Tyskermuren, Ganddal

Donated stone comes from Tyskermuren (wall of the Germans), which was part of Festung Stavanger, built by the German occupation forces in 1941-44.

A large part of Festung Stavanger was located within what is now Sandnes municipality. Within today’s municipality were large parts of the southern border of the fortification, with its many important strongholds, such as Høyland, Ganddal, Leanuten and Heigre. In addition, part of the airport defence was located within the municipality. This extensive presence brought with it a lot of infrastructure, in addition to several prison camps.

The transport routes in and out of the fortification were strictly controlled by German guards. There were orders that the civilian population should not be evacuated from Festung Stavanger under any circumstances. This was to deter the Allies from bombing targets within the fortifications, due to the risk of killing a large number of civilians. One estimate states that there were 10,000 to 15,000 soldiers working at Festung Stavanger during the war. This was a large number compared to the size of the population at the time.

Cultural heritage 2005-2017 – Sandnes
Construction workers found German bunkers – NRK Rogaland – Local news, TV and radio