Varden

Varden is an old watchpost on the highest point of the island Kirkelandet in Kristiansund (78 MAMSL). In 1801 the first octagonal watchtower was constructed on the site. The original building is today the property of Nordmøre museum, but a replica was placed on the site in 1993. During the Napoleonic wars an optical telegraph was located at the site. The telegraph made it possible to send messages to Trondheim. During the Napoleonic wars Varden also gave early warning of enemy vessels aproaching Kristiansund. Multiple attacks on Kristiansund was turned back because the cannons around the harbour was ready when the enemy vessels arrived. In 1892 the old wood watchbuilding was replaced with a concete tower for the city's 150 year jubilee. The original concrete tower was demolished in 1976 because it was dangerus for the enviroment A new tower was opened in 1983, built with funds raised by "Vardens venner ". The new tower, even thogh it's higher, retains most of the design from the old tower.