Karlsborg Fortress Museum

The Fortress of Karlsborg was begun in 1819 in line with the defence strategy of the time, which was based on defence of the central area of Sweden. The fortress was designed essentially for storage of military equipment, but was also prepared to act as the nation’s temporary capital city in times of crisis. Several of the buildings inside the fortification area are listed as national monuments, such as Slutvärnet, which with 678 metres long and 2-3 metre thick walls, 263 guns ports and three towers, is Europe’s longest building.

The museum, which is housed in the middle of Slutvärnet under the garrison church (also designed to act as the assembly chamber for the Swedish parliament), has displays covering the fortress, the units that have been garrisoned there, the Swedish Cavalry and the city of Karlsborg.  The museum also exhibits objects from Västgöta Air Wing (F9) which was based in Karlsborg from 1939 to 1994.                                                                                               

The museum will assume the overall responsibility for preserving the historical traditions of the Swedish Cavalry Corps.

Finding us
The Fortress Museum is located approximately 12 minutes walk from Karlsborg city centre (Konsum Supermarket). 
Drive/walk in through the Götiska arch and then drive/walk straight ahead until you come to an open parking area with the church tower on your right. The museum is located under the church.

The adventure tour
Come along on a unique guided tour through the Karlsborg Fortress. The tour starts with a film on life in the fortress circa 1865. Then the guide takes you down into the underground passages. History and modern technology are woven together in an adventure you can’t miss.