The Akershus Fortress complex consists of 21 buildings. The most interesting and oldest area is the inner medieval castle. It is reached by walking over a drawbridge to a large stone bastion, through a gate and into this inner courtyard. Notice the coat of arms. The lion in the center was first used by King Magnus VI who died in 1280, twenty years before the fortress was built. The paws holding an ax represent Saint Olaf and signify the king’s rightful heir to the throne. This combination is still used by Norway’s monarch and the state. On either side is a lion rampart guardant. A similar heraldry image was used by King Charles III John in the early 19th century while he was the king of Sweden and Norway.
