Steilneset Memorial
Troms og Finnmark
Steilneset Memorial in Vardø, Norway, is a unique and solemn site dedicated to the 91 individuals who were condemned during the witch trials in Finnmark between 1600 and 1692. Opened in 2011 by Queen Sonja, the memorial comprises a 125-meter-long hall designed by renowned Swiss architect Peter Zumthor and an art installation by French-American sculptor Louise Bourgeois. The hall features 91 illuminated windows, each representing one of the victims, with plaques inscribed by historian Liv Helene Willumsen based on original court documents. Bourgeois's installation, titled "The Damned, the Possessed and the Beloved," is housed in a separate glass and steel pavilion and was her last major work before her death. The memorial is situated near the historical site of the executions, offering visitors a reflective experience that connects past injustices with contemporary human rights issues. Its architectural and artistic design has been internationally praised, receiving the Northern Norwegian Architecture Prize in 2013. The site is part of the Varanger Museum and is located within walking distance from Vardø town center, near Vardøhus Fortress and Stegelneset Chapel, with views towards the "witches' mountain" Domen on clear days.
Plan your trip to Norway with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors are advised to visit Steilneset Memorial during the summer months for better weather and visibility of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby Domen mountain associated with the witch trials. It is recommended to reserve tickets or check opening hours in advance as the site is managed by Varanger Museum. The memorial is part of the National Tourist Routes project, enhancing accessibility and visitor experience. No specific prices are cited, but discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. The site is reflective and contemplative, so visitors should allow time to absorb the art and history fully.
Interesting facts
- •The memorial includes 91 illuminated windows, each dedicated to one of the witch trial victims.
- •The art installation "The Damned, the Possessed and the Beloved" was the last major work by Louise Bourgeois before her death at age 98.
- •Steilneset Memorial won the Northern Norwegian Architecture Prize in 2013 for its innovative design.
- •The memorial is part of the National Tourist Routes project in Norway, aiming to enhance road-based tourism.
- •The plaques inside the hall are based on actual court documents transcribed and translated by historian Liv Helene Willumsen.
History
The memorial commemorates the tragic witch trials in Finnmark during the 17th century, where over 90 people, both Norwegian and Sami, were sentenced to death.
Vardø's history includes its establishment as a town in 1789 and its role as a strategic stronghold in northern Norway.
The witch trials represent a dark chapter in the region's past, with Steilneset located near the presumed execution site.
The memorial project began in 2005, culminating in its opening in 2011, with significant contributions from historian Liv Helene Willumsen, architect Peter Zumthor, and artist Louise Bourgeois.
The site serves as a reminder of past injustices and a dialogue between history and contemporary issues.
Place Guide
The Memorial Hall2011
A 125-meter-long illuminated hall designed by Peter Zumthor featuring 91 windows, each representing a victim of the witch trials, with plaques containing historical texts.
"The Damned, the Possessed and the Beloved" Installation2011
A glass and steel pavilion housing Louise Bourgeois's final large-scale artwork, symbolizing themes of oppression, suffering, and resilience.
