Munkholmen

The island of Munkholmen lies north of Trondheim, Norway. With accounts dating back to the 10th century, A.D., Monkholmen has served as a place of execution, a monastery, a fortress and prison, and a World War II anti-aircraft gun station. Today, Munkholmen is a popular tourist attraction and recreation site.

A Fort and Prison

Construction of a fort on the island began in 1658. When it was completed in 1661, the fort was also used as a state prison for society's rejects. Count Peder Griffenfeld, Munkholmen's most famous prisoner, was transfered from the fortress of Copenhagen in 1671. Griffendeld was kept at Munkholmen for 18 years, after which he was released, having contracted a terminal illness. The fort remained in operation until 1893.

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