Vardo, Norway

Vardo is Norway's northeasternmost town, lying only 40 miles from the Russian border. It often is the last port call before the North Pole, but despite its arctic location, the municipality remains ice-free all year thanks to the warmer waters of the North Atlantic drift. The city also boasts Norway's oldest underwater tunnel, connecting Vardo to the mainland. Although primarily a fishing village, Vardo also offers many bird-watching opportunities, especially on Hornoya, a small island home to nearly 100,000 seabirds and a World War II-era lighthouse. Depending on the time of year, visitors can experience the northern lights or midnight sun. Vardo also hosts several festivals like Yukigassen, an annual snowball-fighting competition originating in Japan. Other attractions include two museums, an 18th-century fortress and the Steilneset Memorial, a picturesque monument honoring 91 victims convicted of witchcraft in the 17th century.

Language: Norwegian
Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)