Vardo: Pomors, Radars and Witches in the Far North Audio Tour

You’ll find the arctic city of Vardø as far east as you can go in Norway. There’s limited access to professional guides in this area, so why not have your own personal guide directly on your smartphone? You’ll see the highlights of the city through the eyes of a local. Take all the time you need and stop along the way if feel like it.

The tour starts from the port, where the Hurtigruten arrives every evening. We’ll go along the shores of Vardø, passing the statue of Willem Barentz, before arriving at the wharves and warehouse of Brodtkorp. The tour also takes you to the dark side of local history by telling the story of the burning of witches at Steglnes. Finally we’ll pass the marvelous Vardøhus Fortress, before arriving back at the port.

The tour automatically plays audio at exactly the right time and place using your smartphone's GPS service and the VoiceMap mobile app. Start the tour, put your phone in your pocket, and let my voice guide you through the highlights of Vardo.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Pass By: The Pomor Museum, Kaigata 2, Vardo 9950 Norway

The word Pomor is Russian and means "those who live by the sea". It refers to the Russians who lived by the White Sea, and sailed to Norway in the summer season to fish and trade with Norwegians. Pomor trading began in Finnmark around the 1700s. Vardø is called "The capital of Pomor".

Pass By: Steilneset Memorial, Steilneset, Vardo 9950 Norway

The Steilneset Memorial commemorates the trial and execution of 91 people for witchcraft. The memorial was designed by artist Louise Bourgeois and architect Peter Zumthor, and opened in 2011.

Pass By: Vardoehus Fortress, Per Larssens Gate, Vardo 9950 Norway

Vardøhus Fortress was built between 1733 and 1739, and remains almost in its original form. The fortress site forms an eight-point star, protecting many buildings within the walls. Vardøhus saw no military action until the Second World War. During the war, the fortress was used as an anti-aircraft site and POW camp before the German occupation.

Pass By: Hornoya, Kaigata 26 A, Vardo 9950 Norway

Hornoya is the eastern most nature area in Norway. Here you can go aground and experience ample bird life at close quarters.