Vardø

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 in the far north-east of 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 and a regional strategic point with strong ties to Russia. In recent years the place has been hit hard due to the changes in the fishing industry – previously a corner stone of the society. The town now wants to use its proud history, unique location, striking scenery and strong local culture to reposition itself regionally and internationally.

To better understand its potential Vardø asks for:

1. Proposals for new strategies that can trigger new activity in the town The municipality wants to create an image that can attract business looking for unique locations and experiences and a concept that further develop tourism.

2. Proposals for the development of the harbour areas, including:

• plans for how to improve the sea front and central areas
• proposals for location and design of a swimming hall, a public square, a aquarium
• proposals for reuse of a former fish factory