Cut into the rock under the centre of town in the early years of the German occupation, Andersgrotta is a network of tunnels and chambers that sheltered most of Kirkenes' population during the relentless Luftwaffe bombing campaign of the Second World War. At its peak, around 3,500 people — virtually the entire civilian population — would crowd into the rock chambers as raids came in.
Guided tours run in summer, walking you through the original tunnels with period photographs and recorded accounts from survivors. The space is small and cramped — deliberately so, to make the experience register — and the atmosphere is genuinely affecting. More than most war memorials in Norway, Andersgrotta communicates what it was actually like to be here. The Grenselandmuseet runs the site; combined tickets are available.