Vardø

Vardø in the far east of Varanger, is the most northerly fortress town in the world and the only town in Western - Europe which lies in the arctic climatic zone. It is also Norway's most easterly town, Norway's oldest town, Finnmark's oldest fishing community, the town where the witch trials took place and the home of Pomor trading. The local municipality consists of the small community of Kiberg on the mainland and the town of Vardø on an island which is connected to the mainland by Northern-Europe's first undersea tunnel.

There are 2,100 inhabitants in this area and it is the rich fishing stocks in the sea around here which are the main reason for the town's existence. Traces of settlement from 6,000 - 7,000 B.C have been found here. Around the year 1300 the first church was consecrated and it is thought that the first fortress was already constructed at that time. Vardø municipality is approx 580 square km in area and has an interesting history and surroundings, as well as very friendly people and challenging climatic conditions.

In 1789 Vardø became the first official town in Northern Norway. In August 1944 the allied bombings destroyed many of the old buildings and the town was almost entirely destroyed by fire. Nevertheless, there are many buildings which escaped the wrath of the flames. Vardø is home to North Norway's largest wooden building, the old primary school.