The shipwreck Z2 Georg Thiele
Highlights
- Experience a visible shipwreck from World War II without diving
- Follow a short hike through hilly terrain down to the shore
- See a war history landmark related to the Battle of Narvik
- Learn about how the fjords around Narvik became part of modern war history
Description
Z2 Georg Thiele is one of the clearest war memorials in the Narvik region. The wreck is located at Sildvik in the Rombaksfjord, where the bow of the ship can still be seen on the shore. For guests who want to experience Narvik's war history, this is a close and raw encounter with history.
The ship was a German destroyer of the Type 1934 class. It was launched in 1935 and put into service in 1937. As built, the ship was 119 meters long, 11.3 meters wide and had a crew of 325 people. During the Second Naval Battle of Narvik on 13 April 1940, Z2 Georg Thiele was badly damaged by British fire and washed ashore so that the crew could abandon the ship. Later, the ship broke up. The wreck is today known as a diving destination, but here you can also experience parts of the history from land.
The wreck makes history concrete. Here you see not only a name in the history books, but the remains of a vessel that was part of the battles for Narvik, the ore harbor and control of the fjords. The narrow fjords, steep mountainsides and demanding conditions made the fighting intense, and the landscape around Narvik still bears traces of what happened.
The trip to the wreck goes from the area by Sildvik power station. This is not a facilitated attraction with facilities, but a historical landmark in the terrain. The experience requires you to follow the right path, show respect for the place and stay away from the wreck itself.
More information
- It is not recommended to climb on the wreck. It is easy to cut yourself, and steel plates can give way so that you can fall through and injure yourself.
- The terrain is hilly and rugged. The trip is not recommended for people who cannot walk in rough terrain.
- • Parts of the terrain can be experienced as slippery or demanding, especially in wet weather.
- The trip is suitable for experienced children who can handle hilly terrain.
- The terrain is suitable for bringing dogs.
- Best time to visit is spring, summer, and autumn.
- The path is not marked, but clear in the terrain.
- There are no information signs in the area, so it is recommended to stop by Narvik War Museum and learn more about the history before your visit.
- There are no facilities and no toilet at the site.
- Show consideration. This is a war historical landmark linked to the Battle of Narvik.