Fredriksborg fortification Photo

Photographer’s Note

Fredriksborg fortification and Oxdjupet strait (Fredriksborgs fästning) in Stockholm archipelago.

Fredriksborg fortification was built between 1724 and 1735. It belonged to the fortifications of Vaxholm, sited on the northern approaches to Stockholm, comprised the Vaxholm Citadel, the Rindö Redoubt, and the fortifications at Fredriksborg and Oskar-Fredriksborg. The Siarö Fort overlooking Furusund Strait completed the area defences.

After the death of king Karl XII and the peaces in 1719 and 1721 the reign of Sweden as a great power was only a memory. The Russian fleet had attacked hard the Stockholm archipelago. That was the start of building of Fredriksborg Fortress. It was considered as one of the most modern fortifications in Europe when it was taken in use in 1733. It could hold a crew of 2000 men. Fredriksborgs fortification was intended to defend the narrow strait Oxdjupet. This 190 m wide strait is even today passed by the passenger ships travelling from Finland to Stockholm. The border between municipalities of Vaxholm and Värmdö runs through this strait, and the fortification stands on the Värmdö side, in a big island called Värmölandet. The fortification has got its name from king Fredrik I.

The landmark of this Fredriksborg fortification is its large round tower, which is located about 40 metres above sea level. It had 45 cannons, the reach of which were 1 kilometres. At the shoreline there were two rectangular buildings, which included 40 cannons or mortars. One of them is preserved. You can see it on the left. The tower was restored in 2001.

In WS1 you can see part of the fortification on the other side of the Oxdjupet strait, Oskar-Fredriksborg fortification, which was taken in use in 1877. In WS2 you can see the Oxdjupet strait from a longer distance. The traffic of big passenger ship was quite heavy; There was 1 ship ahead of us and 2 others behind us and at the same time there were 2 ships approaching Oxdjupet strait from Stockholm's direction. Big ships cannot pass each other in the strait, so one in turn goes through it.

The map mark is placed on the round tower.
Geocode: 59.400343,18.442183

papagolf21, Longroute, holmertz, JudyR, Kielia, bobocortis, fanni, Cretense, Clementi, jhm has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

papagolf21 (55848) 2009-07-02 4:18

Bonjour, Lasse,
Très belle prise de vue de cette ancienne fortification. Les vestiges bénéficient d'une excellente tenue. Il semblerait qu'au fil du temps, l'environnement a bénéficié d'une forme paysagère.
Sujet fort bien traité et très intéressant.
Amitiés.
Philippe

Longroute (8795) 2009-07-02 4:20

Hello Lasse,

A quick visit to TE before leaving and I found this little masterpiece of yours, what a fine surprise!
Your short travel to Sweden was indeed a fruitful one...
We have an excellent light here which makes the photo shining and alive. The shapes and textures of the trees, grass and buildings are so well defined that one can clearly distinguish the space between each tree... such a great sense of tridimensionality. And the composition is so simply and harmoniously built that it's a pleasure to see. Love at first sight!
Be well and TFS,
Donato

serp2000 (9119) 2009-07-02 5:10

Terve, Lasse,
Great work! I like your shot and workshop and interesting note! Excellent composition, nice colours!
Warm regards from Ural,
Serghei

holmertz (9200) 2009-07-02 8:30

Hej Lasse,
A very fine view. The colours and exposure are good, in spite of the problems you have described. I wouldn't have objected to slightly more contrast to compensate for the slight haziness caused by the sunrays.
Since this is so close to Stockholm that I could go here any time, I have rarely seen this place! Maybe I will find the time when I retire from work.
Hälsningar,
Gert

JudyR (775) 2009-07-02 10:59

Hi Lasse -- Finding my way around here, on both your map and your workshops. Thank you for that. I find this historical look at warfare through the ages fascinating. There doesn't seem to be any end to it, does there?

Interesting composition, light so similar to ours that I'm amazed. Always a challenge, that northern light, but it's a part of our world and I want to see it's pallid hues.

Thanks. Nice to see this shot. Judy

Silvio1953 (40583) 2009-07-02 11:03

Ciao Lasse, lovely composition with splendid fortification, wonderful light and colors, very well done, ciao Silvio

Kielia (8111) 2009-07-02 11:43

Hi Lasse,
very pleasant image; the high POV (from a ship I guess) gives a very fine impression of the fortress. Excellent composition with the long shadows and the clouds nicely structuring the image. The light is very beautiful. My compliments!
Warm regards
Harriet

saxo042 (14998) 2009-07-02 12:12

Hej Lasse,
A very interesting fortress! I spent a night here at the Coast Artillery, when I did my military service in 1966, but I don´t remember anything of it. There is also a similar fortress outside Karlskrona, where I spent much longer time. That was a very pleasant place. But this photo is indeed very pleasant, although it is from a place I will never return to...
Hälsningar
Gunnar

bobocortis (14068) 2009-07-02 12:25

Hello Lasse.
A very high sharpened shot, but I would have preferred (it's a question of taste) a bit more contrast. Anyway a well-balanced composition.
Best regards.
Bobo.

fanni (8675) 2009-07-03 1:57

Hello Lasse,
so you've taken another trip to Sweden/Stockholm these days? :)
Very nice photo! I really like your manner of choosing interesting compositions even when you are on a moving ferry :)
I'll be in Stockholm in about 2 weeks, but so far no chance to take a ferry and see the Archipelago with my own eyes again! The last time was in 1999...

Interesting shot filled with fresh air and soft sunshine, and interesting WS photos, as always!
Warmest greetings from cool sunny Moscow,
Elena

Cretense (54554) 2009-07-03 3:32

Hi Lasse!

Beautiful place, beautiful fortress, great composition and framing! the sun wasn't at the best possible position but you did a great job in managing the light under given conditions! Congratulations!

Hercules

stego (22304) 2009-07-04 18:16

Hi Lasse,
Great POV and light, that give a real nice view over the fortified green hill. Sharpness isn't its strongest pont, but it seems that the light, while beautiful, wasn't the best for sharpness. But that a small detail that hasn't much impact.
Regards,
José

cobra112 (11108) 2009-07-05 2:58

Ciao Lasse. Very intesting POV and amazing playing of light. Nice compo.

Roberto

Clementi (42703) 2009-07-05 23:31

Ciao Lasse,
a splendid image, with a beautiful landscape, but it seems me that she miss some contrast and of definition.
Giorgio

jhm (81561) 2009-07-06 9:28

Hello Lasse,

Thank you very much for your interesting note and the lovely WS
You placed the fortress and the entry against the water very nice
Also the dome middle of the green area makes these picture attractive
very well done, TFS

Best regards,
John