Gammelveien - The Old Road, is a great way to experience the distinctive nature surrounding Hammerfest. Starting by the church of Hammerfest, the road twists and turns along the side of and around the Salen mountain, and delivers several of the town's best views. From the top of the road, you can gaze out over the bay, with the green island in the north, Sørøya, soaring amidst the waves in the northern straits, and be faced with the beauty of its rough and untouched nature.
Through the popular hiking destination Jansvannet, you eventually reach Turistua, and are rewarded with the iconic view over the town of Hammerfest, before taking the Zigzag path down the mountain side and back to the town centre.

The hike can be undertaken by yourself, or in the company of a guide from Hammerfest Turist, and gives a whole array of photo opportunities along the way. The road itself is well prepared and safe, and the climb is of medium difficulty. Please don't hesitate to contact the tourist information for help with booking of accomodation, guide or for further information.

Please follow these safety tips when you go hiking and walking in Norway.

1. Be prepared
Be sufficiently experienced, fit and equipped for your intended trip.

2. Leave word of your route
Many cabins, hotels and other lodgings have tour notification boxes in which you may put a written notice of your planned route

3. Be weather-wise
You should always be alert to forecasts of bad weather, yet not rely completely on forecasts of good weather.

4. Be equipped for bad weather and frost
Always take a rucksack and proper mountain gear.

5. Learn from the locals
Local people can often tell you about avalanche trails, wind and snow conditions, and the safest routes.

6. Use a map and compass
Always have and know how to use a map and compass.

7. Do not go solo
If you venture out alone, there is nobody to give you first aid or notify a rescue service in an emergency.

8. Turn back in time - sensible retreat is no disgrace
If conditions deteriorate so much that you doubt you can attain your goal, turn around and return.

9. Conserve energy and build a snow shelter if necessary
The stronger the wind, the tougher the walking/skiing. Suit your speed to the weakest member of the party.

Find more detailed safety tips in the Norwegian Mountain Code.