8G Hiking in Hammerfest
We begin our guided hike in the city and pass by the distinctive parish church before heading for the slopes of Mount Salen. Hammerfest was established in 1789 at the site of an old anchorage. The first part of the name, Hammer´, derives from the Old Norse word, Hamarr´, which means `steep mountainside´.
The second part, fest´, comes from the Old Norse word, festr´, which means fastening´ (for boats). On our way out of town, we follow Gammelveien´ (`the Old Way´), which is essentially a hiking path around Mount Salen and was once the only way in and out of the city.
During our ascent, we also pass through Hammerfest’s only forest, Jansvannskogen. Scaling the mountain´s summit demands a fair amount of physical fitness, but the stunning views are worth it. On a clear day you can see the islands of Melkøya, Sørøya and Seiland. The route down follows a popular zigzag path to the town centre, where we take a well-earned rest before heading back to the ship.
DETAILS
- Disembarking port: Hammerfest
- Embarking port: Hammerfest
- Southbound or Northbound: Southbound
- Approximate arrival/departure times: 10:45 - 12:15
- Available period: 08 June - 07 November
- Meals on the trip: Warm drink and snack
- Clothes/Footwear: Hiking shoes, warm and windproof clothing
- Note: Recommended equipment is backpack with water bottle, extra clothing, camera, sunglasses. Guide will bring necessary safety equipment. Participants should have good general health
- Age limit: 16 years old together with parent