Basmo Fortress, Marker, Norway

Basmo fortress was constructed in the 1680s and was abandoned after 62 years of service in 1745. The first mention of this Norwegian fortress is in a letter from Field Marshal Wedel Jarlsberg to the King in 1683. Major General Johan Caspar von Cicignon developed the plans.

During the Great Northern War it was manned by up to 1,350 men. On the night of March 9, 1716, the pyres on the mountaintops announced Swedish King Charles XII and 1,000 men had crossed the border. Moving rapidly, he found the border poorly guarded and moved with cavalry to Høland parsonage. Norwegian troops stationed in the district were assembled by the Basmo commander, Colonel Kruse, who attacked the Swedes in a bloody battle. Charles XII barely escaped capture, but the tide was soon turned against the outnumbered Norwegians, and Kruse, badly wounded, was captured. The Swedes went on to occupy Christiania without resistance on March 21, 1716, but were ultimately repulsed. Basmo was also in the path of invading Swedish troops during Charles XII’s second unsuccessful invasion in 1718.

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Castles and fortifications in Norway

User Reviews

Sverre Øberg (2 years ago)
Always cozy with a short escutcheon. Short way to go up

Per Magnus Henriksen (2 years ago)
A bit of a shame the surrounding area is not better maintained. Many overgrown paths and difficult to get a good overview of the area. Great that you could go into the cellar and see, but the rest was a bit disappointing. Nice view, though, so if you're passing by and have time, it's worth a visit, but I wouldn't say it's worth making the trip here as a detour.

Kim Andre Forum (2 years ago)
Fortress is a treasure, read the story on the blackboard. You can also go under the fortress. Looking all the way to Sweden from here. Park by the road, not recommended and drive in.

Özden Mine Dahl (5 years ago)
Historical, in the nature and have a good view. Not so much exciting but if it it is in your way, worthy to stop and use half an hour to enjoy.

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