Fortress of Vardohus - Finnmark, Norway
Posted by: 
Neofytos
N 70° 22.318 E 031° 05.692
36W E 428586 N 7808473
The northernmost fortress in the world was built at Vardø in 1307 and was rebuilt in the early 18th cent.
Waymark Code: WM8T29
Location:
Date Posted: 05/09/2010
Views: 19
Vardø Fortress is the northernmost fortress in the world and was originally constructed to protect Norwegian territory in Finnmark and the surrounding areas. The fortress was built between 1734 and 1738 and looks today almost as it did at that time. It has been constucted in a star formation, with eight points, and the many unique buildings within the fortress walls are well worth a visit.
There are only two fortresses in Norway which still have a commander on site - Vardø fortress and Akershus fortress in Oslo. The cannons are fired when members of the royal family celebrate their birthdays. In addition, the fortress in Vardø salutes the return of the sun after the polar night by firing its cannons.
The present-day fortress in Vardø is the third in town. The first is supposed to have been built around the year 1300 by King Haakon V's forces, whilst the second was built in the years leading up to 1460.
The year the "Fort" was constructed or started.: 1734
Name of "Country" or "Nation" that constructed this "Fort": Norway
Was this "Fort" involved in any armed conflicts?: Yes it was
What was the primary purpose of this "Historic Fort"?: Used for defence of a border or land claim.
Current condition: Excelent
This site is administered by ----: The society "The friends of Vardohus fortress"
If admission is charged -: 30.00 (listed in local currency)
Open to the public?: Restricted hours -Admission charged
Official or advertised web-page: Not listed
Link to web-site that best describes this "Historic Fort": Not listed
Link if this "Fort" is registered on your Countries/ State "Registry of Historical Sites or Buildi: Not listed
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