Hemsö Fortress in Härnösand

Formerly top secret

Hemsö Fortress, earlier one of Sweden´s most important coastal defences, is situated outside Härnösand at the mouth of the Ångermanälven river and at the top of Storråberget, 140 metres above sea level, with a mile-wide view over the sea and the archipelago. It was the largest military installation for the coast defence and is the only preserved of it´s kind.

The region has during centuries been of big strategic importance for the defence of the country. The last time Sweden was attacked in this region was in 1809 - during the war about Finland, the Russian fleet burnt down Härnösand and managed to take over parts up the river and destroyed fishing villages and sawmills.

In 1883 the first thought arouse to build a fortress on the island Hemsö, but many years passed and in 1916 they started to build the first part. After a decision from the government in 1942 the military defence gained increased grants. The fortress was built during the 1950´s and was completed in 1957. The Hemsö Fortress was in operation until 1987 and was finally closed in 1989.

A monument of the Cold War

Hemsö Fortress was top secret and a very important part of the costal deference of Sweden. Most of all it is a monument of the period called the Cold War. Behind thick armour doors, protecting also against nuclear attacks, a large subterranean military installation is hidden for approximately 500 men.

It is complete and foreseeable as all the different parts are gathered in one place. Deep down in the mountain the men spent five months. From the war command centre room, filled with advanced technology, the camouflaged cannons on the top of the mountain were steered. The stores with ammunition, clothes, medical equipment, diesel fuel and other necessities should last for an isolation up to three months.

All installations are intact and comprise i.e. central heating, ventilation- and sewage system, diesel driven power station, mechanical workshop, radar equipment and the war command centre.

A popular and interesting destination

Hemsö Fortress is listed as a historic building since 1998 and the building is administrated by the National Property Board. The National Maritime Museums are responsible for the inventory.

In the summer of 2006 the Hemsö Fortress was opened to the general public with guided tours. Totally 17 000 people visited the fortress.

The visitor gets an interesting insight in the Swedish military history as well as a fantastic enjoyment of the countryside, as Hemsö is located in the beautiful region called Höga Kusten.