Location Narvik, Nordland Max. length 20 kilometres (12 mi) Max depth 344 m | Basin countries Norway Length 20,000 m | |
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Rombaken or Rombaksfjord (Northern Sami: Ruoppat) is a fjord branch of the Ofotfjorden in the municipality of Narvik in Nordland county, Norway. The fjord is about 20 kilometres (12 mi) long, and is surrounded by steep mountainsides. The European route E06 and European route E10 highways run along the northern and southern shores of the fjord. The Hålogaland Bridge, under construction since February 2013 and expected to be completed in 2017, is being built across the mouth of the Rombaken fjord to shorten the travel time from Narvik to Harstad.
Contents
Map of Rombaken, 8517 Narvik, Norway
History
Along the inner part of the fjord there used to be a city—Rombaksbotn—with 700 inhabitants. It had its time of greatness during the construction of the Ofotbanen, between 1898-1903.
World War II
Rombaken was the site of several naval battles during the Battle of Narvik in World War II. Ten German destroyers, half the destroyer force of the Kriegsmarine, and one U-Boat were sunk during the battle.
After World War II
Parts of the bow of the German destroyer Georg Thiele remain visible above the water in Rombaksbotn to this day. The wrecks at Narvik remain popular diving spots, although some are off-limits because they still contain undetonated ammunition Three of the German destroyers were lifted in 1964 and moved to Framnesodden, near Eidsvoid, to clear the shipping lane. The destroyers Anton Schmitt, Diether von Roeder and Wilhelm Heidkamp rest in 12 m (39 ft) of water there and were opened for diving. A number of other wrecks are accessible, too, but most have been preserved as historic sites and it is forbidden to dive to them.