The Andersgrotta bomb shelter is located in the city of Kirkenes. The construction was started in 1941 by Norwegian architect Anders Elvebach, in whose name the shelter was later named. It was opened to the public in 1990.
After the beginning of the occupation in 1940, significant German forces were concentrated in the Northern Frontier. This region was considered to be the most fortified in Europe, and more than 300 air raids were launched against the city. In terms of number of bombing raids in Europe during the Second World War, Kirkenes ranks 2nd after Malta. An air alert was declared here 1,015 times. After these only 230 houses survived in Kirkenes. In October 1944, the German troops burned down most of the remaining houses in the city.
Catacombs "Andersgrotta" had two exits and was able to hide in its walls 400-600 people. The bomb shelter in Kirkenes saved many lives from being destroyed lives.
Visitors have the opportunity not only to walk around inside, but also to watch a documentary film about the war in Kirkenes, based on archival footage in Norwegian, English and German.
