Oman’s Best Forts and Historic Castles You Need to Visit

Tips for Visiting Forts in Oman

We all want to make the most of our trips, whether we’re sightseeing or exploring Oman’s ancient forts. If you’re visiting these majestic structures for the first time, the following tips will be of great help.

• Always check your chosen fort’s website to be sure of their opening and closing hours (and even then, be mindful that information may not be 100% up-to-date and accurate).
• If you’re heading to a less touristy fort, keep in mind that they have extremely limited opening hours.
• Fridays are mostly closed to visitors. Even if a fort is open, the timings are narrowed.
• Usually, the timings are – 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday to Thursday, and 8 am to 11 am on Friday.
• Avoid visiting close to closing hours, as you wouldn’t be able to explore the fort properly.

Of course, you must wear light clothing and comfortable shoes to explore the forts. There’s a lot of walking and climbing involved.

Also, ensure you carry plenty of water with you, as it can get really hot during summer.

Now, for the most exciting part – the list of best forts in Oman.

Al-Jalali Fort, Muscat

Al-Jalali Fort is also known as Ash Sharqiya Fort. It was constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century and was once a prison. Today, however, it stands as a private heritage museum.

Unfortunately, the fort isn’t open to the general public. You’ll need a permit for which you can apply through the Ministry of National Heritage website. If that doesn’t work, you can book a private tour to admire the fort from the outside.

There are also boat tours that sail through the harbour and day trips from Dubai to Muscat that include a brief stop at Al-Jalali Fort. These tours will cost you upward of $100.

At night, the fort illuminates with beautiful lights that make it a romantic and picturesque sight. Inside, the fort displays artifacts like rugs, jewellery, household items, weapons, and pottery.

Al-Mirani Fort

The neighbouring, equally mesmerizing Al-Mirani Fort was also built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It is much bigger than Al-Jalali Fort and offers a stunning harbour view.

Like Al-Jalali Fort, Al-Mirani also doesn’t allow visitors inside the fort. However, you can take a stroll to admire the architecture and view from the outside. The best views are observed from the Old Riyam Road and the seaside.

If you’re interested in learning more about the fort, you can take a private tour that lasts about two hours. During this time, you’ll get an insight into the fort’s history and stories of pirates and battles that took place here.

Muttrah Fort

Muttrah Fort is another fort in the same area. This one, too, is closed to visitors, but you can still enjoy a wonderful view of the Arabian Sea from here. If you’re coming here, you can visit the Muttrah Souq, too, for some good bargain shopping.

Nizwa Fort

The iconic fort was built in the 17th century. It is, to date, one of the most visited sites in Oman. Nizwa Fort is a castle, a fort, and a museum – all at the same time. The highlight of this fort, however, is the massive tower that stands tall and proud with a commanding view of the city. You’ll have to climb a flight of 60-70 steps to reach the top.

If you’re driving from Muscat to Nizwa, it’ll take you 90 minutes to reach the fort. Sur is at a greater distance, so you might have to drive for approximately 3.5 hours. It’s long, but it’ll be worth every minute.

The castle part of Nizwa Fort features a Date store, a kitchen, Imam’s (and his family’s) rooms, and a few guest rooms. In the museum, there are exhibits of weapons, pottery, palm-leaf engravings, jewellery, coffee making, and traditional masks.

Nizwa Fort is open to the public and does not require any specific permit. Tickets are available at 5 OMR for adults and 3 OMR for kids aged 6 and above.

Jabrin Castle

One of the castles in Oman, Jabrin Castle, was built in the 1700s. This monumental structure was later luxuriously renovated in the late-1900s and opened to the public. The lavishly stained wooden ceilings, the Moorish arches, and the engraved walls will take you to another era.

The castle is located 5km South of Jabrin Town. From Muscat, it’s an approximately 2-hour long drive. You’ll have to take Route 15. We suggest you take a day trip and cover all the forts in the area. 

The castle has a few splendid exhibits, including the Sun and Moon Hall, the staircase, and the Date room. 

The castle is open to visitors on Saturday through Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm and on Friday from 8 am to 11 am. Adult visitors are required to pay an entry fee of 500 Baisas.

Bahla Fort

There’s only one right way to define Bahla Fort: impressive. The fort was built in the 13th century and has a long list of historical events attached to it.

It is believed that Bahla was the residence of the first traceable dynasty of Oman, the Banu Nebhan. 

The fort is located at a distance of 2 hours from Muscat and half an hour from Nizwa. From the outside, it looks like a big castle made of mud bricks surrounded by two defensive walls.

Inside the fort, you’ll find a few ancient rugs, jewellery, household items, weapons, and pottery. 

Bahla Fort is open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm and is free of charge. There are also a few shops near the fort where you can buy souvenirs and traditional items.

You can visit the fort from Saturday to Thursday between 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. On Fridays, the fort only opens from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. You’ll have to pay 500 Baisas as an entry fee.

Sohar Fort, Sohar

Sohar is the capital of the Governorate in Northern Oman. It is located on the Batinah coast and is home to a stunning 17th-century fort named Sohar Fort.

The fort was believed to be built by the Nasrids in the 14th century and has gone through several modifications. A museum inside the fort showcases artifacts from the time of the Banu Nebhan dynasty.

The fort is open to visitors from Saturdays to Thursdays. Fridays are closed. The entry fee is 500 Baisas for adults and 600 Baisas for kids.

Omani Forts on the Rustaq Loop

Rustaq is another city in Oman that is famous for its beautiful forts and castles. 

The Rustaq Loop, a route of about 68 kilometres, is the best way to explore all these forts. This loop will take you through Al-Hazm Castle, Rustaq Fort, and Nakhal Fort. 

All these are open to the public and have an entry fee. You can check with the respective authorities for more information about opening times and entry fees.

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