Vardo, Norway

Vardo is Norway’s easternmost town, lying only 40 miles from the Russian border. Despite its far-north location, the port of Vardo remains ice-free all year thanks to the warmer waters of the North Atlantic current. The city also boasts Norway’s first underwater tunnel, connecting Vardo with the mainland. There are only two trees, both rowans, in Vardo, and they are diligently cared for and protected each winter, as they are not indigenous to the area. Although Vardo is primarily a fishing village, it is also home to numerous seabird species and offers many bird-watching opportunities. Other attractions include two museums, the remains of several German WWII camps and Vardohus Festning, an 18th-century fortress with historical ties to the early 14th century. Vardo also hosts Yukigassen, an annual snowball-fighting competition originating in Japan.

Language: Norwegian     Currency: Krone (NOK)