This Arctic town experiences polar nights for 3 months and midnight sun in summer. Locals embrace winter with dog sledding, while the active nightlife warms up dark days.
Hammerfest, the northernmost town in Norway with over 10,000 inhabitants, sits on the island of Kvaløya. From May to July, you can watch the midnight sun illuminate the town 24 hours a day. Walk up the Tyventrappa Sherpa stairway for views across the Barents Sea, learn about polar expeditions at the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society, or try fresh cod at one of the waterfront restaurants. In winter, the northern lights often dance above the town's snow-covered streets.
Natural Phenomena and Climate
The sun never sets in Hammerfest between May 15 and July 31, creating continuous daylight for over two months. During winter, the town experiences polar night from November 23 to January 19, when the sun stays below the horizon. Despite its northern location, the harbor remains ice-free year-round due to the North Atlantic Current, with winter temperatures hovering around -5°C and summer temperatures reaching 11°C.
Getting Around
Regular flights connect Hammerfest Airport with Tromsø, while the nearby city of Alta provides direct flights to Oslo. You can drive to Hammerfest via Norwegian National Highway 94 throughout the year, though winter storms occasionally close the road. The Hurtigruten coastal ferry stops at the port daily, connecting you to other coastal towns along Norway's coastline.
Mountain Trails and Views
Climb the 1,200 steps of the Tyventrappa Sherpa stairway to reach Mount Tyven's summit. At the top, you'll find a wooden cabin where you can rest while looking out over the Sørøysundet strait and surrounding islands. The rocky coastal paths and mountain trails around Hammerfest range from easy 1-hour walks to challenging full-day hikes. In winter, the elevated positions on Mount Tyven make excellent spots for watching the aurora borealis.
Town History and Museums
At the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society, you can examine artifacts from Arctic hunting expeditions dating back to 1794. To join the society, visit Hammerfest in person to receive your membership certificate with the mayor's signature. The Museum of Reconstruction documents how locals rebuilt their town after 1945, when German forces destroyed every building except the chapel during their retreat.
Industry and Development
On Melkøya island, just off the coast, Norway's largest liquefied natural gas facility processes gas from the Snøhvit field in the Barents Sea. This industrial complex has transformed Hammerfest's economy since its opening, bringing new jobs and modern infrastructure to this Arctic town.
