# Bohus Fortress

- **Country:** Sweden
- **Coordinates:** 57.861944, 11.999444
- **Condition:** Ruin
- **Year Built:** 1308
- **Location Text:** Bohuslän

Bohus Fortress is a historic medieval stronghold located in Kungälv, Sweden, situated on a forty-meter-high cliff where the Göta River splits. Originally constructed in 1308 under the orders of King Haakon V of Norway, the fortress was built using granite, brick, and wood to serve as the primary defense for the Norwegian region of Bohuslän against Swedish expansion. For centuries, it stood as a critical strategic point along the shifting border between Norway and Sweden, changing hands between Norwegian, Danish-Norwegian, and Swedish control following regional political unions and conflicts. Its commanding position utilized the river as a natural moat, making it one of the strongest fortifications in Norway during the Middle Ages.

Architecturally, the site evolved into a formidable rectangular complex featuring thick surrounding walls and four corner towers by the mid-fifteenth century. The interior housed essential structures including the King's Hall, a chapel, barracks, and vaulted positions cut directly into the mountain bedrock. Despite its relatively small defensive footprint, the difficult approaches and robust design allowed it to withstand sieges with a modest garrison. The fortress remained an active military installation until 1783, after which it fell into disuse and partial ruin.

Today, Bohus Fortress stands as a well-preserved historical landmark and popular tourist attraction managed by the National Property Board of Sweden. Visitors can explore the extensive ruins that highlight its layered history as a symbol of Nordic power struggles. The site offers insight into medieval military engineering and serves as a tangible reminder of the era when this region was a contested frontier between Scandinavian kingdoms.

![Photo of Bohus Fortress](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/94/Bohus_f%C3%A4stning%2C_den_4_juli_2006%2C_bild_12.JPG)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohus_Fortress (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)