The construction of Staverns Fortress began in 1677 when Ulrik Frederick Gyldenløve built a blockhouse with battery and palisades on a hill at Stavern, Norway as part of the overall development of Norwegian fortresses. The fort was first built on Karlsøy during the Gyldenløve War (1675–1679). Fredriksvern and Fredriksvern Verft was established as the headquarters for the Norwegian Fleet from 1750 until 1758 so that the older fortification became part of the naval base. The oldest constructed building, ‘’Krutttårnet’’, has a distinctive architecture and today is a well known tourist attraction.