Narvik and more

Narvik, like most places in Norway was bombed during World War 11. Unlike many places though, Narvik was strategically important to both sides. Control of the town was an advantage .It is the sea port for the train from Kiruna in Sweden where iron ore  is prepared for shipping. Iron ore is vital for the manufacture of armaments and war materials. Both Germany and the Allies wanted access. The battle for Narvik is well documented in the war museum complete with models.

There are many examples of both German and Allied uniforms, arms and Norwegian equipment. Both sides of the experience for soldiers is also revealed because the museum was originally set up by the Red Cross to educate children.

Norway did not have a trained army.   They had a reserve force that served as guards for the borders. They were farmers and fishermen who were used to the harsh Norwegian conditions but not to the rigours of warfare. They fought bravely but ultimately were defeated. Sweden had continued to allow  German troops to be transported via the train. Little was displayed about the true impact on those civilians who had been unable to leave. Many were forced to work in labour camps or fish factories. This included teenagers as young as 13 or14. Houses were destroyed and many killed by bombing.

Now you are filled with somber thoughts, let’s look as the Peace monument and other parts of the town.

I think this lady is grumpy because there are children dancing around naked and there is a woman and her child playing in the fountain. Goodness me , what is the world coming to😂😅😂🤣

    
 There are a few modern buildings like this Scandic hotel but generally houses are similar to others in Norway.

Many houses were flat pack houses supplied by Sweden( guilt payment for all those German troop transported). As they retreated, Germans destroyed everything. It was the middle of winter so people had no food or shelter.

   

   

 

   

   
Duplexes are different here. Houses are joined at any one of 3 walls and can be painted different colours.Front doors can be on another side, same or alternate side.

At the beginning of the day we were told how wonderful the view was from the top of the local  ski field. Let’s go , it can’t be far to the cable car…    Are we going the right way? Yes?

 

Just up there to the road.

The wildflowers are pretty.

Now at the road….follow it up and to the right.    We are here!

It only took an hour.

The view was worth the walk!

It was quicker going down.

A few more sights from Narvik.

  Memorial to fishermen who died or helped Norwegians and allies in the war.

 

 

 

 

 

A sunset…sort of….remember the sun is only moving down towards the horizon and then there is a twilight.
Wake up! It’s morning….okay it’s early morning.

Quiet day today….you can relax and look at the beautiful scenery along the Norwegian Inside passage or Skagerrak coast.

 

   

Legend speaks of Torghatten being formed when the troll Hestmannen shot an arrow after Lekamøya . She rejected him and ran. Seeing this, the troll king in Mount Sømnafjellet threw his hat between them . It formed a hole just as the sun rose and everyone was turned to stone.

Relax…ready for another exciting adventure tomorrow.