Vardoe Airport

Vardø Airport, Svartnes (Vardø lufthavn, Svartnes) is the aerial gateway to the easternmost city in Norway, Vardø. Located on the rugged coast of the Barents Sea, it serves as the starting point for journeys across the unique Varanger Peninsula. This small regional airport is not just a transport hub, but a vital artery connecting this remote Arctic region with the rest of the country. For travellers, it marks the beginning of an exciting adventure in the land of the Midnight Sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter.

The main advantage of Vardø Airport is its compactness and efficiency. There are no long queues or the hustle and bustle of major aviation hubs, allowing you to go through all pre-flight formalities quickly and without stress. The airport mainly serves flights by Widerøe, which operates routes to other cities in northern Norway, such as Kirkenes, Vadsø, and Tromsø, from where you can transfer to flights to Oslo and other major cities.

Despite its modest size, the terminal has everything necessary for a comfortable wait: a small waiting area and car rental desks (it is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the tourist season). The airport is a key point for those arriving to explore the Varanger National Tourist Route, observe bird colonies on Hornøya Island, or simply enjoy the pristine Arctic nature at the very edge of Europe.

• Official Website: Vardø Airport, like most air harbours in Norway, is managed by the state-owned company Avinor. All up-to-date information regarding flights and services is available on the official website: avinor.no/flyplass/vardo.
• Information Desk Phone: For information, you can use the unified Avinor contact centre at +47 67 03 00 00. Please note that calls from abroad may be charged at international rates.
• Airport Address: Vardø lufthavn, 9950 Vardø, Norway.
• Email: A separate email address for the airport is not published. For communication, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the Avinor portal.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own social media pages. News and updates can be tracked on the official accounts of the operator, Avinor.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact the airline you travelled with directly. The airport does not process such requests.
• Passenger Support Service: For general questions and support, it is recommended to call the central Avinor service or write via the contact form on their website.

Vardø Airport (Vardø Airport, Svartnes) is located in close proximity to the city centre of Vardø, making the journey there fast and convenient. The distance is only about 3 kilometres, so you can reach the terminal in several ways, depending on your budget and preferences. The trip from the city centre to the airport rarely takes more than 5-10 minutes by car.

Public transport in Vardø is represented mainly by local buses. Although there may not be a dedicated airport shuttle, some city routes pass nearby. This is the most budget-friendly option, with ticket prices being approximately 40-60 Norwegian Krone (NOK). It is important to check the schedule in advance, as buses in this part of Norway run infrequently, especially in the evenings and on weekends. Information can be found at stops or on the local carrier's website.

The most convenient and predictable way to get to the airport is by taxi or a pre-booked transfer. This is the ideal choice for travellers with bulky luggage or those who value comfort. The trip will take just a few minutes, and the cost will be approximately 150–250 Norwegian Krone (NOK). Given the small size of the city, it is recommended to order a car in advance to guarantee availability at the required time.

For those planning to explore the picturesque surroundings and the coast of the Varanger Peninsula, the best solution is car rental. Rental offices may be located at the airport itself (which should be clarified in advance) or in the city. Having your own transport will give you complete freedom of movement. There is parking near the airport terminal where you can leave your car for both short and long terms.

Interesting feature: due to the close proximity, in good weather and with light luggage, you can even reach the airport on foot. Such a walk will take about 30-40 minutes and allow you to enjoy the rugged Arctic landscapes, making for an unusual start or end to your journey.

The airport in Vardø (VAW), also known as Svartnes, is a typical small regional airport in northern Norway. Its main feature is extreme compactness and simplicity, making it very convenient for passengers. The airport consists of one small terminal that serves all domestic flights, both departures and arrivals.

The terminal layout is intuitively clear. The building is a single space where all necessary services are located sequentially. At the entrance, there are check-in counters, followed by the single security checkpoint. Departure and arrival zones are not separated into large halls as in major airports. In fact, after security, you enter a small waiting area which serves as the departure zone with the boarding gate. The arrival zone is part of the common hall where passengers enter from the airfield and where the luggage claim belt is located.

Thanks to its compactness and low passenger traffic, going through all procedures at Vardø Airport takes a minimum amount of time. Check-in and security rarely take more than 15-20 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to adhere to standard airline rules and arrive at the airport approximately one hour before departure. Since there is only one terminal, the issue of transferring between terminals is not relevant.

No special knowledge or maps are required for navigation—it is practically impossible to get lost here. All key points (entrance, check-in, security, boarding gate) are within direct line of sight. The main recommendation is to check the flight schedule in advance, as the opening hours of the airport and check-in counters may be directly linked to aircraft departures and arrivals.

The history of the airport in Vardø (VAW), also known as Svartnes, began on August 1, 1974. Its opening was a turning point for one of the most remote regions of Norway. Until that moment, air connection with the city, located on an island in the Barents Sea, was carried out only by seaplanes. The construction of the airport was part of a national project to create a network of regional airfields for Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft, which radically improved transport accessibility in Finnmark.

Initially, the runway was 800 metres long and was designed to accommodate small aircraft, such as the de Havilland Canada Twin Otter of Widerøe airline, which remains the main flight operator to this day. In the 1980s, an important stage of modernization took place: the runway was extended to 1000 metres. This allowed the airport to receive more spacious and modern Dash 8 turboprop liners, improving the quality and speed of air travel.

One of the most interesting facts in the airport's history is related to its geographical location. The airport is located on the mainland, while the city of Vardø itself is on an island. Until 1982, travellers had to transfer to a ferry to get to the city. The situation changed with the opening of the Vardø Tunnel—the first underwater road tunnel in Norway. This tunnel directly connected the island to the mainland, making the journey from the airport to the city incredibly fast and convenient in any weather.

Over the decades, Vardø Airport has been repeatedly updated to meet modern safety and passenger comfort requirements, including terminal renovation and modernization of navigation equipment. Today, it remains not just a transport hub, but a vital artery for the local population and a starting point for tourists wishing to explore the rugged beauty of the Arctic coast and the unique history of the country's easternmost city.

Vardø Airport (VAW) is a small regional airport serving the city of the same name in northern Norway. The terminal infrastructure is compact but provides passengers with all basic amenities necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight.

In the terminal building, you will find a small waiting area. Dining and shopping options here are limited: typically, there is a kiosk or cafe where you can purchase light snacks, sandwiches, and hot and cold drinks. There are no full-service restaurants or Duty-Free shops at the airport. Throughout the terminal, passengers are provided with free Wi-Fi access. There are also power outlets for charging electronic devices, although their number may be limited.

Specialized services, such as bank branches and currency exchange points, are absent at the airport. It is recommended to take care of cash exchange in advance or use banking services in the city of Vardø. For urgent medical assistance, please contact airport staff, who will call emergency services. Dedicated medical rooms are not provided.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility. Accessible restrooms are available, and for assistance with boarding or moving through the terminal, it is necessary to contact your airline in advance. For travellers with small children, changing tables may be installed in the restrooms. Specialized VIP lounges, hotels, business centres, or conference rooms are absent on the territory of Vardø Airport. The nearest hotels and business spaces are located in the city itself.

The airport in Vardø (VAW) is a compact regional airport serving the easternmost regions of Norway. Given its small size, the choice of dining establishments is corresponding. In the single terminal of the airport, a small cafe operates where passengers can have a snack and drink hot beverages while waiting for their flight. Do not expect a food court here like in major hubs, but everything necessary for a comfortable wait is available.

The menu of the local cafe typically features classic options for a quick bite. You will be able to order coffee, tea, juices, and carbonated drinks. Food options usually include fresh sandwiches, pastries (such as traditional Norwegian buns), chocolate, and crisps. This is an ideal option to quickly satisfy your hunger, but for a full lunch or dinner, it is better to eat in the city beforehand.

The cafe is located in the common area of the terminal, accessible to both departing and arriving passengers. Its operating hours are strictly tied to the flight schedule: it opens shortly before the first departure and closes after the last one leaves. Specialized dietary dishes (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal) will be extremely difficult to find here, so if you have specific dietary needs, it is recommended to bring food with you.

Prices at the airport correspond to the general price level in the northern part of the country, which may seem quite high. However, for travellers wishing to warm up with a hot drink before flying over the Arctic coast, this is a convenient and the only option directly within the airport building. If you have time to spare, more diverse dining options can be found in the city of Vardø itself.

Planning a trip from the airport of Vardø city? To ensure your departure goes smoothly, use these tips. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. Despite the compact size of the airport, this buffer time will allow you to go through all formalities without rushing, especially in bad weather, which is not uncommon in northern Norway.

To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website. At Vardø Airport, control procedures usually go quickly, but always keep your boarding pass and identification documents ready. This will speed up the process for you and other passengers.

When choosing a seat on the plane, prefer a window seat. Flights in this region offer stunning views of the Arctic coast, fjords, and rugged northern nature. This is a great opportunity to enjoy unique landscapes from a bird's-eye view.

Standard hand luggage rules apply here as well: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. Ensure that there are no prohibited items in your bag, such as knives, lighters, or other dangerous substances. It is better to check the exact rules on the carrier's website in advance.

If you have a connecting flight, clarify when checking in luggage whether you will need to collect it at the intermediate airport. Typically, flights from Vardø connect in larger cities. Plan your transfer time with a margin to calmly find the right gate and go through additional checks if required.

Vardø Airport mainly serves domestic flights, so for most passengers, customs control is not relevant. If you are travelling within the Schengen area, you will not have to go through this procedure. For rare international flights, standard rules for importing goods into Norway apply.

To save time and money, book tickets in advance and travel light, preferably with only hand luggage if possible. Food prices at the airport can be high, so bring an empty water bottle to fill after the security zone, and a light snack.

In case of a flight delay, which may happen due to weather conditions, first contact your airline representative. They will provide up-to-date information and explain your rights to compensation (for example, vouchers for food or drinks). Remain calm and keep your electronic devices charged.