HKB 5/980 Vesterøen, Coastal fort in Sandefjord, Norway.
HKB 5/980 Vesterøen is a coastal fort with concrete bunkers, gun positions, and tunnels spread across the defensive site near Sandefjord harbor. The installation features both underground and surface structures positioned to command the harbor entrance.
German forces built this installation in 1941 and equipped it with four 12cm K370(b) cannons to protect the harbor entrance. The construction was part of Germany's broader coastal fortification efforts along the Norwegian coast.
The fortification shows Norway's military past and offers insights into wartime construction methods and how coastal defenses were organized during that era.
The grounds are open during daylight hours with free parking available at the end of Vesterøyveien road. Wear comfortable shoes since exploring the site involves walking over uneven terrain, stairs, and navigating through confined spaces.
The fort served a dual role during wartime as both an active defense position and a training facility for German coastal artillery. This double function made it a particularly significant site for both training and operational use.
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