Post code: N-9600
Telephone code: 084
Situation
The busy Norwegian port of Hammerfest lies on the west side of the island of Kvaløy (area 339sq.km/130sq.mi) in latitude 70°39'48" north and longitude 23°40' east. The sun never sets here between May 17 and July 28 and never rises between November 21 and January 23.
History
Long an important commercial and fishing port in virtue of its sheltered and ice-free harbor, Hammerfest received its municipal charter in 1789. The town was bombarded by a British fleet in 1809, almost totally destroyed by fire in 1890 and razed to the ground by German forces in October 1944 after the compulsory evacuation of the population, only the cemetery chapel being left standing. The people of Hammerfest, however, soon rebuilt their town on the narrow strip of land between the hill ridge of Salen and the sea. The rebuilt town is notable for its colorful house-fronts.
Economy
Hammerfest is the base of Norway's Arctic fishing fleet; it has a large fish-processing industry and a fishery college. It is now also catering for increasing numbers of visitors.
The town of Hammerfest offers sea and freshwater sport fishing, scuba diving, and hiking opportunities. It is the ideal base for tourists to to begin northern tours.