Vadso is a lively port city where you can discover history, culture and snow-dusted Arctic scenery. Visit in summer to enjoy the midnight sun and visit the Varanger Peninsula, one of the best birding destinations in the world. In winter, Vadso is an excellent base for experiencing the mesmerising Northern Lights.
Things to do in Vadsø
Despite being heavily bombed during World War II, Vadso is home to a handful of traditional wooden houses. Painted in an eye-catching shade of maroon, Tuomainen House was built in the 1850s and is one of the best-preserved buildings in the town. Visit the Vadso Museum to learn about the town’s Finnish roots. Exhibits cover topics like the influx of immigrants from Finland in the 19th century and how the newcomers influenced local cultures and traditions over the centuries.
Vadso is an ideal base for outdoor adventures in the Arctic, with hiking, fishing and guided wildlife safaris just some of the experiences on offer. The town is a gateway to one of the top Arctic birding destinations in the world, with the chance to spot hundreds of species on the nearby Varanger Peninsula, including puffins.
Vadsoya Culture Park occupies a small offshore island connected to the mainland by a causeway. On the eastern tip is the mooring mast of the Norge, the airship that carried Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen to the North Pole in 1926. Explore the scenic trails that criss-cross the island and look out for native reindeer grazing on the tundra.
Getting around Vadsø
Vadso is compact and easy to get around on foot, with most sights and attractions within walking distance of the town centre. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Finnmark County at your own pace. Vadso Airport is a five-minute drive from the town centre.