How To Visit Drakkar In Vardø – Norway’s Unique Viking Boat Sculpture

It’s a commanding sculpture that blends a realistic depiction with a fantasy creation. If you’re into Vikings, I think you’ll like this lesser-known spot in northern Norway. Here’s my guide on how to plan an adventure to the awesome Drakkar in Vardø with everything you need for a safe and fun day out.

How To Visit Drakkar In Vardø – Norway’s Unique Viking Boat Sculpture

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FAQ for visiting Drakkar

Location: Vardø, Norway

Cost: Free

Difficulty: The hike is easy but the weather made it challenging

What to bring:

• Camera (I use a GoPro with this compact selfie stick and the Sony Alpha a6000 is my favorite camera for travel – I used an upgraded model for my photos but I don’t think that’s necessary)
• Weather specific clothing (more on this below)
• Water bottle (here’s one with a filter that’s handy for travel)

The impressive Drakkar in Vardø

What is Drakkar?

Drakkar is a striking and unique sculpture that combines a Viking ship, whale, and dinosaur.

This fantastic creation was built in 2016 by three craftsmen from Taibola Architectures.

As you walk out to it, there is nothing, nothing, nothing, then you see Drakkar overlooking the water. It is magnificent to see and almost feels as if you are in a new land and have come across a Viking ship that has crashed on the shore.

View from the tail

Where is the Drakkar sculpture in Vardø?

The Drakkar sculpture is on the island of Vardø which is in the far northeast of Norway.

It is easy to access the island by car because you can drive there and will go through an underwater tunnel to reach it.

Not a good quality photo because it was quite dark, but the views on the walk are scenic

How to get to Drakkar

When I visited in December, the road was blocked from the point shown on the map. There was a small parking area there, so this is where I parked and walked the 1.1 km hike to get to Drakkar.

If you are visiting in a different season, you might be able to follow the road up and park closer to Drakkar, but I’m not 100% sure of this. Wherever you park, be considerate of the people who live in the area and don’t block driveways or roads.

If you do park near where I did, the coastal hike is flat, easy to follow, and very scenic.

I should mention that if you drive in winter, check the weather before driving. The weather was intense the day we went and there were a few low-lying sections that had visibility for only a few meters ahead.

It was like driving in a cloud where you couldn’t see anything but white all around you.

How to get to Drakkar using public transport

If you won’t have a car, you can get to Vardø using the bus.

Bus #64 will get you to Vardø from Vadsø in a little over an hour. From there it is a 30-minute walk to Drakkar.

Check Google Maps public transport directions to find a route based on where you will be departing.

There are steps on the left side to walk up for a closer look

Is it easy to hike to Drakkar in Vardø?

The hike itself is a very easy, flat trail.

However, this was one of the most challenging hikes I have ever done and that is because of the weather on the day. To say it was intense would be an understatement.

The wind was so strong that it was pushing me around the whole time and when I walked on icy sections, the wind pushed me like I was ice skating!

It was pelting snow so hard and fast that it felt like my skin was being ripped off and I had windburn all over me after the hike.

This could have just been a rough day for the day I went, or it could be normal for winter, I don’t know. But I felt it was important to mention so you know how important it is to be prepared for the elements out there. I’m so glad I was wearing good quality winter gear!

If you are visiting in summer or any other time of year when the weather isn’t as intense, then I would say that yes, it is a very easy hike.

The trail looking completely covered in snow

What to wear

The weather in northern Norway is harsh, particular in winter, and shouldn’t be underestimated. For my visit, which was in December, I wore:

• Meriwool base layer top and bottoms – this was my first trip since investing in good quality thermals and it made a huge difference
• Wool sweater – I got one like this from Icewear
• Jeans – I love these Levi’s 721 because they are comfortable and flattering for curvy figures!
• Boots – the ‘Chloe’ boots by Baffin are my favorite for snow trips
• Wool socks similar to these ones
• Heavy jacket
• Beanie and gloves – I picked up a regular pair from a local sport store

I have a full post on what to wear for a winter trip to northern Norway with more information as well.

For this trip, I invested in some new, good quality cold-weather gear but my post and vlog has tips on how to make do with things from home if you aren’t ready to upgrade yet.

If you will be visiting at a different time of year, be sure to check the weather and prepare for the elements.

Where to stay

You can take a day trip to Vardø easily from Vadsø, this is what I did. The drive from Vadsø to Drakkar was 1 hour each way.

I stayed in this Airbnb because I visited at Christmas and most of the hotels on Booking.com were fully booked. It was a great place to stay and the hosts were helpful and friendly.

If you prefer hotels, there are some in Vadsø like Scandic Hotel.

Alternatively, you could also stay in Vardø itself and turn it into an overnight stay.

Whichever you chose, I recommend doing a quick search on Booking.com. This is what I usually use to book accommodation and I always find a good deal on there.

More guides to help you plan a visit to Norway

• How To Do A King Crab Safari In Kirkenes, Norway (And Why You Should)

• Visit Nordkapp In Norway – How To Plan A Trip To The Top Of The World

• A Beginners Guide To Photographing The Northern Lights

• Northern Lights In Norway – Skip The Tours For An EPIC Cabin Experience

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