Located at the extreme northeast corner of Norway, only 40 miles from the border with Russia, near the entrance to the Varangerfjord.

Vardø dates back to 1307, when the most northern fortress in the world was built on the island of Vardøya in the Barents Sea. The Vardø fortess was extensively rebuilt early in the 18-th century and in 1789, the town received its charter.

Today, fish processing plants and tourism provide the primary sources of employment. Especially among bird lovers the area is popular.