Population 1,897 / 70.2 degrees north

Vardø, Norway

Vardø is Norway’s easternmost city. It is further east than St. Petersburg and Kiev, and is at roughly the same longitude as Cairo’s western suburbs. it is also the only city on the Norwegian mainland that lies within the Arctic climactic zone. Vardø is also very historic; along with Hammerfest, it is the oldest city in Northern Norway. Vardø is a wonderful place to visit!

About Vardø

Latitude: 70.2 degrees north

Population: 1,897

Hottest month: August

Coldest month: February

Wettest month: October

Windiest month: January

Annual precipitation: 575mm

Vardø Municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Map of Vardø

Uniquely Vardø

Here are some things that you must do and try in Vardø

Memorial

Steilneset Memorial

Steilneset is a memorial to the 90 victims of witchcraft in Vardø and the surrounding area. The memorial opened in 2011 and contains a light for every victim. 

Street art

Street Art

Vardø has a large number of street artworks as the result of the Komafest festival. 

Historic Building

Nordpol Kro

Nordpol Kro is one of the oldest pubs in Finnmark. It has a fascinating story; it was the last stop for Fridtjof Nansen before he set out for the North Pole on the Fram in 1889. The pub has a unique atmosphere and small museum. 

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Vardø

Historic Fortress

Vardøhus Fortress

The earliest fortification in Vardø is from 1307, but the current fortification was completed in 1738. Almost all the buildings inside the fortress are from before 1825 and it is an active military base today. 

Museum

Pomor Museum

The Pomor Museum is a unique museum dedicated to the history of the trade between Norway and Russia throughout the late 19th/early 20th centuries. 

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!

Abandoned VIllage

Hamningberg

Located one hour out of Vardø, Hamningberg is a gorgeous abandoned fishing village in an incredible landscape. 0th centuries. 

Nature

Bird Watching

The islands around Vardø are famous bird cliffs, and it is possible to visit them on a guided tour. 

Road-Trips

Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Vardø

The Varanger Tourist Road

The Varanger Tourist Road is unlike any other scenic road in Norway. With its flat, rocky landscape, it feels like you are driving to the end of the world. You pass the Varanger park area, known for its bird life, before heading above the tree line. The stretch from Vardø to Hamningberg is particularly scenic – it feels like you are driving on the moon! Despite its remote location, this is a road rich in history and there are several fascinating places to stop at along the way.

Self-Guided Walks

Vardø Self-Guided Walk

Vardø Self-Guided Walking Tour

Follow this self-guided walk around Vardø, passing the important historic sites. 

Vardø on YouTube

Watch my YouTube videos featuring Vardø

Hamningberg Walking Tour

Join me for a short walk around the abandoned fishing village of Hamningberg, which is located about an hour from Vardø. 

Kirkenes to Vardø on the E6 & E75

Follow this rainy day drive from Kirkenes to Vardø

Varanger Tourist Road

The Varanger Tourist Road is one of Norway’s 18 national tourist roads. 

History of Vardø

Archaeological excavations show evidence of settlements in the area around Vardø that are more than 4,500 years old. Vardø, however, was mentioned for the first time in history in 1307, when a church and fortress were built here. 

Vardø received its town charter on the 17th of July 1789, making it one of the oldest towns in Northern Norway. Until 1850, Vardø was a small fishing community, however during the years 1850-1910 the population increased dramatically. The good fishing stocks and the Pomor Trade gave grounds for optimism in the area.

Vardø was of great importance to the Nazi forces during World War II and was the last place in Norway to surrender to the Nazis after the occupation in April 1940. The town became a strategic location for monitoring the movement of the Allied shipping to Russia. Two thirds of the town was destroyed during the war years, and Vardø was subject ot Soviet air raids. When the Nazis retreated, they did burn down large parts of the town. 

Vardø Today

Today Vardø is an important place for fishing and fish processing. The population has declined since World War II, but the town is currently undergoing a transitional phase with new jobs and new industries coming here. For example, a new shipping traffic control centre has been built here, and tourism is becoming more and more important. 

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: Vardø has an airport with flights connecting the town to other coastal towns in Finnmark as well as Tromsø and Kirkenes. 

Drive: Vardø is located at the end of the E75, a major highway running from Crete in Greece all the way to Finland and then over into Norway. Vardø is about 120km from the E6, the major highway running through Norway. 

Train: No train access

Ferry: Vardø is a port of call on the coastal ferry. The northbound ferry stops very early in the morning, while the southbound ferry stops at around 4pm and allows for one hour in port. 

Getting Around

It’s very easy to walk around Vardø, but you will need a car if you want to go out exploring. 

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

 

Quick Bites

 

Reasonable Restaurants

ABC Thai is a delicious Thai restaurant in town. 

High End & Unique Eats

 

Places to Stay

All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences. 

Camping

 

Cabins & B&Bs

Kiberg Bed & Boat is located in Kiberg, back on the mainland. The rooms are tidy and it’s a great place to eat king crab.

Chains & Mid-Range

Vardø Hotel is wonderful! It is recently renovated, the rooms are huge, and the breakfast is great. I stayed here on my most recent visit and loved it.

Click here to view rates & book

High End & Unique Properties

Hornøya Lighthouse is a unique stay – you can stay out on the island of Hornøya (no road access) in a lighthouse.

Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages

January

Polar night until 19 January

Average Temperature: -5C (24F)

February

Sunrise: 7:34am

Sunset: 2:46pm

Average Temperature: -5C (23F)

March

Sunrise: 5:20am

Sunset: 4:51pm

Average Temperature: -3C (26F)

April

Sunrise: 3:50am

Sunset: 8:03pm

Average Temperature: 0C (31F)

May

Midnight sun from the 16th of May

Average Temperature: 3C (38F)

June

Midnight sun

Average Temperature: 7C (44F)

July

Midnight sun until 29 July

Average Temperature: 10C (49F)

August

Sunrise: 2:44am

Sunset: 9:11pm

Average Temperature: 10C (50F)

September

Sunrise: 5:05am

Sunset: 6:33pm

Average Temperature: 7C (45F)

October

Sunrise: 7:08am

Sunset: 4:12pm

Average Temperature: 3C (37F)

November

Sunrise: 8:51am

Sunset: 12:27pm

Average Temperature: -1C (30F)

December

Polar night

Average Temperature: -3C (27F)

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