Vardø

Vardø used to be the northernmost fortress town in the world, and it is one of the oldest towns in Norway. Proclaimed a town as early as 1789, Vardø is the only town in Norway located in the arctic climatic zone, which provides a unique nature. In addition to being the oldest fishing community in Finnmark, Vardø is known to be the home of Pomor trading because of the extensive trade with Russia during the 19th century. A fun happening in Vardø is the annual event Yukigassen. This is an advanced snowball match originating from Japan. Vardø also has evidence of one of the darker sides of the Norwegian culture, the witch trials during the 17th century. The witches cave in the Domen Mountain is right outside the city - a place formerly thought to be the entrance to Hell. Fortunately Widerøe does not fly you to Domen, but to Vardø Airport.