Welcome to Batterie Dietl, one of Europe’s largest coastal fortifications.

Batteri Dietl is situated on the island of Engeløya in Steigen and enjoys a majestic view of Vestfjorden and Lofoten. A museum is located in one of the largest cannon entrenchments.

Hitler wanted to control the Norwegian coast and as a result built several coastal fortifications. Grådussan at Bø Farm on the island of Engeløya in Steigen had an extremely strategic location with a view of Vestfjorden – a former site of Iron Age chieftains. Their defences are located nearby.

The Germans started planning of the fortification in 1941 and construction of the enormous fortification commenced in 1942.

Around 3000 men worked in and around the fortification. In addition, around 2000 Russian Prisoners of War carried out much of the heavy work. Around 540 of these lost their lives here and are honoured with war memorials just south of Bø. The village of Bø was converted into a German fortification town, and the local population needed to be evacuated. The large Adolf cannons, which were 22.5 m long, 40.6 cm in diameter, weighed 158 tonnes and a had a range of 50.6 km, were never fired in battle.

Most of the site was dismantled after the war. Enthusiasts, in collaboration with the Steigen Municipal Council and Nordland County Council, have established a museum in one of the entrenchments featuring equipment transferred from Harstad. The actual cannons are no longer here, but a similar one is displayed at a museum in Harstad.

The fortification area is also a beautiful outdoor recreation area with a panoramic view across the entire Vestfjorden and “Lofoten Wall”. The area is a common outer pasture for farmers in Bø, and we ask visitors to show consideration. Put any rubbish in the bin outside the museum or take it home with you. All dogs must be on a leash as animals are grazing in this area. Be careful when lighting fires, as this area has a harsh climate. It is also important to remember that there are unofficial graves here, so you need to show respect when exploring the area.

Contact:
Salten Museum
Phone: +47 75 77 63 50/75 52 16 40
Fax: +47 75 52 58 05
Postal address: Prinsens gate 116, 8005 BODØ
Visiting address: Bø Nedre, Steigen Municipality

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