Vardø Travel Guide

Discover the culturally rich and naturally stunning Vardø in Northern Norway with this comprehensive travel guide. Find out where to stay, what to do, and how to get there.


Introduction to Vardø

Located in the far northeastern part of Norway, Vardø is a small town and municipality on the island of Vardøya. The town is situated in the region of Finnmark and is considered to be one of the easternmost points of the country. Vardø has a rich cultural and historical background, as it was once the most significant trading center in the northern part of Norway.

Today, Vardø is known for its stunning natural beauty, including breathtaking scenery and marvelous wildlife. The town attracts visitors from around the world, who come to explore its rich history, indulge in outdoor adventures and enjoy a unique and charming Scandinavian experience.

In this comprehensive tour guide for Vardø, we will explore the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat and drink, where to stay, and everything else you need to know before visiting this charming town.

List of Places to Visit in Vardø

Vardø may be small, but it is packed with exciting attractions and natural wonders. Some of the top places to visit include:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Vardøhus Fortress: This magnificent fortress is the oldest building in Vardø and a testament to the town’s rich history and culture. It has been in use since the early 14th century and has been well-preserved over the years.

  • The Steilneset Memorial: This unique memorial commemorates the burning of witches in the Middle Ages. It features a modern building with an exhibition center and an organic glass structure that serves as a metaphor for a witch’s body as it burns on the pyre.

  • The Vardø Museum: This museum showcases the extensive collection of the Vardø Historical Society, which includes artifacts and exhibits related to the town’s history, from its early settlements to the present day.

Natural Attractions of Vardø: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Vardøya Island: This island is home to some of the most incredible scenery in Norway. It is characterized by steep cliffs, pristine beaches, and unique rock formations, making it a perfect destination for hiking, biking or kayaking.

  • The Hornøya Island: This small island just off the coast of Vardøya is a bird lover’s paradise. It is home to diverse birdlife, including puffins, guillemots, gulls, and more. The best way to see the birds is from a bird-watching tower on the island.

  • The Arctic Ocean: The Arctic ocean is accessible from Vardø, and exploring its waters offers tourists a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get up close and personal with marine life such as whales and seals.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Vardø

Nature lovers can indulge themselves in a variety of hiking and biking routes that will take them through stunning scenery and unique wildlife. The Vardøya Island has several trails, including the Coastal Trail, which runs through rugged terrain right on the edge of the island, giving hikers spectacular views of the ocean. There are also several biking routes in Vardø, with the most popular being the Coastal Trail, which is perfect for a leisurely family bike ride.

Best Things to Do in Vardø: Activities and Tours

Vardø offers a wide range of activities and tours to suit everyone’s interests and tastes. Some of the must-do activities include:

  • Whale Watching: This adventure offers tourists a chance to see some of the most majestic creatures of the ocean. Tourists can expect to come across different species of whales, including humpbacks, orcas, and minke whales.

  • Fishing: Fishing is a popular activity in Vardø, and visitors have the chance to go fishing in the Arctic Ocean or the many lakes that dot the region.

  • Aurora Borealis Hunt: Visitors have the opportunity to witness the magnificent Northern Lights, one of nature’s most spectacular shows, in the sky above Vardø.

Week-Long Itinerary for Vardø

A week in Vardø will give visitors enough time to experience the town’s rich history, stunning natural beauty, and local traditions. A suggested itinerary could include:

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrive in Vardø and get settled into accommodations. Take a walking tour of the town and visit the Vardøhus Fortress.
Day 2-3 Explore the natural wonders of Vardøya Island by going on several hiking and biking trails or take a kayaking or boat tour around the island.
Day 4 Visit the Steilneset Memorial and learn about the devastating witch burning era and its impact on the town's history.
Day 5-6 Indulge in outdoor activities, such as fishing and whale watching, or take an aurora borealis hunt tour.
Day 7 Shop for souvenirs and visit local markets to get a taste of local cuisine and culture before departing Vardø.

Food and Drink Scene of Vardø

Vardø has a small but vibrant food and drink scene that offers a taste of authentic Norwegian cuisine. Some must-try dishes and drinks include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bacon and Cabbage: A popular Norwegian dish made with pork and cabbage, boiled or steamed.

  • Salmon: Caught fresh from the waters surrounding Vardø, there is no better way to enjoy salmon than in its natural surroundings.

Local Beverages

  • Aquavit: This strong alcoholic drink is a staple of Norwegian culture, and Vardø has several bars and restaurants that serve it.

  • Beer: Vardø has its own brewery that offers unique and flavorful artisanal beers.

Where to Stay in Vardø: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Vardø has several accommodation options, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some of the popular accommodations in Vardø include:

  • Vardø Hotel: Located near the town center, Vardø Hotel offers comfortable and modern rooms with breathtaking views of the Arctic Ocean.

  • Storbrygga Hotel: Situated in the heart of the Old Town, this hotel offers rustic and traditional rooms with beautiful views of the town and ocean.

  • Vestre Jakobselv Gjestgiveri: This charming guesthouse is located in the picturesque village of Vestre Jakobselv, a short drive from Vardø. It offers cozy rooms and a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

What to Buy in Vardø: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Vardø offers a wide range of locally made products that make perfect souvenirs and gifts, including:

  • Knives and Scissors: Trondheim knives and Kongsberg scissors, both made in Norway, are popular souvenirs from Vardø.

  • Arctic Char Fish: The fresh arctic char caught in the waters surrounding Vardø makes a delicious and authentic Norwegian gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Vardø

Vardø is a unique town that has preserved much of its traditional culture and customs. Visitors should note that:

  • The Sami People: The Sami people are indigenous to the region and have their own distinct culture, traditions, and language, which tourists may learn about through tours and exhibits.

  • Midnight Sun and Polar Nights: During the summer months, Vardø experiences the midnight sun, where the sun does not set at all, while during the winter, the town experiences polar nights, where the sun does not rise for several weeks.

Best Time to Visit Vardø

The best time to visit Vardø is during the summer months (May to September), when the weather is mild, and there is plenty of daylight to explore the town’s natural wonders.

Do’s and Don’ts of Vardø

Do:

  • Follow LNT principles: Pack it in, pack it out – follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the incredible natural environment of Vardø.

  • Respect the Sami culture: Visitors should respect the Sami culture, traditions, and beliefs and take tours or visits to learn about them.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Littering is prohibited in Vardø as it is mostly an unspoilt natural environment.

  • Approach wildlife: Tourists should refrain from approaching or attempting to touch wildlife in Vardø.

Safety and Health

Safety in Vardø

Vardø is a safe town, but tourists should follow general safety precautions, such as being aware of their surroundings, avoiding unfamiliar areas at night and following traffic regulations.

Health in Vardø

Vardø has a modern healthcare system that meets international standards. Healthcare is free for Norwegian citizens, but it can be costly for international tourists. It is essential to have travel insurance that covers medical treatment and emergency repatriation in case of illness or accidents.

Getting to Vardø: Transportation Options and Logistics

Vardø is a remote town with no road or rail links to the other parts of Norway. The primary mode of transportation to Vardø is via air and sea.

Airports Near Vardø

The nearest airport to Vardø is the Vardø Airport, located around 3 km from the town center. However, direct flights to Vardø airport, mainly operate from Kirkenes and Tromsø airports.

Bus Stations Near Vardø

Bus services are available from some parts of Norway. Still, the Northern Lights Route (Nordlysruten) operates in the winter season, and Tromsø to Kirkenes or Varangerbotn also run in summer.

Other Options

Getting to Vardø by Hurtigruten, the Norwegian Coastal Express constitutes a standard mode of transport to the region’s many popular destinations.

How to Get Around in Vardø

Vardø is a small town, making it easily walkable and bikeable. Public transport options are also available, such as buses and taxis, but are infrequent and expensive.

Where to Go Next from Vardø: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Vardø is just a starting point in Northern Norway. There are several other destinations and excursions around the region, including:

  • Hammerfest: Known as the Northernmost city in the world, Hammerfest is a picturesque city located on Norway’s west coast.

  • Kirkenes: Located near the Russian border, Kirkenes is a unique and welcoming town, offering plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and dog sledding.

  • The North Cape: The North Cape is one of the most popular destinations in Norway, offering visitors breathtaking views of the Arctic Ocean and the midnight sun.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a nature lover or history buff, Vardø offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. From stunning landscapes and natural beauty to rich history and culture, Vardø has something for everyone. We hope this comprehensive guide helps plan the perfect trip to Vardø and leaves you with unforgettable memories of Norway.

Vardø. Vardø.