Hammerfest, Norway

The north Norwegian port of Hammerfest is a magical place to visit in winter, as you are all but guaranteed seeing the aurora borealis, so long as it isn’t poor weather, but it is also a fascinating place to visit any time of the year- especially during the main summer cruise season.

That is because it is a port that you just get the feeling of been in a remote place from the moment you dock there, and that is for good reason as you are in a remote part of Norway, with little but the Arctic Ocean above you.

This gives the feeling of been at the end of the world and the sparsely popular Hammerfest only adds to that, so this isn’t a port of call that offers lots for visitors to do whilst on shore and you actually dock at the opposite end of a large bay that the city sits on, so it is quite a walk from your ship to the centre of Hammerfest.

With all of that in mind, plenty of visitors will want to head out on excursion for their visit to the city, but just what are the top 10 Hammerfest shore excursions? That is just what I answer in this list, which is based on my experience of visiting the port on a cruise holiday and the research I did before visiting there.

Shore Excursions In Hammerfest

Sami Experience

After a short drive from the port up to the top of the Salenberg hill, you will head to the Mikkelgammen restaurant and visitor centre where you will learn all about the history and culture of the Sami people- the indigenous people of the region.

Sitting on reindeer hide around an open fire, you will hear plenty of stories, sing some songs and try some traditional Sami food before trying on a traditional Sami outfit to gain a full understanding of all aspects of Sami life.

Meet Reindeer

In terms of people and settlements, things are incredibly remote and sparse around Hammerfest but in terms of Reindeer, it is New York City as the area is home to many huge herds of Santas little helpers.

These animals are part of life for those who live in the Norwegian arctic and many cruise lines offer to chance to head out and see some in the wild before getting up close and meeting some domesticated animals in what is often a great option for those travelling with children.

Husky Walk

No matter what you do in Hammerfest, the chances are it will involve lots of walking such is the nature of the port but why not make it a memorable walk by taking a local husky dog for a walk?

After choosing your favourite dog, you will set of a walk through the beautiful Finnmark countryside whilst learning all about the history and culture of dog sledding and huskies in the region.

Tyven Hike

Upon your arrival in Hammerfest, you will fail to notice the huge mountain that backs the city centre, it really is unmissable in every sense of the word.

If you are feeling energetic and want to take in some of the best views of the city, the island it sits on and out over the Arctic Ocean, a guided hike up Mount Tyven will give you all of that and so much more.

After a brief trip outside of the city limits, you’ll head out into the Arctic wilderness and to a stone staircase from where you will start your climb, which maybe only around 400 metres but is incredibly steep, so you will need to have decent fitness for this one.

Hammerfest Highlights

If you want to make the most of your time in Hammerfest, why not book a highlights of Hammerfest type tour where you will take in most of the visitor attractions of the city on one trip?

Most will head to places such as the Reconstruction Museum (that focuses on the rebuilding of the city after World War 2) and the Polar Bear Society (that features a museum dedicated to the history of Polar Bears in the city, including the hunting of them).

You will also usually go to the Salem Viewpoint which offers great views of the city and your ship and you will have a photo stop at the Meridian Column.

Guided Walk

As mentioned, all ships dock quite some distance from the centre of Hammerfest, so if you want to explore the city, you will likely need to head off for a long walk.

There is lots to see as you walk around the city but you may not quite understand what it is you are looking at, so why not learn whilst you explore by taking a guided tour of Hammerfest and see the best of what it has to offer and gain an understanding of what life is like for those who call the city home?

Scenic Coach Ride

If you have mobility issues, the weather is set to be bad for your visit or you just don’t fancy the long walk between the ship and the city, the best option is to take a coach ride around the highlights of the city, with many of them also heading out of time to show you the incredibly scenery of Finnmark- and the chances are that you will also spot a reindeer or two.

Church Organ Concert

Many ships that visit Hammerfest take advantage of the long nights throughout the city to stay late in port and that gives the opportunities to enjoy some experiences that you just don’t get many other places.

One such experience is to head to the beautiful Hammerfest church for an organ concert that utilises the churches magnificent organ with 1782 pipes.

Kayak Adventure

The shores around the city is full of wildlife but it can be tricky to spot but one way to get close to species such as seals, harbour porpoises, salmon and minke whale is to head out onto the water on a kayak tour where an experienced kayaker with local wildlife knowledge will take you for an adventure.

After paddling around the port and past your cruise ship, you will go off to try and find some of the wildlife listed above but even if you don’t spot any, you will still have incredibly views of the mountains and stunning coastline of the region.

Alta Visit

If you have been to Hammerfest before, or you don’t feel it is right for you, it is often possible to head a couple hours down the coast to the city of Alta.

Alta has lots to offer visits but for many the highlights of a visit there is to go the to its iconic Arctic Cathedral, also known as the Northern Lights cathedral but there is lots more on offer there including whale watching opportunities, a Rock Art Centre, some great walks and some of the best scenery found at any port in the world.

Hammerfest Shorex

Hammerfest is a great port to visit for those who love to simply walk around a small city that offers an authentic experience where cruisers mix with locals but if you want an all-action resort style port full of tourist shops and attraction, its probably not for you. The good news is that there are a number of shore excursions that you can do to really make the most of your time Hammerfest, so if you have book a cruise that is set to call in their or if you are trying to decide whether to book a cruise visiting Hammerfest or not, this list should help.