A Brief History of the Pomor Trade
Discover the Pomor Trade: Uncover how Russian settlers shaped Northern Norway. Learn about the heritage left by the Pomor, a ethnographic group from Novgorod, at Vardø.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 250 / 62.1 degrees north
Hammerfest, Norway
Hammerfest is a true Arctic capital. In fact, until 1996 it was considered to be the world’s northernmost point. Today Hammerfest has the trademark of being the world’s northernmost city. It is also one of Northern Norway’s most historic cities and has been an important base for trade, exploration and hunting in the Arctic for hundreds of years.
Fun Facts About Hammerest
Latitude: 70.3 degrees north
Population: 11,300
Sami name: Hámmárfeasta
Hottest Month: July
Coldest Month: February
Wettest Month: October
Windiest Month: March
Annual Precipitation: 637mm
Hammerfest Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Hammerfest
Reconstruction Museum
This museum documents what happened to Hammerfest during World War II, as well as the subsequent reconstruction of the region.
Hammerfest Church
Hammerfest Church was completed in 1961 and is designed to look like the fish-drying racks found in Northern Norway.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
Salenfjellet
Salenfjellet is the hill overlooking the town. There is a hiking trail that will take you up to the top. The 15-minute walk begins behind Hammerfest City Hall.
Gammelveien
Gammelveien is the Old Road the circles the town and surrounding hills and lakes.
Road-Trips
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Hammerfest
Hammerfest to the Lyngen Alps
This drive includes a stop in Alta, which is about halfway.
Honningsvåg to Hammerfest
This drive goes between the two northernmost cities in Norway
Self-Guided Walks
Hammerfest on YouTube
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Hammerfest
Honningsvåg to Hammerfest
This short drive goes between the two northernmost cities in Norway.
Uniquely Hammerfest
Here are some things that you must do and try in Hammerfest
Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society
This is a unique club where you can register as a member as proof you’ve been to Hammerfest.
History of Hammerfest
Graves have been found in Hammerfest dating back to the Stone age, but Hammerfest go tits first church around the year 1684. The city’s location meant that it was an improtant place for fishing, and in 1789 Hammerfest got market rights – the first city in the Arctic to get this.
Hammerfest was occupied by the Nazis throughout World War II. When the Nazis retreated, they enacted a scorched earth policy on the town, destorying everything.
Hammerfest Today
Today Hammerfest is the second-largest municipality in terms of population after Alta. A big reason for Hammerfest’s growth is the Snøhvit LNG plant that was been built just outside the town. Besides the LNG plant, fishing is still a major industry here.
Hammerfest has a hospital, schooling at all levels and a branch of UiT-Norway’s Arctic University. Hammerfest has a rich cultural life, and the Arctic Culture Centre in Hammerfest has a cinema, concert hall, exhibitions and conferences.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: Hammerfest has an airport with Widerøe planes connecting the town to Tromsø and other small villages.
Drive: Hammerfest is located on the National Highway 94
Train: No train access
Ferry: Hammerfest is a port of call for Norway’s coastal ferry. The northbound ferry stops there early in the morning, while the southbound ferry stops in the middle of the day, giving you enough time to go out and explore.
Getting Around
Hammerfest is walkable.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Places to Stay
All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Camping
Cabins & B&Bs
Chains & Mid-Range
Hammerfest has a Thon Hotel as well as a Scandic Hotel. There is also a Smart Hotel here if you want a more budget-friendly choice.
I stayed at the Scandic because it had parking options.
Scandic Hotel: Click here to view rates & book
Thon Hotel: Click here to view rates & book
SmartHotel: Click here to view rates & book
High End & Unique Properties
Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages
January
Polar night until 20 January
Average Temperature: -3.5C (26F)
February
Sunrise: 8:06am
Sunset: 3:13pm
Average Temperature: -4C (25F)
March
Sunrise: 5:49am
Sunset: 5:20pm
Average Temperature: -2.5C (27F)
April
Sunrise: 4:18am
Sunset: 8:36pm
Average Temperature: 0.1C (32F)
May
Midnight sun from 15 May
Average Temperature: 4C (39F)
June
Midnight sun
Average Temperature: 7.6C (46F)
July
Midnight sun until 30 July
Average Temperature: 11C (52F)
August
Sunrise: 3:100am
Sunset: 9:44pm
Average Temperature: 10.6C (51F)
September
Sunrise: 5:34am
Sunset: 7:04pm
Average Temperature: 7.9C (46F)
October
Sunrise: 7:39am
Sunset: 6:40pm
Average Temperature: 2.9C (37F)
November
Sunrise: 9:28am
Sunset: 12:49pm
Average Temperature: 0.4C (31F)
December
Polar night
Average Temperature: -1.8C (29F)
All Posts About Hammerfest
Drive it Yourself: Honningsvåg to Hammerfest
Here’s a practical guide for the drive from Honningsvåg to Hammerfest in the far-north of Norway.
Drive it Yourself: Hammerfest to the Lyngen Alps
Here’s a practical guide for the drive from Honningsvåg to Hammerfest in the far-north of Norway.
Hammerfest Self-Guided Walking Tour: A Perfect Walk for Hurtigruten Passengers
Here’s what you can do with your two hours in Hammerfest.
