Biber-class midget submarine

The Biber submarine is a small warship from Germany that was used in World War II and is now displayed as a museum piece in Kristiansand. It measures roughly 9 meters (30 feet) in length and consists of three bolted steel sections with a small tower and armored windows.

The submarine was developed in early 1944 in less than six weeks after capturing a British mini-submarine in Norway. A total of 324 units were built, but most were lost during attacks on ships off Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.

The name comes from the German word for beaver, an animal that disappears quickly underwater. Visitors today can see how tight and simple the interior was, where a single pilot worked in constant danger.

Access to the exhibit is usually straightforward, and visitors can walk around the craft to see all sides. Information panels explain the technical features and operational history of the vessel.

Many crew members died from carbon monoxide poisoning because the cheap petrol engine inside produced deadly fumes. One of the preserved boats was discovered off Dover after the crew suffocated from these fumes.

Location: Kristiansund

Inception: 1944

Length: 9.035 m

GPS coordinates: 63.09950,7.89637

Latest update: December 18, 2025 20:07