"Hurtigruten, and Hammerfest" Top 5 Page for this destination Troms Region Off The Beaten Path Tip by kirstylm

Would definitely recommend a trip on the Hurtigruten (cruise ship). We just did a 24 hour trip from Tromso to Hammerfest - and was lucky enough to see the Northern Lights for about 4 hours on our way back.

You get the ship at about 6pm from Tromso and arrive in Hammerfest at 5am (you can catch a few hours sleep in the lounge if its not busy season). After wandering around in Hammerfest for a few hours, you then catch the ship back at midday, arriving at Tromso just before midnight.

There are different ships calling at each port every day. On the way up we had a slightly older smaller ship, but coming back we had one of the newer, much bigger + fancier ships! Really exciting - even with outdoor jacuzzi's!

When arrive in Hammerfest (6am!), the hotel right near the harbour opens for breakfast at about 8am, and they could hold your luggage for you while you explore the little town!

At the other side of the harbour, on a small hill, is the Meridian Monument which commemorates the completion of a survey done in the early 1800's to establish a meridian arc between Hammerfest and the Danube River (the determine the shape and size of the earth) - or something like that! But anyway, there's a really great view of the town from here.

There's also a stunning little church at the other end of the town.

Hammerfest is apparently north Norway's oldest town, and also claims to be the most northern city in the world - although that depends on what you define as a city! Either way, well worth a look!

Website: http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/index.asp