Fjell Fortress - Museum Vest

Fjell Fortress played a key role in the defence of Bergen during World War II. Now, 75 years after the end of the war, you can still see the fortress, which was built by the Germans.

Fjell Fortress is the largest of its kind in Norway and thus one of the largest individual fortress complexes in Europe. Getting here is easy and makes for a lovely trip, and there are a number of bunkers and trenches you can explore in the area around the top.   

Exhibitions in subterranean tunnels 

Down in the 14-metre-deep Cannon Well, you can learn more about the cannons and the fortress. In the subterranean tunnels, you will find exhibitions about the soldiers’ lives, the Soviet prisoners of war who built the fortress, the battle cruiser ‘Gneisenau’ and the locals who lived in the vicinity. 

Fortification in the rock 

Fjell Fortress forms part of the Atlantic Wall and was built by the occupation forces during World War II. Its object was to protect Bergen from attack from the west. The main complex has around 450 metres of tunnels built into the rock, and there was once room for as many as 200 soldiers in the mountain halls. In addition to the fortress itself, barracks, walls, bunkers and a number of other buildings were built in connection with its operation. 

Activities:

Experience nature: Fjell Fortress is situated on a plateau on the west coast of Sotra, 176 metres above sea level, in a popular area for walks. It has beautiful views of the North Sea and the seaward approach to Bergen. On clear days, you can see Marsteinen lighthouse to the south and the coastal mountains of Sogn to the north. There is rich flora and fauna on the expansive plateau, and it is not unusual to see sea eagles from the café in the Cannon Tower! 

Digital guided tour with historic app: Find out more about what you can see around you! Thanks to the app, you can now explore important parts of the history of the fortress out in the terrain. We recommend downloading the app in advance if you want to use it in connection with your visit to the museum. Download the app free of charge at: www.digitalfestning.no   

Guided tours of the Cannon Well: Join a guided tour of the Cannon Well by one of our excellent guides for a unique museum experience. Guided tours every Sunday at 11.00, 12.30, 14.00 and 15.30. Tours take around 40 minutes. First come, first served! 

Café and museum shop: The Cannon Tower Café is an attraction in itself, and you can enjoy expansive views unless it’s misty. The café serves coffee and delicious freshly-made pancakes among other things. We have free WiFi, a range of board games, newspapers, magazines and a comfy sofa to relax in. You will find books on the war and occupation and souvenirs in the little museum shop.