Varanger

Varanger is the easternmost fjord country of Finnmark, opening towards the Barents Sea between the Varanger Peninsula and the mainland. At its mouth Vardø became a stronghold of Norwegian authority: a church was consecrated there in 1307, and Vardøhus guarded the northern coast. In 1789 Vardø received town privileges as restrictions on trade with Russian Pomors were lifted. Fish and oil travelled east, while Russian ships brought grain and other goods to the northern shore.