Vardøhus Fortress, Fortress in Vardø Municipality, Norway
Vardøhus is an octagonal star-shaped fortress located on the island of Vardøya facing the Barents Sea. The complex features low earthen ramparts clad in stone, eighteen preserved buildings, and historical artillery installations that show the classic design of such military strongholds.
Norwegian King Haakon V Magnusson ordered the first fortress built in 1306 to protect this northern region. The current structure was built between 1734 and 1738 when forty soldiers from Bergen constructed it using modern fortification methods of that era.
The fortress hosts flag ceremonies each day and marks national holidays with cannon salutes that echo across the fjord. Local customs tie the place deeply to Norway's northern identity and its role defending these remote waters.
The fortress grounds are accessible for visitors to explore the military architecture and fortification walls on foot. The best time to visit is during the warmer months, as this remote northern location can be quite windy and cold.
Each January the fortress fires two ceremonial cannon shots to mark the sun's return over Varangerfjord after the polar night. This annual event is so important to the community that local students receive the day off from school.
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