In the autumn of 1944, my ancestors escaped towards the mountains and found shelter in a cave in Jøfjord. It was a family of nine; mother, father, five children and two elderly family members. The youngest child was six years old. My father, who was ten years old at the time, has often told me about this time.

We will follow the footsteps of the family and their escape from Hønseby on this August day in 1944 as we head towards Jøfjorden and are told stories about the dramatic evacuation, worries and most of all, the faith and hope the family had.

The trip takes us to Gammelvær, to the only building left standing after the war, and to Jøfjord where the cave is located. 

You will hear about the family who defied German orders to evacuate, skirmishes and burn down their homes. There will also be access to Seiland National Park and Normannsjøkelen. High above the dramatic and rugged landscape you will see Seilandstuvan, towering 1078 meters above sea level.