Wednesday 18 January 2012

Vardo fortress and witch burnings


Vardo, in Norway, was once considered the Devil's own town and, between 1621 and 1692, 80 women who lived there were burned alive after being accused of witchcraft.

The town's museum apparently has a fascinating section devoted to the witch-hunting fever that gripped Finnmark in  the 17th century. Sadly, I didn't get to see it.

The boat I am on stopped briefly at Vardo late yesterday afternoon. I found my way to Vardo fortress - the other thing that the town is famous for - but didn't have time to also visit the museum before the boat left. It was very dark and well into minus in temperature and I didn't feel like missing my boat!

The picture above shows a view from the fortress battlements.

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