a semi-legendary figure who, according to oral tradition, was a woman from Sel who played a key role in the battle. In 1896 Otta Station was built at the present site of the town about south of the mining sites. This railway station became the northern terminus of the railroad for a decade. The place became known as Otta (named after the railway station, which was named after the river). Over time, a small village grew up around the railway station. In 1912, the railroad was completed from Otta to Dombås in 1912, and then ultimately being completed all the way to Trondheim in 1922. On 28 April 1940, Otta saw extensive fighting between German and British forces during the last parts of the German advance up the Gudbrandsdalen valley, as part of the German conquest of Norway. Company C and D of the British Green Howards fought elements of the German 196th infantry division under Richard Pellengahr supported by artillery and tanks. Equipped with 25 mm Hotchkiss anti-tank guns and Boys anti-tank rifles, the British managed to disable three German tanks, including killing two crew members of a Panzerkampfwagen Ib with an anti-tank rifle, but by late evening, the British had to retreat due to fierce artillery fire from German 10.5 cm leFH 18 guns. The last British forces fought off the Germans in the dark with Bren light machine guns and hand grenades, while they retreated further north towards Dombås. In the year 2000, the municipal council granted the village of Otta town status which is mostly symbolic as there are no longer any special privileges under the law with such as designation any more in Norway. Economy Otta is a largely an industrial town, having a number of factories including a window framing plant, production of a high quality slate, wood mill, and a large printing plant. The town also has many other trades and services present in addition to its industrial base. Attractions Otta is used as a base for day trips into the nearby Rondane National Park and Jotunheimen National Park. Having a hotel, a number of camping sites, and the so-called mountain hotels located near Mysusæter, the town attracts many tourists each year. Other points of interests include Kvitskriupresten and the Milorg hideout of Reiret, as well as a monument commemorating the Battle of Kringen in 1612. See also List of towns and cities