 The town of Karlsborg has sprung up next to the fortress.It was initially mostly living quarters for personnel employed at the fortress, but grew to a sizable community, in part due to Göta Canal which passes through the town.Ever since the fortress lost its intended central defensive role in 1918 it has been used as a garrison for Göta Signal Regiment (S 2), and since 1984 Life Regiment Hussars (K 3), are also based there.