The Adolf Cannon sightseeing

Massive as ever, a gigantic naval gun stands in weathered terrain on a hill in Harstad. With a fantastic view of the sea, the peninsula lies only 3 km from Harstad town centre, overlooking the islands of Senja, Andøya, and Grytøya.

This vantage point also gave the Adolf Gun the ability to target shipping routes in all directions. The Adolf Gun, a giant from World War II that has survived in Harstad into the 21st century, boasts a range of up to 56 kilometres and a barrel wide enough to accommodate an adult person. Of the four batteries at Trondenes Fortress, the Adolf Gun is the only one preserved in maintained and functional condition.

History from World War II
A sightseeing tour of the “Adolf Gun” is an absolute must for history enthusiasts. After meeting at Trondenes, the guide will take you on a tour through the cannon’s basement, which houses a small museum with shell casings and a variety of instruments from World War II—preserved in excellent condition to remind future generations of the horrors of war. You will then be taken up into the gun turret to see the massive firing mechanism itself. The cannon stands as a testament to German engineering quality, built with a “the bigger, the better” mentality and impressive craftsmanship.

See the cannon from the inside
As part of this historical tour, you will also visit the 21-metre-long barrel. Please note that since the cannon is located on a Norwegian naval base, photography is prohibited during the walk through the area. Photos may only be taken in and around the cannon itself.