Vardø: Pomors, Radars and Witches in the Far North
About the Tour
Come uncover the fascinating history of Vardø. This tour takes you along the streets of Vardø, and let you experience the highlights of the easternmost city in Norway and the oldest city in northern Norway. We'll walk across Steilneset, where 91 people were burned as witches. You'll hear about the great pomor traders of the 19th century. Along the way, you'll learn about the architecture, as well as the cultural and military history of the area. I'll take you to the Vardøhus Fortress, one of the last fortresses in Norway, still armed with soldiers.
This tour should be taken between May and November, as the 1000 year old Path is closed outside those months.
Tour Producer
Stormposten Lars Engerengen
In the northern reaches of Europe, amidst the crisp air and breathtaking landscapes, resides an Arctic storyteller whose words weave magic into the frozen silence. Meet Lars Engerengen, a passionate narrator of the Arctic wilderness, a voice that carries the echoes of history and the whispers of untamed nature.
Living beneath the shimmering Northern Lights and the endless glow of the Midnight Sun, Lars discovered his fascination for the Arctic’s lore in childhood. Nights spent listening to age-old tales by the fireside sparked a curiosity that would shape his life’s journey. That spark grew into a flame as he ventured across icy tundras, sailed through fjords, and trekked along snow-laden paths, collecting stories etched into the land and its people.
His storytelling is more than words—it is an immersive experience. With a voice that soothes and inspires, Lars transports listeners to remote landscapes where ancient myths meet modern realities. Through his narratives, one feels the biting wind, hears the crunch of snow underfoot, and senses the resilience of those who carved out life in this harsh yet beautiful region.
Lars doesn't tell you everything, but he tells you enough to pique your curiosity. Enough to make you want to learn more. Enough to make you want to stay a while longer.
Join Lars on a journey beyond the ordinary—a voyage into the soul of the Arctic. Each tale is an invitation to explore a world where nature reigns supreme, and history lingers in every frozen breath. Step into the story, and let the Arctic speak through him.
Preview Location
Location 13
Steilneset
Stop here for a moment while I fill you in.
For those who believe in God – there is also a devil. The belief in evil forces was strong in the 1600s, and those who gave their bodies and souls to the ... Read More
How VoiceMap Works
Major Landmarks
-
Steilneset Memorial
-
Vardø Havn
-
Vardø Hotel
-
Tourist information center
-
Brodtkorbs gate
-
Vardøhus Fortress
-
Pomor Museum
-
Vardø church
-
Vardo high school
-
Vardo
Getting There
Route Overview
-
Start locationKaigata 26A, 9951 Vardø, Norway -
Total distance2km -
Final locationKaigata 26A, 9951 Vardø, Norway -
Distance back to start location106.57m
Directions to Starting Point
You start at Vardø Port - where the coastal steamer Hurtigruten calls every evening.
Tips
Places to stop along the way
Willem Barentsz monument, The Pomor Museum, Town Hall, Steilneset Memorial and Vardøhus Fortress
Best time of day
This tour are available all day - but why not take the tour in the midnite sun?
Precautions
This tour should be taken between May and November, as the 1000 year old Path is closed outside those months. Some of the paths can be a little tricky due to the terrain and varying weather.
Get The App