Hammerfest is an exciting city and perhaps surprisingly different for many. Here you can experience everything from lively and engaging city life to raw and beautiful nature. Hammerfest is a milestone you don't want to miss!
A city full of contrasts
Hammerfest is a city full of contrasts - just look at the urban city with the incredible arctic landscape around. Here you can go shopping, play bowling and enjoy yourself in a cafe, but also explore beautiful nature that sometimes appears untouched. Hammerfest can offer everything between heaven and earth, literally - because here the weather changes fast. You will be able to experience the raw power of storms, but also calm and idyllic days where almost all the locals can be seen outdoors.
A variety of experiences
Hammerfest offers many different experiences with nature, culture and history. Hammerfest has an open and beautiful landscape, and thus the opportunity for fantastic hikes. The most popular hikes in Hammerfest are Tyven and Storfjellet, both of which have an open day trip cabin. To enjoy a panoramic view of the city, you can check out the viewpoint at Salen. You can get there by car, or by walking from the city centre up the Zigzag-road.
You should also experience the local culture by visiting local places to eat, niche shops and the cultural centre AKS - which offers performances, cinema and concert experiences. When you are in Hammerfest, you should also visit The Reconstruction Museum, where you can learn a lot about the dramatic events that took place in Finnmark and Nord-Troms during the Second World War. You should also explore the exhibition at the Polar Bear Society, which is completely free!
You can see the experiences that you should not miss out on in Hammerfest here.
Hammerfests history
Hammerfest received city status in 1789, which this makes the city the oldest in northern Norway (together with Vardø). Hammerfest is located 70.7 degrees north on Kvaløya, and for over 200 years it was known as the world's northernmost town. The name Hammerfest arose from an old anchorage, where hammer came from berghammer (rock hammer) and fest from fastening the boats to land. Long ago, Hammerfest was known for having the best ice-free harbour in the northern waters, even though the town is located north of the Arctic Circle. The city has repeatedly risen after hurricanes, urban fires and total destruction during the Second World War.
Polar bear in Hammerfest
There are no polar bears in Hammerfest, and there never have been. Still, you will find polar bears in the municipal coat of arms and as attractions around the city. The polar bear represents the strength and courage needed to live in arctic regions. When you are in Hammerfest, you should join the exclusive Polar Bear Society. The club requires personal attendance and gives you physical proof that you have made the trip all the way to Hammerfest. Read more about The Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society here.
Accommodation in Hammerfest
There are several different places where you can spend the night in the city. Whether you like a hotel with hotel breakfast or a campsite with cabins, you will find a perfect place to stay in Hammerfest. You can find the various accommodation options in Hammerfest here.
Where you can eat in Hammerfest
In Hammerfest you have the opportunity to try various culinary experiences. The city offers everything from great burgers at Slakteriet to fantastic Asian dishes at Sakaya. Or maybe you want to try different unique bubble waffles that are suitable for both lunch and as a sweet treat at Sweet Fantasy? The possibilities are many! You can find a range of restaurants and cafes in Hammerfest, perfect for a new culinary experience.
When you should visit Hammerfest
Hammerfest is an excellent city to visit all year round. From May 16th to July 29th, it is light all day and you will experience the midnight sun. In autumn it gradually gets darker, and already in September the first northern lights can appear in the sky. From November 22nd to January 20th the sun never peeks out from the horizon, and you will experience polar night season. Even though the sun doesn't rise, there is some daylight in the afternoon, and you can experience the "blue hour" with it´s very special blue light.
How you get to Hammerfest
There are many different ways to get to Hammerfest. The most classic way is of course via Hurtigruta, which arrives both from the north and south daily. The fastest way, however, is to fly with Widerøe from Tromsø or Alta and land at Hammerfest airport. If you want to experience more on your way here, it is possible to take both a bus, airport bus and speedboat to Hammerfest from Alta. Hammerfest is also a popular place for driving tourists, since Kvaløya has a bridge connection to the mainland on highway 94 from E6. It is also possible to get to Hammerfest via speedboat and ferry from the surrounding islands.
