Hammerfest

Hammerfest and the surrounding area is summer pasture for reindeer from the Finnmark Mountain Plains. The reindeer are domestic, owned and herded by the Sámi populations. There is a fair chance you’ll see some during the drive, and there will be photo-stops en route.

You’ll pass the county hospital and the small airport driving through the suburbs, which have attractive small homes. Almost all the houses were re-built after the town was destroyed during World War II. At Forsøl, a tiny fishing village, there will be a photo-stop before making a detour up to Mount Salen. Despite being only 262 feet above sea level it boasts a wide view of the town, the fjord and the islands.

Your sightseeing continues passing by the Museum of Reconstruction and Hammerfest Church, before stopping to visit the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society situated in the Town Hall. The Society was founded in 1963 with a goal to preserve Hammerfest’s proud tradition as a base for hunting and fishing in Arctic Waters. It houses a collection of stuffed animals and artefacts.

Take a short drive up to Mount Salen, the name of the little hill 262 feet above sea level. From here there are excellent views towards the town and its surroundings. More often than not you’ll see herds of reindeer, the domestic animals of the Sami (Laps). The reindeer are brought out to the coast in the springtime to graze and return inland during the autumn months.

Approximately 10% of the Sami population still live as nomads trekking with their reindeer. Learn some more about the Sami history and culture as you are welcomed inside the ‘Mikkelgammen’ by your Sami hosts dressed in colourful national costume. Sit on reindeer skins placed upon springy birch-twigs - directly on the ground - around an open fire as you listen to the chant or ‘joik’ used by the Sami. Every single member of the Sami population has their own personal chant dedicated to them. The ‘joik’ has no words but it can describe a lot of things, a special mood, nature, or character of a person.

Taste some traditional Sami food and chat with your hosts during this exclusive tour.