Hammerfest and the Isbjørnklubben

As part of our Hurtigruten cruise on board the MS Nordkapp from Kirkenes to Bergen, we stop off in Hammerfest, the northernmost town in Norway and one of the northernmost towns in the world. This special place, which is deeply rooted in the history of the Arctic, fascinates not only with its rugged nature, but also with its unique traditions and sights. Our visit to the Isbjørnklubben, an exclusive club that preserves the history and tradition of the Arctic regions, was particularly memorable.

Hammerfest: The gateway to the Arctic

Hammerfest is located on the island of Kvaløya and is surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Arctic nature. Despite its remote location, the city is lively and full of Nordic culture. Its history dates back to the 18th century, when it was founded as an important trading center for fishing and hunting. The town played an important role in the development of Arctic shipping, particularly in connection with the Norwegian seal hunt and whaling.

Hammerfest is a town of extremes: here, residents and visitors experience the midnight sun for months on end in summer and the endless darkness of the polar night in winter. There is also a natural spectacle that attracts many travelers: the Northern Lights. Hammerfest was the first city in the world to be officially recognized as the “City of the Northern Lights”. The fascinating green and purple veils that dance across the sky make your stay a magical experience if you are lucky.

Arrival in Hammerfest

As we dock in Hammerfest harbor, we are greeted by the cold, salty breeze of the North Sea. The sky is typically overcast for the region, but the rugged beauty of the landscape impresses us. Majestic, snow-capped mountains loom in the background and the deep blue sea surrounds the city, which blends harmoniously into the natural surroundings.

Despite its small size, Hammerfest is modern and well equipped. The city offers an interesting mix of historic buildings and contemporary architecture. The Hammerfest church with its striking triangular design is particularly striking. It was built after the Second World War, as Hammerfest was almost completely destroyed during the German retreat in 1944.

Although our stay is only short, we use the time to explore the city. A walk along the edge of the harbor takes us past colorful fishing boats and small cafés. But our real goal is to visit the legendary Isbjørnklubben.

The Isbjørnklubben: an exclusive club for Arctic fans

The “Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society”, or “Isbjørnklubben” in Norwegian, is an institution in Hammerfest. Founded in 1963, this exclusive polar bear club now has more than 300,000 members from all over the world. Membership is a tribute to the harsh and fascinating world of the Arctic and is open to all visitors – but you can only join in person in Hammerfest.

 

The club’s small museum presents an exciting exhibition about Arctic wildlife, the history of polar expeditions and Hammerfest’s important role in northern trade. We learn that the city was once a center of trade with Russia and later served as a base for the fishing industry. Right at the beginning of the museum it is also explained that the polar bear is the symbol of the vitality of society. The exhibition is in Norwegian, German and English.

The story of Adolf Henrik Lindstrøm (1866-1939) is also fascinating. He was a Norwegian polar explorer and cook who took part in several famous expeditions at the beginning of the 20th century. Lindstrøm played a crucial role in the survival of the expedition teams, as he not only provided food, but also boosted the team’s morale with his positive manner. His talent for preparing nutritious and tasty meals under extreme conditions became particularly famous. The sailor Roald Amundsen himself praised him as “the best polar cook in the world”. His contribution to Norwegian polar research is still recognized today. There is even a statue of him in Hammerfest, as he was closely associated with the region and the exploration of the Arctic.

A symbolic step: membership of the Isbjørnklubben

Of course, we won’t miss the opportunity to become a member of this unique club ourselves. For NOK 420 (approx. 35 euros), we receive an exclusive membership card, an official certificate, a silver pin and a sticker with the club logo.

The membership ritual is simple but meaningful. It is more than just a tourist attraction – it is a symbolic link to the Arctic and to all those who are committed to preserving this unique region. It is an unusual experience that gives us a sense of belonging to this remote but fascinating world.

Further highlights from Hammerfest

In addition to the Isbjørnklubben, there are several other sights in Hammerfest that are well worth a visit. The “Gjenreisningsmuseet” museum documents the dramatic destruction and reconstruction of the city after the Second World War. Here you can learn more about the turbulent history of the region and the resilience of its inhabitants.

Another highlight is the Meridian Stone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Struve Arch. This historic survey point commemorates the groundbreaking work of astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve, who worked on determining the shape of the earth in the 19th century.

For nature lovers, a trip to the local mountain Salen is worthwhile, from where you have a spectacular view over Hammerfest and the North Sea. In winter, it is also possible to go dog sledding or snowshoeing, while in summer you can enjoy the midnight sun.

Conclusion: A unique experience

Hammerfest and the Isbjørnklubben made a deep impression on us and filled us with a new appreciation for the Arctic. The city combines history, nature and modernity in a unique way.

The visit to the Isbjørnklubben was a special experience. Not only did it satisfy our curiosity about the polar regions, it also allowed us to connect with a global community of Arctic enthusiasts. The memory of Hammerfest will stay with us for a long time.

For anyone planning a trip to the far north, we can only warmly recommend a visit to Hammerfest. Whether it’s the spectacular nature, the interesting history or the unique experience of becoming a member of the Isbjørnklubben, Hammerfest is a destination that will stay in your memory for a long time.