[5] Following their invasion of Norway, the Nazi regime and collaborationist Quisling government would establish over 600 concentration camps throughout the country.

[1][3] The camp consisted of barracks which were divided into cells, each containing a small window and designed to house four inmates.

[1][2] When the camp opened, it was initially used to house suspected communists and the Tromsø area's male Jewish population.

[1][2] In addition to the harsh northern climate, prisoners in the camp were also subjected to 14 hour work days, physical abuse, degrading punitive exercises, and meagre catering.

Guards in Norwegian prison camps were usually provided by the Ordnungspolizei, but in Sydspissen they were made up of Waffen-SS troops, which may have contributed to a more militant atmosphere.

[1][2][3] Built for a capacity of around 100, the camp quickly became overcrowded and was eventually home to over 200, leading to miserable conditions.

After this, as with many other former Nazi camps, Sydspissen was used to house Norwegians facing trial for charges of treason.