Espeland prison camp

Of more than 620 internment camps built in Norway during WWII, only one camp is preserved. Espeland's protected facilities offers a gripping experience.

The camp area consists of 14 buildings, barbed wire fences and watchtowers. The camp leaves a massive impression, inside out. The experience convey a complex and rich history about the prisoners life during WWII. The stories of the convicted Norwegian traitors and German war criminals who served their sentences during the following years of 1945-1952 complements the story.

At the entrance gate You can pick up a brochure from the information board and find a map and supplementary information points in a marked trail through the camp area.

If You want to enjoy a guided tour, its included in the entrance fee and carried out at set times. See timetable further down this page.

21 June - 15 August 2021: Guided tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 09:30, 11:00, 12:30 and 14:00. Sundays at 12:30 and 13:45.
From 16 August 2021: Sundays 12:30 and 13:45.

The guide speaks Norwegian and English.

Exhibitions

The main exhibition is presented in the cell barrack called «Lenken» (The chain) where isolated prisoners were screened in minimal contact with other inmates during WWII. The camp`s comprehensive story and the personal tales emerge through the exhibition.

In another barrack an expressions of the inmates daily life emerge as You step into the furnished prison barrack.

From 1945 the Norwegian traitors were imprisoned in the camp followed by convicted German war criminals during the years of 1948-1952, where their former victims and aides had been serving their time before them.

In the camp`s barn building You can experience the exhibition “Den vanskelige freden” («The challenging peace») which conveys the complex post-war settlement and the prolonged process of establishing a modern view of human rights in Norway. 

Transportation

Arriving by car You enjoy spacious and free parking inside the camp area.

Travelers from Voss drive past Espeland on their way to Bergen city center.
Driving from Arna station – 5. Minutes.
Driving from Bergen city center – 20. Minutes.

Arriving by bus is also a good option with departures from Bergen city center, Nesttun terminal and Arna station. The bus stops at Espeland just a short walk from the camp with a signposted road originally built by Yugoslavian slave laborers.

Train ride from Bergen train station – Arna station – 10. Minutes. Arna station is the last stop before Bergen train station on Bergensbanen from Oslo to Bergen.

Nature and outdoor surroundings

Espeland prison camp is situated in scenic surroundings and a visit at the camp is easily combined with a hike in nearby mountain areas such as Skåldalsnipa or Gullfjellet.

The spacious camp offers large outdoor areas and greens. You can enjoy a packed lunched on benches at the “Officers fair”. Light meals, coffee and snacks is served every Sunday.

Other events

The prison camp is open to larger groups by appointment and can include arrangements for meals and special designed lectures. Students visiting the prison camp are met with programs adapted the national teaching curriculum throughout the year. The organization «Hvite busser» invites students from all over Norway to Espeland prison camp to join in on similar programs. We welcome new schools, organizations and companies to book events by appointment. We offer a kitchen, technical facilities, spacious conference rooms and outdoor BBQ.