Cruise and Maritime Voyages

Lying at 70 degrees north and with a population of just 9,500 residents, Hammerfest, which received its charter in 1789, claims the title of the world’s most northerly town. It sits on a wide but calm bay in the Province of Finnmark. After suffering devastation from hurricane and fire in the 19th century, Hitler’s scorched earth policy effectively razed Hammerfest to the ground with only the graveyard chapel surviving. The Museum of Reconstruction focuses on events around the Second World War. From the modern town a winding gravel path leads up Mount Salen for views over Hammerfest and Finnmark’s coastline.

Not surprisingly for a city that lies almost 220 miles north of the Arctic Circle many of Tromsø’s landmarks lay claim to the world’s ‘northernmost’ titles. The ‘Capital of the Arctic’ is home to the world’s northernmost university, cathedral, botanic garden and brewery. A cable car runs to the summit of Mount Storsteinen from where there are wonderful views of the lively and beautiful city built on two islands and the mainland, which are linked by both tunnels and bridges. The Polar Museum is just one of Tromsø’s fine museums and the striking Arctic Cathedral is undoubtedly a highlight.
 

In 1904 a catastrophic fire swept through Ålesund leaving the town in ashes. It was rebuilt in the then fashionable art nouveau style. Buildings with turrets and towers and facades with medieval romantic ornamentation add a quirky charm to the town that is considered the most beautiful in Norway. From the park 418 steps lead to the summit of Mount Aksla, which affords wonderful views of Ålesund, built on islands stretching into the sea. In an elaborate building that was the former Swan Pharmacy, the Jugendstilsenteret celebrates the town’s unique architectural history.