Port
Hammerfest, Norway
Activity Level
Moderate
Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At
$139.95
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 2 Hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
From the pier, you'll drive the short distance up Mount Salen. At only 262 feet tall, it is really just a hill, but when one lives in the Arctic, such distinctions are trivial, and Mount Salen offers an excellent view of the town and surroundings.
Approximately 10% of the Sami population still lives nomadically, following the reindeers' seasonal movements. You'll learn more about Sami history and culture in Mikkelgammen. Take a seat on a reindeer skin placed upon springy birch twigs directly on the ground, arranged around an open fire. Learn about the special chant or joik used by the Sami. The joik has no actual words and can describe many things -- a special mood, nature, the character of a person, etc. This is a difficult concept for Westerners to grasp. Amazingly, every single member of the Sami population has a personal chant dedicated just to them.
Taste some traditional Sami food and interact with your hosts wearing their colorful national costume. The materials and meaning will be explained in detail before you return to the ship.
Notes:
Although much of Hammerfest is readily accessible on foot, Holland America Line has partnered with a tour operator here to offer a local perspective and commentary that would not be present when exploring on your own. Outside revenue sources are scarce in small villages such as Hammerfest, and the local population benefits from tour participation.