The port, on the Barents Sea, remains ice-free all year round thanks to the effect of the warm North Atlantic drift. Vardø is a port of call on Norway's Hurtigruten ferry service. The town is the northern termination of European route E75, which starts in Sitia, Crete.

Fishing and seafood processing remain Vardø's major sources of income, although tourism is starting to become an important economic factor.

Vardø is usually referred to as Norway's only mainland town in the Arctic climate zone, although this is not strictly correct since the town is located on an island about 2 km off the coast. The island is connected to the mainland via an undersea tunnel (Norway's first such structure); the town's airport and the settlement of Svartnes are located on the mainland opposite the tunnel entrance.

Vardø's tourist attractions include Vardøhus Festning, a fortress dating back to the late 13th century, although the present structure dates from 1734, several bird colonies, and remnants of German fortifications from World War II.

Vardøhus Festning is home to two rowan trees which are diligently nurtured and warmed in winter since these trees cannot normally survive in Vardø's cold climate. Originally, seven trees were planted in 1960; the one that survived managed to blossom twice, in 1974 and 1981. The tree finally succumbed to cold weather in 2002, but two new saplings have been planted in its place.

Officer's quarters at Vardøhus Festning. The sorbus trees can be seen to the left and right of the stairway.

Since 1998, the town has housed a radar installation called Globus II. Its official purpose is the tracking of space junk; however, due to the site's close proximity to Russia and an alleged connection between the Globus II system and US anti-missile systems, the site has been the basis for hot controversy in diplomatic and intelligence circles.[1] (http://www.armscontrol.ru/start/publications/adtp0225.htm)

Municipalities of Finnmark
Alta \| Berlevåg \| Båtsfjord \| Gamvik \| Hammerfest \| Hasvik \| Karasjok \| Kautokeino \| Kvalsund \| Lebesby \| Loppa \| Måsøy \| Nesseby \| Nordkapp \| Porsanger \| Sør-Varanger \| Tana \| Vadsø \| Vardø