HKB 5/974 Straumöy-Nord

Heeres Küsten Batterie 5/974 Straumöy-Nord is covering the inlet to one of the worlds strongest Maelstroms outside Bodö in Northern Norway. It is a large fortification built on a hill with other fortifications and fake positions on nearby hills. There was also a small POW camp with Red Army POWs here. The Nord hill was ready in September 1942 and was well armed and all the positions is connected by underground tunnels and elevator shafts for bringing ammo up to the guns. Trenches is well hidden between the positions and you can see the foundations of the different barracks and buildings surrounding the hill.
The fort was armed with one 7,65 cm Czech gun , two 2,5 cm Pak, two 5cm KwK, two Mg positions, three 50 mm mortar positions, two 20mm FlaK 38 and two searchlights  60 and 150 cm. The main guns was four 10,5 cm french K331 cannons with a range of 12000 meter.

I made a trip here several weeks ago just before the really cold and nasty winter weather set. I went there early so I could spend all day walking through the bunkers. As I hadn`t been here before I didn`t know what to expect and I was stunned to see the great condition this fort was in. The landowner and some enthusiasts has spent alot of effort cleaning out garbage and rubble so it is a very clean and tidy place. It was very interesting exploring this place and I will strongly reccommend a visit here. In the mean time here is a ton of photos for you to enjoy.

Roof tiles from the barracks.

Barrack foundations.

Beds.

Ammo storage.

Ammo elevator shaft.

Gun position.

The builders made use of the nature to their full advantage. Here using the ravines as "trenches".

Mg slots here and there through the underground complex made it possible to seal of sections in case of an attack.

The communication cables is still running between the positions.

Several places the roofing of the connecting trenches is still in place. Some places it is timbers and other places concrete covered netting , a very kool detail not often seen today.

And ofcourse when you remember to lift your eyes from the concrete there is some breathtaking views to be enjoyed.

The command bunker is placed on the highest point and is well camoflaged. I think they made this type of camo by placing wrapped paper bags into the wet concrete and removed them when it was dry.

Mg position protecting the command bunker.

When I had finally gotten into the command bunker I took a rest and had lunch and a smoke before I continued exploring the large fortification.

A Kettle position for 10,5 cm gun with parts of the lavette still laying around.

The elevator shaft blocked off so animals and humans won`t fall down.

A Tobruk style mortar bunker.

With just moments of daylight left I hurried to take a few last shots and strolled back to the car.