“The very best thing about Vadsø is the people who live here”

Vadsø, a gem in northern Norway set beautifully on the Varangerfjord, has a rich history and cultural heritage. To get a broad picture of what Vadsø means to the people who live here, we have interviewed a range of people of different ages who have a connection to this charming town. Each of them has their own experiences and views, and together they give us a glimpse of Vadsø as seen by different generations. Here we spoke to Aleksandra Wold, who moved to Vadsø at 16 to go to school. We found out what her everyday life looks like, and what she thinks is the very best thing about Vadsø.

About Aleksandra

Aleksandra Wold moved at 16 from Vardø – the town where she was born and raised – to Vadsø to study sport at Vadsø videregående skole (upper secondary school). Choosing the school and the town was easy. Vadsø vgs offered sports studies with elite handball, a programme Aleksandra really wanted to take. Vadsø is also close to her home town, and she had already played a season on VTF’s team for girls born in 2005. So she knew a bit about what to expect before she moved here. Aleksandra is now 18 and about to finish her second school year in the town.

Everyday life in Vadsø

Everyday life in Vadsø is mostly school and training. As a player on VTF’s junior team, she says a lot of time goes into training, both with the club and on her own. When she is not training or doing schoolwork, she likes to hang out with friends or take a drive to Vardø to visit her family. When she gets the chance, she also likes to head up into the mountains, either on foot or by snowmobile in winter.

The best thing about Vadsø

Aleksandra is quite sure what she thinks is the best thing about Vadsø: “The very best thing about Vadsø is the people who live here.” She explains that when she first moved here, she was rather nervous about how the local community would receive her. So when she arrived in Vadsø, she was pleasantly surprised. She was made very welcome both at school and in her new handball team, and she quickly gained a large circle of acquaintances and good friends. “Sometimes I forget that I’ve only lived here for two years,” says Aleksandra. She explains that she feels as if she has been part of the circle of friends and the local community more or less all her life. In general, she would describe the people of Vadsø as friendly, welcoming and inclusive.

Tips for anyone thinking of moving to Vadsø

If you are thinking of moving to Vadsø, Aleksandra has clear advice for you: “Come here, don’t consider anything else!” Based on her own experience, she would recommend Vadsø to anyone who is thinking about it. She adds that you should definitely try some of the leisure activities Vadsø has to offer – for example by joining one of the town’s clubs. There you can make lots of new acquaintances while filling your days with something interesting, fun or exciting.