Hurtigruten Classic Voyage Norway
With temperatures soaring into the 90's in most parts of the United States this weekend before the 4th of July, we decided to return to our winter coastal voyage of Norway. We continue our journal on day eight. Our ship, Hurtigruten Ms. Vesteralen, visited Hammerfest, the northernmost town in the world.
Meridian Column
On arrival here, we boarded a bus which took us to the Meridian Column, which is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites and commemorates the first official measurement of the exact size and shape of the Earth. From there we had a spectacular view of Melkøya and the Snøhvit field.
Mount Salen
From Meridian Column, we headed up Mount Salen. Our guide explained more about Hammerfest’s unique history, including an insight into both Sámi history and culture and Europe’s first LNG factory (Liquid Natural Gas).
Hammerfest was established in 1789 at the site of an ancient anchorage. The first part of the name, 'Hammer', derives from the Old Norse word, 'Hamarr', which means 'steep mountainside'. The second part of the word, 'fest', comes from the Old Norse word, 'festr', which means 'fastening' (for boats).
From Salen there are great views over the town and our waiting ship. Before we returned to the quay, we drove past the town church which features unusual architecture inspired by fish drying racks.
Hammerfest
Click on the image to the right for more Blog posts about this trip.
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