Program
Cedant tenebrae soli - darkness shall give way to the sun. The motto in Vardø’s coat of arm has a forceful message. As a place swept in darkness 2 months of the year, exposed to cold winds from the Arctic and dramatically located on an island far north east in Norway this force must clearly be present in the lifeblood of its inhabitants. Vardø is by all means walking the talk.
Northern Norway’s oldest and Norway’s easternmost town was once a prosperous trade centre with strong ties to Russia, a regional strategic point. But in recent years the place has been hit hard due to the changes in the fishing industry, previously a corner stone of the society.
As the new map of the Northern hemisphere is drawn, Vardø can again find a strategic role. The town wants to use its proud history, unique location, striking scenery and strong local culture to reposition itself regionally and internationally.