Espeland prisoner-of-war camp

Espeland is a prisoner-of-war camp in Bergen with 14 surviving buildings enclosed by barbed wire fences and watchtowers. The site preserves the original structures and layout as they existed during World War II.

The camp was established in 1943 and held thousands of prisoners under Nazi control until 1945. After the war, it functioned as a detention facility for Norwegian collaborators until 1952.

The barracks called Lenken serves as the main exhibition space, displaying documents and objects that reflect daily life during the camp years. Visitors can walk through and see how the confined spaces tell stories of those who were held here.

Visitors receive information brochures at the entrance gate and can follow a marked walking route through the grounds. The trail includes stops with detailed explanations of different areas.

Of approximately 600 internment camps built in Norway during the war, Espeland remains the only one fully preserved. Its intact condition makes it a rare resource for understanding this period in detail.

Location: Bergen Municipality

GPS coordinates: 60.37493,5.47596

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:06