Hammerfest, northern Norway 30 July 2014

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Hammerfest, northern Norway 30 July 2014

After leaving Nordkapp, we drove south and then turned off up to Hammerfest. The polar bear is on the town's coat of arms which recalls to towns hunting and trapping days. The town settled in the 9th century but wasn't given town status until 1798. It is the world's most northerly town at 70^o 39' 48" N. as recorded on the Meridian Pillar which marks the 1st international measurement of the Earth in the 19th Century

The town has had a rough history. it was destroyed by a hurricane in 1856, and was razed to the ground in WW2. It was however, the 1st town in Europe to install electric street lights (1890).

Today the town is expanding, with many 4-5 story accommodation buildings being constricted. The Hurtigruten cruise comes to the town daily and the harbour is a very busy fishing port as well. They have a really new Cultural Centre as well.



We had a quick look around and popped into the church and continued our journey south.

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