Hammerfest: The Northermost Town in the World

Hammerfest

Dad and I made sure we got our certificate of Membership at the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society which can only be found in the northermost town in the world, Hammerfest.

The city lies 70° 39' 48" north and achieved its town status on the 7th of July 1789, making it the oldest town in northern Norway. The town was founded because of its natural harbour, something which is equally important today for Hammerfests economic foundation. Despite its geographical position, Hammerfest has maintained its international connections. As early as 1852, the first international measurement of the earths circumference was completed in Hammerfest, and in 1891 Hammerfest was the first town in northern Europe with electric street lighting.


Today Hammerfest is a modern town with an open and unique town atmosphere, where the town square and harbour are its natural meeting places. Hammerfest is an important communication centre in the county of Finnmark, and this makes it an ideal starting point for coastal and other scenic excursions in the county