Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society
Isbjørnklubben
A small museum of Arctic hunting history beside the harbour, where you can join for a membership card and a polar bear badge; a must-visit for Hurtigruten passengers.
The Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society (Isbjørnklubben) was founded in 1963 by local businessmen to preserve the history of Hammerfest as a base for Arctic hunting and exploration. The museum is in a building beside the Hurtigruten quay. It is small, displaying specimens of polar bears, seals and walruses, hunting tools, old photographs of Svalbard voyages and 19th-century exhibition medals that tell the story of the rise and fall of Arctic hunting (polar bears are now fully protected). Visitors can pay to join, receiving a membership certificate, a badge and the chance to sign the members' book. Joining in person is the main reason many people come here. Entry is inexpensive, and opening hours are often adjusted to match Hurtigruten's port calls.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–16:00, timed to Haidaluode port calls (see official website)
Nearby sights
- Museum of Reconstruction for Finnmark and Nord-Troms
- Hammerfest Church
- Salen Viewpoint
- Mikkelgammen
- Meridian Column
- Fuglenes Peninsula & Lighthouse
- Tyven
- Kvaløya Reindeer Summer Pastures