Munkholmen

The island of Munkholmen lies north of Trondheim, Norway. With accounts dating back to the 10th century, A.D., Monkholmen has served as a place of execution, a monastery, a fortress and prison, and a World War II anti-aircraft gun station. Today, Munkholmen is a popular tourist attraction and recreation site.

Nazi Occupation

The Germans invaded and occupied Norway in 1940. After the allied forces pulled out of Trondheim, the Nazis quickly established a submarine base, exploiting the natural protection provided by the fjord. At this time, Munkholmen was fitted with anti-aircraft weaponry. A large portion of the fort was retro-fitted to hold ammunition, and the flooring planks were nailed in with wooden nails to prevent explosions caused by soldiers' boots striking metal nails.

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The Nazis remained in Norway until the end of the war in Europe in 1945. Remenants of the installation still exist in the upper levels of the fort.

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