Vardø: Art, history and coastal views

Get to know Vardø through its history, art in public spaces and natural experiences, each offering a different focus. As you plan your stay, consider what interests you most: the memory of historical events, public art, or walking trails and landscape views? A guided tour with a set duration, two trails of different lengths and a seasonal natural phenomenon can help you plan.

History and remembrance

The Steilneset Memorial in Vardø commemorates 91 people who were convicted of witchcraft and burned at the stake there. The Vardø Museum was founded in 1894 as a natural history museum and is the oldest museum in Finnmark. A one-hour historical town tour begins at the museum at Skolegata 1. It covers the history of the fortress, buildings, immigration and fishing, the Pomor trade, and the 17th-century witch trials; advance booking is required for the tour. In central Vardø, the Brodtkorbsjåene are among the region’s oldest surviving storehouses. These places offer different perspectives: the memorial commemorates those who were convicted, the tour brings together several historical topics in one hour, and the storehouses add a surviving type of building to the picture.

Art and events

Art in Vardø takes different forms. Komafest has transformed the city’s streets into a gallery of street art. On the island of Vardø stands the sculpture Drakkar – Laviathan, built by Taibola Assemble from Arkhangelsk / Severodvinsk in the summer of 2016. It explores the sea, migration, myths, ships, historical events, wood and whales. Maritime and mythological motifs sit alongside references to history and materials.

Crossings is an annual film festival in Vardø that explores the theme of “Crossings” geographically and culturally. Yukigassen is known in Vardø as a winter festival and competition. The events therefore have different focuses: Crossings takes up the theme geographically and culturally, while Yukigassen combines a festival with a competition. Check the current Crossings program and Yukigassen dates before your trip.

Walking trails and nature

The two easy walking trails can be compared by length. The Drakkar trail is 1.2 km one way, while the Tusenårsstien in Vardø is 2.9 km long. Based on the stated distance, the Drakkar trail is the shorter option. Conditions on the trails may vary.

Near Vardø, the Domen viewpoint offers views of the fjord, the open sea, wildlife along the coast and the town of Vardø. You can see the northern lights in Vardø from September to April; they are especially impressive on truly dark nights. Visibility depends on darkness and weather. These are two distinct natural attractions: the view from Domen and a seasonal sky phenomenon.

Getting there and when to visit

Hurtigruten and Havila coastal cruises call at the port of Vardø. Port calls and schedules can change; check current sailings if you are considering one of these connections. The best time to visit follows a different schedule from events and ship calls: the northern lights can be seen from September to April, while you should check programs and current dates before your trip.

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