Vardø Municipality, Municipality in Troms og Finnmark, Norway
Vardø Municipality occupies the northeastern section of Norway, encompassing the town of Vardø and surrounding settlements on Vardøya island and the Varanger Peninsula. The region is characterized by sparse settlements, dramatic coastal terrain, and a strategic location near the Russian border.
The municipality was established in 1838 through the formannskapsdistrikt legislation, with the town separating from the rural district in 1868. Further territorial adjustments occurred in 1964 as administrative boundaries evolved.
The Steilneset Memorial marks the 17th-century witch trials, where around 90 people were executed. This striking artistic installation invites reflection on a tragic period in local history.
The island connects to the mainland via the Vardø Tunnel, while the local airport offers regular flight services. The Hurtigruten coastal ferry also stops here, providing another travel option for those exploring the region.
The GLOBUS radar installations from 1998 track space debris from their position near the Russian border. This advanced technology makes the area an important site for international space monitoring activities.
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