Vardøhus fortress
Vardøhus Fortress, located on the island of Vardø in the Barents Sea, is the northernmost fortress in the world and a historic guardian of Norway’s northeastern border. This iconic stronghold is a national symbol with roots reaching back to the Middle Ages.
The fortress is open to the public and houses a museum that presents the story of Vardøhus and its significance in Norwegian defence, governance, and cultural history. Today, Vardøhus remains an active part of the Barents Region, marked by strong cooperation with local and regional partners.
The World’s Northernmost Fortress
History of the Fortress
The current Vardøhus Fortress is the third to be built on this site. The first was erected around the year 1300 by King Håkon V Magnusson to assert Norwegian sovereignty in the north and secure tax revenues from the Finnmark region. Around 1450, a second fortification was constructed, but neither of these early structures has visible remains above ground today.
The present fortress was built between 1734 and 1738. It is designed as an octagonal star-shaped fort with low, stone-clad earthworks, inspired by Central European models. Within the walls lies a closed courtyard surrounded by nine buildings.
Throughout the 20th century, the fortress gradually lost its military significance, though it remained in operational use until around 1950.
During the Second World War, Vardøhus flew the Norwegian flag longer than any other fortress—until the commandant was arrested on 9 November 1940. At the liberation in autumn 1944, Vardøhus was the first military installation in Norway where the national flag was once again raised.
Practical information
-
Summer season (16 April – 15 September)
Every day: 10:00 – 21:00Winter season (16 September – 15 April)
Every day: 10:00 – 18:00 -
Admission to the fortress grounds is free of charge.
Museums, concerts, events, festivals and similar activities have separate tickets and prices. -
To book a guided tour, please contact Vardø Museum.
-
Festningsgaten 20, 9950 Vardø
Conduct at the Fortress
Vardøhus Fortress is a national cultural heritage site, and we ask all visitors to show consideration for the surroundings, including buildings, ruins, monuments, and park areas. Smoking is prohibited within the inner fortress area.
- Barbecuing and open fires are prohibited year-round, including disposable grills.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Please dispose of rubbish in the designated bins.
The fortresses are historic defence structures and vibrant cultural arenas, visited by millions of people each year. They are important local landmarks in Norway — both as destinations and visitor attractions, as well as places of commercial activity. The fortresses are also spaces where history meets the present day, and where civil society engages with the Armed Forces.
As the property manager, our role is to facilitate development that brings life to the sites while preserving their historical legacy. We do this by keeping the fortresses open and accessible to visitors, while also leasing buildings and outdoor spaces to businesses offering experiences. We are responsible for the maintenance of buildings, fortress walls, and the upkeep of outdoor areas.
