The Far North - Norway - page 868

WITCHCRAFT IN VARDØ

Between 1621 and 1692, around 90 Vardø women were accused of witchcraft and
burned; a sign and flag at Kristian IV gate 24 commemorate the site. On Domen , a
hill about 2km south of town on the mainland, is the cave where they were supposed
to have held their satanic rites and secret rendezvous with the devil.

Sights & Activities

Vardøhus Festning COASTAL FORT
(Festningsgate 20; admission Nkr30; 8am-9pm mid-Apr-mid-Sep, 10am-6pm rest
of year) The star-shaped Vardøhus Fortress - yes, of course it's the world's most northerly
- was constructed in 1737 by King Christian VI. For a fortress, it's painted in gentle fairy-
tale colours. On a nice, sunny day it's pleasant to stroll around the flower-festooned bas-
tions, past turf-roofed buildings and Russian cannons. You pay the admission fee either at
the guard office or by dropping it into the WWII sea mine that guards the entrance.

Pomor Museum MUSEUM
( 78 98 80 75; Kaigata; adult/child Nkr40/20; 11am-5pm mid-Jun-mid-Aug)
This small museum recalls the historic trade between Russia and Norway. Based princip-
allyuponthebarteringoffishagainstcorn,itlasteduntiltheBolshevikRevolutionin1917.

Hornøya BIRDWATCHING
In summer there are regular boat trips (Nkr200 return) from the port to the island of
Hornøya with its picturesque lighthouse and teeming bird cliffs. To be all alone after the
last shuttle pulls out, reserve one of the only three beds at the lighthouse ( 78 98 72 75;

Nkr350) .

Sleeping

Kiberg Bed & Boat SEA HOUSE €