Karljohansvern in Horten was once the Norwegian navy’s main base and is now a historic cultural centre that is open to everyone. Here you can follow the trails through a landscape characterised by impressive defence buildings, old avenues and beautiful nature.

A visitor on a bicycle looks at a naval vessel moored at the Naval Museum at Karljohansvern in Horten. Behind the ship, historic brick buildings tower along the canal. — ©Fredrik Ahlsen

The architecture spans different eras, and many of the buildings date back to when Karljohansvern was established in 1818. Today, the area is filled with museums, galleries and cafés, making it an exciting place to explore – whether you’re interested in history, culture or just want to take a stroll in beautiful surroundings.

Although Karljohansvern is now open to the public, the Norwegian Armed Forces are still present on Østøya, Mellomøya and Vealøs.

The fortress trail

The fortress trail at Karljohansvern is an exciting tour that takes you through the area’s rich history. Along the trail, you’ll find 31 information stops with boards that provide insight into the significance of the site, many of which are equipped with QR codes for further information via your mobile phone.

👇🏻 You can also download the map as a PDF.

Download map

The Horten Canal

If you want to walk along the Horten canal, you can start at Preus Museum and follow the coastal path south to the Fyllinga marina. Along the path you’ll find beautiful beech trees that have stood here for over a hundred years, and there are several nice places to sit down and enjoy the surroundings.

The Horten canal is surrounded by trees in autumn colours, with the mirror-like water reflecting the golden leaves. A stone ledge along the riverbank marks the edge of the canal, while a small bridge can be seen in the distance under a blue and cloudy sky. — ©Martin Olsen

Did you know that?
The Horten Canal was built around 1860 to create a connection between the Oslofjord and the inner harbour of Horten, while at the same time acting as a line of defence against attacks from land.

The canal separates Karljohansvern from the mainland, and three bridges connect the old naval station with the rest of Horten.

The Horten forest

From Fyllinga, the trail continues through Horten forest, a lush mixed forest with old oak trees. The protected mistletoe also grows here – a great walk for those who enjoy forest trails and tranquil surroundings.

An earthy hiking trail surrounded by lush green forest in Hortensskogen. The path winds inwards between tall deciduous trees and dense vegetation, perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride. — ©Anneli Rutefjord

Beaches and shipyards

Along the trail you will find several nice bathing spots, perfect for a cooling stop on hot days⛱️

First, you’ll arrive at Batteritangen, where the old gun battery from the 1870s still stands. Continue past Det Grønne Badehuset before reaching Vollane bathing area – Horten’s largest and most popular bathing area, with a large grassy area and a narrow sandy beach down to the fjord.

Horten Church, a towering brick church in neo-Gothic style, surrounded by green trees on a sunny day. The church's tall spire and detailed facade contrast with the blue sky. — ©Jens Reidar Antonsen

The trail continues to Møringa, where you can cross over to the west side and follow the shoreline back towards the Naval Museum. Along the way, you’ll also pass Horten Church from 1855 and traces of the town’s long shipyard history.

Cultural stop

If you’re at Karljohansvern and want a cultural touch, both the Naval Museum and the Preus Museum are worth a visit.

The Naval Museum is one of the world’s oldest naval museums and offers exciting exhibitions about the history of the Navy through war and peace.

Inside a submarine exhibition at the Naval Museum in Horten. Control panels, switches and meters fill the walls, while a visitor smiles in the background. — ©Fredrik Ahlsen

At Preus Museum, Norway’s national photo museum, you can explore exhibitions in photography and visual art.

Exhibition room at Preus Museum with brick vaults, wood panelling and glass mounts showing the history of photography. Soft lighting creates an atmospheric ambience. — ©Visit Vestfold

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Karljohansvern – a beautiful tour in historic surroundings