Hammerfest

Arctic city Hammerfest rises dramatically like a mirage on the horizon of Finnmark's barren coastline.

Surrounded by mountains, sandy beaches, and stunning coastal landscapes, Hammerfest is an excellent starting point for an active holiday!

For the best panoramic views, hike up the zigzag path to the top of Salen hill, just a 15-minute walk from the city centre!

The Struve Geodetic Arc marks the location that was once used to work out the size of the Earth, and is now on UNESCO's World Heritage list!

Wait, is that a ... camel?

That's right! Join a camel safari, or try to spot other wildlife like reindeer, eagles and whales. There is so much to see!

If you are a true fishing enthusiast – this is the place to be!

Here, you will find some of Norway’s best spots to catch big trophy fish, both in the sea and the nearby lakes and rivers.

Want to see both the midnight sun and white, tropical looking beaches? Hammerfest has both.

Just be aware that the water may be a bit chilly ... it's for real Vikings!

After a long day of activities, wind down in a dome while watching the northern lights (in the wintertime, if you are in luck), or stay at a comfy hotel in the city.

An urban haven on a dramatic and sparsely inhabited coast, Hammerfest is the world's northernmost city with more than 10,000 inhabitants. It's full of life and outdoor adventure!

For hiking enthusiasts, Hammerfest is a definite winner. The landscape may be barren, but it offers good hiking and gentle ascents. It's easy to navigate by following the coastline and mountain peaks.

Try Tyventrappa Sherpa stairway for stunning views of the Sørøysundet strait from Mount Tyven – under the midnight sun or the northern lights – from a cabin that has won awards for its unique design. Shelter there if you experience some of the Finnmark coast's stormy weather.

When cruise ships are in port, the city assumes an almost carnival-like atmosphere. In recent years, Hammerfest has begun to emerge as Finnmark's culinary capital. When it's time for a bite to eat, enjoy everything from a traditional Sami dish to fantastic sushi.

There are several options for getting to Hammerfest.

Being one of the oldest cities in Norway, it might strike you as odd how modern Hammerfest looks. The city's history includes various attempts by men and Mother Nature to wipe it from the map. The most drastic attempt was made by the Nazis in 1945, when the order came down that “no building be left standing”. Gjenreisningsmuseet, the Museum of Reconstruction, commemorates the cold, bleak years following the war's destruction. Today, many colourful houses from the 1950s dot the city.

Find more inspiration on Hammerfest’s official website.

Visithammerfest.no

Explore all the options below, or go directly to:
Attractions | Where to stay | Transport

Attractions in Hammerfest

Akkarfjord
Arctic Camel Safari
A nature experience out of the ordinary! Meet the camel calves Vilje and Odin and their parents Bor og Bestla in scenic surroundings.
Hammerfest
The Museum of Post-War Reconstruction
Welcome to the museum of Post-war Reconstruction for Finnmark and North-Troms.
Hammerfest
Walking at Sørøya - Tarhalsen
The old lighthouse path winds down the mountainside.
Hammerfest
Hammerfest church
The Protestant Church of Hammerfest was built by architect Hans Magnus, who among other things also designed the northernmost church in the world on Svalbard. It was consecrated in 1961. The triangle served as a leitmotif for the Church, both as a symbol of the Holy Trinity and also as a reference to the traditional fish drying racks, which are still used to produce the stockfish. The wall behind the altar is a mosaic image, which was completely composed of Norwegian stones and completed in 1972. The small windows on the sides show symbols of the Christian faith. The glass mosaic on the back wall was created by Jardar Lunde. The ceiling's wood paneling is reminiscent of an upturned boat. The wood carvings on the organ gallery show among other things the old Hammerfest churches and were made by the local artists Eva and Knut Arnesen. The organ itself was established in 2010 and has 1782 pipes. Its shape reflects the triangular architecture of the whole Church.
Hammerfest
The Struve Geodetic Arc
UNESCO world heritage in Hammerfest
Hammerfest
St. Michael's Church
St. Michael's Church in Hammerfest is the northernmost permanently served Catholic Church in the world. It is already the third Catholic Church in Hammerfest, after the first one from 1878, which was replaced by a bigger one shortly after in 1885 that was burnt down in WWII. As a sign of compensation for the destruction during the war, it was built with donations from Germany and consecrated in 1957. The Swiss architect L. F. Lothenbach offered his services free of charge and his plans were implemented by the Danish architect Bent Packness, who worked in Hammerfest at the time. The wooden crucifix was carved by the German prisoner of war Georg Wimmer in 1945 in Tromsø.
Hammerfest
Walking Tour Sørøya - Kjøttvikvarden
We go by boat from Hammerfest to Akkarfjord on the island Sørøya - "the green island of the north". From here we will walk along an easy path to Kjøttvikvarden.
Hammerfest
Sot Bar & Burger
The first SOT restaurant was established in Trondheim by two buddies, David and Kjartan in 2014. The goal was to create a place they themselves dreamed of hanging out in, with great food and drinks. A decision was made. They wanted to serve juicy burgers, and it was supposed to be the best and most legendary burger around. The boys packed their bags and went to New York to get inspiration for ingredients, fries and dips from the most legendary burger joints in the state. When they returned home, they turned their knowledge into what is todays SOT Bar & Burger, a sophisticated, but unassuming and sizzling burger garden with a Nordic touch - with employees who are passionate about juicy burgers, local beer, good atmosphere and personal service. As SOT won more hearts and palates than the original place in Trondheim could saturate, we have become more. The northernmost restaurant in the chain is located in Hammerfest, and is co-located with a bowling alley, Niska Sushi and Slakteriet - a live stage that houses concerts, parties, quiz nights and much more. We at SOT are passionate about being the best at a burger with good accessories. The menu consists of a selection of burgers where you can choose between beef, chicken, beetroot or plant-based burger. The raw materials we use are of the very best variety. The same is the service. With us, you will meet a unique atmosphere and dedicated chefs and bartenders who work together to create fantastic food and a good atmosphere among the guests - all at a reasonable price. With continuous innovation in the burger menu and a vibrant beer selection, we offer uncompromising taste experiences in a tough, informal and inclusive atmosphere. Welcome!

Where to stay

Kvalsund
Skaidi hotell
..
Book now
Nordre Seiland
Seiland Explore
Seiland Explore have apartments for rent.
Akkarfjord
Bismarvik vacation home
Bismarvik vacation home is a charming old house that used to be a small farm. The house has an amazing location right next to the ocean, surrounded by mountains and nature. Here you really get an escape from the citylife. The accomodation is perfect for hikers, small happenings and family gatherings - but also for solo visitors.
Akkarfjord
Sørøya Rorbuer og Havfiske
Sørøya rorbuer has 4 top modern huts by the sea. It has an incredible seaview. In addition it is connected to a dock with boat rental.
Hammerfest
Smarthotel
Smarthotel is central i Hammerfest with great views of the sea and the city.
Hammerfest
Thon hotel
The hotel is located in the middle of Hammerfest city, right next to the harbor, a shoppingmal and several restaurants.
Hammerfest
Arctic Sea Hotel & Apartments
Arctic Sea Hotel & Apartments offers accommodation in sea huts and a hotel on Fuglenes in Hammerfest.
Hammerfest
Scandic Hotel Hammerfest
Accommodation in Hammerfest: Centrally located in Hammerfest, the world,s northernmost town, the hotel enjoys a magnificent view of the sea.
Kokelv
Aurora glamping
Aurora glamping offers accommodation in a luxurious cabin, a turf house and an arctic dome.

Getting here and around

Get in-depth travel information on Hammerfest's official website.

Plan your trip and buy tickets for public transportation with Entur, Norway's national travel planner.

Get inspired

Bathing in gold

Urnes stave church in Luster in Sognefjord, Fjord Norway

Norway’s UNESCO sites

Photographer Dino Serrao in Lofoten, Northern Norway

Dino Serrao photographs Norwegians

Whale watching
Northern lights
Midnight sun

Seasons and climate

Northern lights

In spite of its location in the far north, Hammerfest has no permafrost as the annual temperature is approximately 2 °C (36 °F). The temperature varies from an average −5 °C (23 °F) in January to 11 °C (52 °F) in July.

The driest months are May, June, and July, with an average of 50 millimetres (2 inches) of rainfall. The wettest period is October through December.

During the summer months, there is continuous daylight, while during winter, the sun does not rise above the horizon. Read more about the midnight sun.

Get the latest weather forecast on yr.no.

Or check out or northern lights forecast.

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See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

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