Places to stay and things to do in Hammerfest

Hammerfest is located on Kvaløya in Finnmark and is surrounded by a coastal landscape. Nature is not far away, while those who prefer an urban lifestyle will not be disappointed.

Hammerfest Airport is only a few minutes’ drive from the city and has direct connections to nine airports in Finnmark and two in Troms. The flight to Oslo Gardermoen Airport takes around three hours with stopovers.

Here we provide useful information for visitors to Hammerfest: 

Northern lights tour and midnight sun

Hammerfest is perfect for those who want to watch the beautiful northern lights flicker across the winter sky. The dark season in Hammerfest lasts from 22 November to 20 January, making it the perfect time to go on a northern lights tour. The town has several great viewpoints. From the local mountain Salen, you have panoramic views of the city, as well as the islands of Håjå and Sørøya. From Fugleneset, you can see the entire bay of Hammerfest. Other good places to see the northern lights are Forsølfjellet and Storfjellet.

If you're visiting Hammerfest in the summertime, another exciting light phenomenon awaits. During the summer months, Hammerfest is a favourite destination for experiencing the midnight sun, which lights up the sky all day and night from 16 May to 29 July.

Struve Geodetic Arc

Fuglenes, just outside of Hammerfest, has a monument dedicated to Struve’s Geodetic Arc. The monument from 1854 is in honour of German astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve, who led a project to find the Earth’s exact shape and size in the 1800s. The project consisted of measuring angles at a total of 265 measuring points in the terrain from the Black Sea to Hammerfest. Astronomical observations were also made at 13 locations along this line. One of these measurements was made in Hammerfest. The work lasted from 1816 to 1855 and was named Struve’s Geodetic Arc. It is the longest consecutive series of degree measurements measured using classical methods, and 34 of the original measurement points are on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Arctic Cultural Centre

The city’s cultural centre is located close to Thon Hotel Hammerfest and houses a concert hall and movie theatre, gallery, school of visual and performing arts and the municipality’s cultural administration office. The building is considered the cultural heart and meeting place of both the city and region. If you’re looking for a cultural experience in the form of music, theatre, exhibitions, revue or dance, this is the place to go. 

Dog sledding in Hammerfest 

With Arctic wilderness in every direction, Hammerfest is perfect for dog sledding. There are lots of options here, depending on who is in your group and what you want to experience. If you've never done it before, a dog sledding tour of two, three or even six hours is a great place to start. For diehard nature and dog lovers, it is possible to go on a longer adventure, spending several days dog sledding and sleeping outdoors. The trip can also be adapted to families with young children, so the littlest ones can also join the fun and sit on the dog sled. A guaranteed unforgettable experience for the entire family!

Hammerfest cinema and bowling 

If you need a break from bad weather or simply want to relax, you can always enjoy the latest blockbuster film in Hammerfest. The city’s cinema is part of the Arctic Cultural Centre, where films are shown in two movie theatres, Frityren and Ole Olsen.

Much to the delight of both young and old, Hammerfest also has a bowling alley. In addition to six bowling lanes, there's also a shuffleboard and darts, pizza, slushies and other goodies. 

Hammerfest Golf Club 

This golf club calls itself the world’s northernmost and cheapest golf course. The course is located in the innermost section of the Repparfjord next to the Repparfjord River. Here you can play golf around the clock when the midnight sun shines over the fjord.

Isbjørnhallen and Nordlysbadet

For swimming enthusiasts, there are several beautiful beaches to enjoy near the city, while the Isbjørnhallen swimming pool, which has three swimming pools and a sauna, is the place to be if you prefer to swim indoors.

If you’re looking to spend the entire day in the water, head to Alta, a little over a two-hour drive south of Hammerfest. Here you'll find the Nordlysbadet, with everything from a wading pool for the littlest ones, a slide, jacuzzi and outdoor hot tub to an activity pool with climbing wall, current channel and cold tub for those who like a cold bathing experience.

Museum in Hammerfest

Polar Bear Club

At Hamnegata 3, you'll find The Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society, a free exhibition about Hammerfest, covering everything from the processing of fish into oil to animals that live in the area. Here you can also become a member of the exclusive Polar Bear Club, founded in 1963 to give visitors something to remember their journey to one of the world’s northernmost cities. Membership is only available to visitors to Hammerfest and members receive a certificate, polar bear pin and membership card. Fun for all ages!

Museum of Reconstruction for Finnmark and North Troms

This museum gives you an idea of how Hammerfest and the surrounding area were shaped by World War II and its aftermath. Finnmark and northern Troms were burned to the ground by the German occupiers and the population was forced to evacuate. The exhibition also gives you insight into the early history of Hammerfest, from the Stone Age to today.

Shopping in Hammerfest

Hammerfest has a wide selection of shops, many of which are located in Nissensenteret, the city’s shopping centre. Here you'll find both chain and independent shops selling shoes, clothing and sportswear, in addition to a pharmacy, health food shop and various other retailers.

Fishing has always been important in Hammerfest and a good fish meal is never far away. Try the sushi at the renowned Niri sushi, which has a reputation for being one of the best sushi restaurants in Norway. Sakaya Asian Cooking also offers Asian cuisine, while meat lovers can bite into a burger at SOT Bar & Burger. If you’re interested in a long, relaxing lunch, head over to the lunch buffet at Soma, and for coffee, we recommend No. 19, said to have the best coffee drinks in town. Coffee with something to nibble on can also be enjoyed at Kafé Nordvest, a cosy café with simple dishes run by immigrant women.

Thon Hotel Hammerfest

Thon Hotel Hammerfest is centrally located close to everything the city has to offer, with great views of the harbour and city centre. Start the day with the delicious breakfast buffet or relax with a free cup of coffee at reception before exploring Hammerfest. The hotel is only three kilometres from Hammerfest Airport.