Places with a story
Karljohansvern
Karljohansvern is the former naval base that helped shape Horten into an industrial and maritime town. Historic workshops, magazines and residential buildings now share the waterfront with museums, cultural activity and continuing businesses.
About the place12
The large site connects naval history with the development of technology and a whole working community. Shipbuilding, engineering, education and everyday family life grew around the base. Its surviving buildings make it possible to follow these connections on foot, while the canal separates the historical area from the town centre.
History and local connections1
Karljohansvern was established as the navy's main base in 1818. During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries its shipyard supported developments in steam machinery, vessels, submarines and aircraft. The navy's main base eventually moved elsewhere, but defence activity continued alongside new civilian uses. Horten's technological industries carry forward part of this local legacy.
What to look for12
Magasin A houses Marinemuseet, Preus museum and Besøkssenter Oslofjorden, with separate visitor arrangements. Naval collections explain vessels and service life, while the photography museum offers a different cultural perspective. Garasjetorget contains workshops, galleries and a café. These varied uses make Karljohansvern a living neighbourhood as well as a historical site.
Plan your visit12
Forsvarsbygg keeps the grounds open around the clock with free entry. Museums and events have separate tickets and opening times. Keep dogs on a lead; lighting fires and using barbecues are prohibited throughout the year. Wheelchair users need to arrange the Marinemuseet lift with staff to reach its upper floor. The museum vessels cannot be entered in a wheelchair.
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