A Historic Seaside Haven for Wildlife, Culture & Adventure
From the Pomor Trade to the Witchcraft Trials, Vardø blooms with local history & incredible landscapes.
Did you know a world-famous monument has been erected in memory of the 91 people who were sentenced to death for witchcraft?
Our Activities
Theater Play "Maren"
In 1662, 12-year-old Maren was sentenced to death by fire and water, accused of witchcraft. This is a theater performance based on her trial. Before the show, there is a guided tour of Vardøhus Fortress, and after the show, a tour of the Witch Monument at Steilnes.
Photohide by 3BIRDS
Our floating photo hide offers fantastic opportunities for close-up shots of Arctic diving ducks (ducks and seabirds).
We live in a refrigerator. Everything grows more slowly. The cod. The cloudberries. The rhubarb. THe reindeer. More flavour. Better texture.
Don't miss out on our exclusive culinary experience!
Festivals
Yukigassen
Yukigassen is a snowball game for teams that came to Vardø and Norway from Sobetsu in Japan. It was here that this winter sport was developed in the mid-eighties, and today it is a major sport in parts of Japan where winter and snow prevail. The game was introduced to Vardø in 1996, and the first championship in Vardø was held in 1997. You can sign up on your own and join a team, or bring friends and form your own team.
Pomor Festival
Coastal people in nature’s kingdom: Sky, Sea, and Land. If you want to experience a festival in East Finnmark this summer, just head to Vardø from July 23–27, 2025. With the coolest and most generous city in the north and our beloved Kiberg as the venue and host: Welcome to the Pomor Festival!
Crossings
Crossings is an annual film festival in Vardø that explores crossings – geographic, cultural, and artistic. The festival brings together films from around the world, with a special focus on northern and Arctic perspectives.
Through screenings, talks, art installations, and workshops, Crossings invites audiences to experience new stories and viewpoints – in places you wouldn’t expect. Imagine watching a film in an old fishing village, an abandoned factory, or under the open sky in the heart of the Barents Sea.
Blues in the Winter Darkness
The northernmost, easternmost, and coolest blues festival in Norway! Here’s feedback from a happy participant:“Blues in the Winter Darkness is a people’s festival! Tons of great bands, year after year. And the vibe is damn good. It never ceases to amaze me: people dance to everything at Blues in Vardø!”
SPARKIADEN
Join the scooter tour and meet people you didn’t know before. Great food and a huge party!