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!

Hammerfest .
Photo: Visit Hammerfest

Hammerfest city .
Photo: Visit Hammerfest

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!

Zig-zag path in Hammerfest .
Photo: Visit Hammerfest

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!

Struves meridianbue in Hammerfest .
Photo: Christian Roth Christensen / Visitnorway.com

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!

Camel safari in Hammerfest .
Photo: Visit Hammerfest

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!

Activities in Hammerfest .
Photo: Visit Hammerfest

Hammerfest Activities .
Photo: Visit Hammerfest

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.

Aurora Glamping .
Photo: Visit Hammerfest

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

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Attractions in Hammerfest

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

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Top attractions in Hammerfest

Birdwatching Hammerfest

Hammerfest city is positioned along the harsh Norwegian coast, but is sheltered by the large Sørøya island. Migrating waterbirds, including Pommarine… Read more

Birdwatching 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… Read more

Hammerfest church

Scandic Hotel Hammerfest

Accommodation in Hammerfest: Centrally located in Hammerfest, the world,s northernmost town, the hotel enjoys a magnificent view of the sea. Read more

Scandic Hotel 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… Read more

Walking Tour Sørøya - Kjøttvikvarden

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. Read more

Arctic Camel Safari

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… Read more

Sot Bar & Burger

The Museum of Post-War Reconstruction

Welcome to the museum of Post-war Reconstruction for Finnmark and North-Troms. Read more

The Museum of Post-War Reconstruction

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By road

Hammerfest can easily be reached by car. Coming from the south, take the E6 motorway through the town of Alta. Follow the road to the north over a high plateau called Sennalandet. When you get to the junction in Skaidi, take the Rv94 motorway across the Kvalsund Bridge. You will arrive in Hammerfest after about one hour. Coming from the North Cape, simply follow the Rv94 all the way.

There are direct bus connections to Hammerfest from Skaidi (one hour), Alta (2.5 hours), and Honningsvåg (3.5 hours), among other places.

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By boat

The most beautiful way to get to Hammerfest is no doubt onboard the Hurtigruten Norwegian coastal express. Most of the ships can take cars and call twice a day – one southbound and one northbound.

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By plane

Hammerfest Airport is a regional airport at Prærien in Hammerfest. There are connections to Tromsø, Alta, Honningsvåg, and many other destinations in Finnmark.

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Seasons and climate

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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Hammerfest

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

Attractions in Hammerfest

Where to stay

Getting here and around

By road

By boat

By plane

Travel through Northern Norway

Get inspired

Photographer Dino Serrao photographs Norwegians

These are Norway’s UNESCO sites

Bathing in gold

Top places to see the midnight sun

Seasons and climate

Northern lights

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