Bohus Fortress

The Bohus fortress of Sweden rises 40 meters above sea level on the border with Norway, at the place where the Geta River divides into two branches. The river reservoir formed a natural moat around the fortification. The fortress was built in the 14th century in order to protect the Norwegian border from invasions by their ruler Hakon. Over the years, she has witnessed attacks, conflicts, and bloody military operations, but she has never been captured. At that time, it was Norway's most powerful fortification.

Since the Bochus fortress was constantly attacked by the Swedes, the walls were constantly modified, in accordance with the development of weapons, they were strengthened and completed. The wooden walls were replaced with stone walls about 13 meters high. They built towers, added bastions, and created additional ramparts. It was a rectangular structure with four towers at the corners, a gate and a drawbridge. A church was built on the west side of the tower.

The main building was transformed into a wonderful castle, where the first individuals celebrated holidays and official receptions in complete safety. Inside, there was a Royal Hall, a chapel, and a kitchen where professional chefs worked. There were also farm buildings on the territory of the fortress. The total area of the fortress was 3.7 km2.

The development of the fortress was facilitated by the fact that the Norwegians imposed a trade duty on passing merchant ships.

In the 17th century, a peace agreement was signed, according to which the Bochus fortress passed into the hands of the Swedes. Later, the castle ceased to occupy a strategic center of defense, turning into a prison for criminals. Gradually, the buildings of the fortress began to collapse and fall into disrepair. The locals used some of the stones as building materials for their houses.

Nowadays, it's impossible to see the entire fortress, but the exterior has been preserved. The northern tower and ramparts have survived. Today, the Swedish fortification of Bohus is a museum, the reconstruction of which is carried out by the state. It is open to tourists in the summer. Against the backdrop of the picturesque ruins of the Bohus fortress, the local population holds tournaments and fairs, organizing Medieval days.

This Swedish landmark attracts many tourists from all over the world every year.