The Fortress of Hegra
Photo: Torleif Kvinnesland
Peering down at the rich farmland of Stjørdalen valley, snug among the wildflowers and birch trees, stands a 100-year old vestige of the Norwegian war effort: The Hegra Fort (Hegra festning).
The fort is not old by Norwegian standards, but speaks of the character of her people, and is deeply embedded in the history of the local Norwegian war effort.
Norwegian Major Holterman in front of Hegra Fort. Photo: Torleif Kvinnesland
The Hegra Fort was christened by King Haakon VII in August of 1910, dedicated to the protection of the breadbasket of Trøndelag, Stjørdalen valley, from Swedish invaders. One can still see his signature carved into the stone wall just past the entrance gates. In addition to maintaining rich farmland, the area was also considered a key strategic military location. A successful occupation of the area would effectively cut Norway in two parts; an alarming prospect for the fledgling nation.
The fort itself was built between 1908 and 1910, using 100,000 kilos of stone mined from the surrounding mountains. Outside, a bank of 2 meter deep trenches encircle the fort. The bulk of the fortress is underground, with three artillery pits poking up from its belly. Ten meters underground, two grand halls run parallel to one another – one designed as living quarters and the other to access the above-group artillery pits. There were originally 300 meters of tunnels and halls that could house 80 soldiers, including a sauna built by a group of Finnish detainees in 1939.
The Hegra Fort saw her most important action during The Second World War. In April and May 1940, the then decommissioned fort and surrounding areas served as an unofficial home for 250 volunteer soldiers who fought to defend Trøndelag against German invaders. By early May 1940, the soldiers at Hegra Fort were the last pocket of resistance against the Germans south of Nordland. On May 5, depleted of food and medicine, the fort was surrendered. The Hegra Fort continues to be managed by the Norwegian Defense Force.
Photo: Torleif Kvinnesland
Throughout its lifetime, the Hegra Fort has been used as a Red Cross summer camp, a center for detainees, a sanctuary for soldiers, and currently, as recreational facility for families looking for a special weekend adventure.
The fort grounds are also host to a cluster of smaller, outer buildings, including Kleivplassen and Svartåsen, which house a museum, cafeteria, and spaces for meetings and conferences. There are restrooms next to the cafeteria. During the summer season, check the website for scheduled tour times. Additional tour times can be scheduled on request via phone reservation.
You have to look for this little gem of Trøndelag. The small green marker sign on the road to Sweden is easy to miss. Plus, the winding dirt road up Ingstadkleiven mountain to the Fort entrance is virtually unmarked, criss-crossing the mountain at fierce angles. The drive is not for the impatient traveller or tourist bus. But, the trip is well worth the extra effort to discover this national treasure.
Photo: Torleif Kvinnesland/The List Archive
Curious?
Visit Forsvarsbygg to find out more about the going on's at Hegra Fort.
For guided tours get in touch with Hegra Festnings Venner (The friends of Hegra Fortress).
Photo: Torleif Kvinnesland
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