If you want to see an unusual attraction and gain insights into World War II history, we recommend a visit to the old German coastal fortress at Grønsvik, which is now a museum. As you walk from the attractive parking lot and picnic area, you enter a dark chapter of European history.

Dronefoto av Grønsvik Kystfort i Lurøy tatt ovenfra Ketil Born / Helgeland Museum

After Nazi Germany surrendered and ended its occupation of Norway, Grønsvik coastal fortress, like many others along the coast, was subjected to major damage. Today, Grønsvik has been partially restored and turned into a museum. Exhibitions cast light on the war in general, and especially on the role the coastal fortresses played during the German occupation.

Visitors can explore the foxholes, gun positions and the command bunker. These are open year round. The Grønsvik coastal fortress and museum are situated along the Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten (Fv17), just north of Stokkvågen.

Museumsgjenstand utenfor Grønsvik Kystfort Lurøy Ketil Born / Helgeland Museum

The history

During the war years 1940–45, the Germans established the Atlantic Wall, a slong eries of coastal fortresses that stretched from the Pyrenees in the south all the way to the Arctic Ocean in the far north. More than 350 coastal fortresses were built along the Norwegian coast, including the one at Grønsvik. The mission of this fortress was to control the entrance to the Ranfjord and the fjord called Sjona.

Grønsvik Kystfort utendørs en sommerdag Ketil Born / Helgeland Museum

The Germans forced 77 Soviet and 65 Polish prisoners of war to build the fortress. An unknown number of Norwegian workers also participated, some voluntarily, others under duress. The Soviet prisoners of war were subjected to especially brutal treatment and compelled to do hard physical labour. Many of them suffered from malnutrition and disease. The local Norwegians felt great compassion for these ragged and hungry prisoners of war, and they defied the German ban and surreptitiously gave them food and clothing.

A simple burial ground was made for the seven Soviet prisoners who died during the construction. After the war, the skulls were dug up and moved to the war cemetery on Tjøtta. There is a memorial to them at the Grønsvik coastal fortress.

Grønsvik Kystfort med utsikt mot havet Ketil Born / Helgeland Museum

The fortress and the gun positions are strategically situated so as to have an optimal view of the shipping lane and the archipelago. Inside the mountain, the Germans blasted out rooms and passages to their gun positions, bunkers and foxholes, which were all well camouflaged. Today, the coastal fortress and the surrounding area are open to the public year round.

The Grønsvik coastal fortress is situated along route Fv17, just 2 km north of the Stokkvågen junction. There is a café on site.

Open at events, on request and during the summer season.

The bunker facility at the coastal fort and the surrounding area is open for free movement all year round.

Grønsvik Coastal Fort is along the Coastal Route, west of Mo i Rana and Nesna, on the northern part of the Helgeland coast.

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Thank you for respecting the local communities, and for helping us preserve the natural beauty of Helgeland!

Please:

  • Strive to leave no trace of your visit. Bring back all your rubbish, including used toilet paper, and discard it in the nearest rubbish bin.
  • Plan your toilet visits and use the opportunity when you pass a toilet. In the wilderness, make sure you are not a nuisance to others.
  • Respect the local wildlife. Keep a good distance from wildlife, livestock and birds. Keep your dog leashed.
  • Respect private property. Keep a respectful distance from houses and cabins.
  • Show good boating sense. Keep a good distance from shore and drive at a low speed, especially when you are close to anyone or anything on the water, including birds or animals. Avoid loud and disturbing engine noise. Be aware that some islands and nature reserves are important nesting sites, and that going ashore is prohibited during the nesting season.
  • Follow the Norwegian Mountain Code (Fjellvettreglene). Plan your excursion according to the weather forecast, your skills and experience.
  • Join a guided excursion or consider hiring an experienced guide, especially when you don’t have sufficient experience or knowledge to guarantee a safe trip.

The Helgeland coast

National Geographic Magazine declared the Coastal Highway Fv17 (Kystriksveien) to be one of the world’s most magnificent scenic drives. This road is an official Norwegian Scenic Route Helgeland. UNESCO has recognised the unique coastal culture and given it World Heritage status. The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) has named Helgeland as Norway’s most beautiful coastal gem.

Discover the Helgeland Coast

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