programme is seasonal and may change. Another historic site in the wider Horten destination is Borre Church: this listed medieval brick church, dating from the 12th century, was built in the Romanesque style. Løvøy Chapel is the smallest of Horten’s three medieval churches and dates from the 13th century. The pilgrim route passes it in summer.

Trails, coast and nature in the wider Horten destination

For a cycling trip, National Cycle Route 1 runs from the ferry terminal in Horten along the coastal path to Åsgårdstrand. In addition, a continuous coastal path in the wider Horten destination stretches from Åsgårdstrand to Falkensten. The disused Hortenlinja railway line has been converted into a walking and cycling path that is easily accessible to cyclists and wheelchair users. These routes offer different ways to get around; Cycle Route 1 is clearly defined by its starting point at the ferry terminal and its destination, Åsgårdstrand.

Individual locations in the wider Horten destination also offer practical access for visitors with mobility impairments: Borrestranda/Steinbrygga and Indre havn each have a ramp. Those interested in wildlife can spot typical bird species such as swans, ducks, geese and gulls in the Borrevannet nature reserve. Alongside cultural attractions, there are coastal paths, designated access points and a nature reserve to suit a range of travel interests.

Choose the right holiday apartment for your trip

The places described provide a useful starting point for planning your trip, without requiring any one experience to be the focus for every visitor.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Skoppum, Nykirke, Åsgårdstrand.

Go to the main travel overview: Horten.