The town of Hammerfest stands at the very top of Norway, making it one of the world's most northerly communities. Hammerfest is found on the western coast of the island of Kvaløya, which is linked to the mainland by a bridge carrying the Rv94 highway. It serves as a base for many adventures into the surrounding landscapes of fjords, islands and rocky hills. If you hire a car in Hammerfest you have the opportunity to explore local sights, like the prehistoric archeological site at Kirkegardsbukt, and the restaurant at the top of Salen Hill overlooking Hammerfest's harbour. It is, of course, a wonderful spot for seeing either the Northern Lights or the midnight sun
Hammerfest has survived over the centuries because of its deep, natural, ice-free harbour. The Hurtigruten ship calls in daily. The town's airport is on the north side of town and forms another vital link with the rest of the country. Visitors who hire a car in Hammerfest will find that the town today is completely modern, as nothing survived the Second World War. Fishing and petroleum industries have helped this remote spot remain prosperous. In fact, life 1,170 miles north of Oslo is surprisingly normal, with a lively shopping mall and waterside cafes. Winter activities of course, include ice-fishing, snowmobiles, skiing and dog sledding, while summer offers biking trails, golf, sea and river fishing, and even horse jumping.
