5 Best Sights in Hammerfest, Northern Norway

Hammerfest was completely demolished by the Germans during World War II, and the Museum of Reconstruction documents how the city was painstakingly rebuilt. The museum is a place of pride for Norwegians, who flock here from all across the country. The two floors of exhibits let you compare the historic city from 1943 with the one you see today.

Founded by two business leaders whose goal was to share the town's history as a center of hunting and commerce, the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society depicts the skill and daring required to hunt polar bears, seals, lynx, puffins, and wolves. Admission to the exhibition is free, and you can become a member during your visit. Members get a document signed by the mayor and a sought-after silver-and-enamel polar bear pin.

Although it covers the county of Finnmark's history since the Stone Age, this museum primarily focuses on World War II, when the German army burned the community to the ground as part of a scorched-earth policy. Through photographs, videos, and sound effects, the museum recounts the residents' struggle to rebuild their lives. The interesting exhibit includes dwellings that were built inside caves after the town was evacuated.

Burned down by the Germans in World War II, this house of worship was on the massive list of buildings that were reconstructed in 1961. Designed by Oslo architect Hans Magnus, the striking modern structure is the most popular attraction in the city.