Winter wonderland in the Hammerfest region

Writen by: Visit Hammerfest

The Hammerfest-region in winter is more than just snow and cold – the landscape transforms into an arctic dream and pure winter magic. Here you can feel small under the northern lights, find peace in the quiet of the polar nights and feel the adrenalin pumping in the magical winter landscape. This is the destination for those looking for real Arctic experiences and memories that last a lifetime!


Experience the magic of the Northern Lights

The Hammerfest region is one of the best places to experience the northern lights – nature's own light phenomenon that dances and paints the sky in shades of green, purple and pink! From autumn to early spring, you can witness this spectacular phenomenon on clear nights, and there are many places where you can get a fantastic view. We recommend seeking out places with the least possible amount of light pollution, so that you can really take in the beautiful view. If you are in Hammerfest, you will be able to see the northern lights more clearly from mountain peaks such as Tyvenfjellet or in the fjord areas a little outside the city. Only a 15-minute drive to Forsøl will give you good opportunitys to see the aurora borealis in all its glory. With a bit of luck, you can experience a sky filled with stars that sparkle along with the dancing light.


Adventurous winter activities

For the adventurous, there are many exciting opportunities in the Hammerfest region. If you want to combine northern lights and adventure, Olderfjord is recommended. There you can experience, among other things, northern lights safari in a sledge or snowmobile tours in adventurous surroundings. After a long day out in the cold, it's extra good to go back inside to the warmth. In beautiful surroundings you will find Olderfjord Lodge – a cozy cabin with room for 6 overnight guests. Here you can enjoy a comfortable stay and exciting adventures.

Experience majestic Seiland, where Seiland Explore can take you on snowshoeing trips in the astonishing surroundings. Snowshoes are absolutely brilliant for being able to move steadily in the snow, and are easier to master than skis. Seiland Explore also offers animal safaris, which give you the opportunity to both get close to Seiland's nature and the exciting and rich wildlife there.

Awaken your adventurous side and feel your heart rate rise as you make lifelong memories with Pirate Husky. They offer dog sledding, where snowy and majestic landscapes are combined with eager dogs.

Or experience snowmobile tours with Aurora Glamping, which take you even further into the wilderness and give you a feeling of freedom and adrenaline. Aurora Glamping can also offer snowshoeing and ice fishing, where you can get the opportunity to experience the silence of winter up close. Aurora Glamping has unique accommodation options in Kokelv's scenic surroundings.

If you are looking for a completely unique and wild story, you can join the Camel Safari at PolarOasen in Akkarfjord. Arctic + camel = true?! You won't believe it until you see it for yourself. PolarOasen also offers overnight accommodation, so you can take in the beautiful surroundings on Sørøya.


When time stands still

The polar nights gives the Hammerfest region a very special atmosphere. From November 22nd to January 20th, you will experience that the sun never rises above the horizon. Even when the sun is not visible, this time never gets boring – it actually offers a completely unique silence and calmness. In the afternoon, the landscape is lit up by a soft blue light, which is known as the "blue hour". In these moments, when the sky and snow merge into blue tones, you get a sense of timelessness and peace that is completely unique to the Arctic.

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