Description of the attraction
The Andersgrotta bomb shelter is located in the town of Kirkenes. The construction of the bomb shelter began in 1941. Norwegian architect Anders Elwebach, in whose name this shelter later received. It was opened for wide access of visitors in 1990.
After the beginning of the occupation in 1940. significant forces of German troops were concentrated on the Northern Line. This region was considered the most fortified in Europe, in connection with which more than 300 air raids were made on the city. In terms of the number of bombings in Europe during the Second World War, Kirkenes ranks 2nd after Malta. The air raid alert was announced here 1,015 times. After such raids, only 230 houses survived in Kirkenes. In October 1944. German troops burned down most of the remaining houses in the city.
Catacombs "Andersgrotta" had two exits and was able to shelter 400-600 people within its walls. The Kirkenes bomb shelter saved many lives.
Visitors have the opportunity not only to walk inside, but also to watch a documentary film about the hostilities in Kirkenes, based on archival footage in Norwegian, English and German.
