The construction of the large liquefied natural gas site on Melk�ya (island) just off Hammerfest, which will process natural gas from Sn�hvit, is the most expensive construction project in the history of Northern Norway. This project has resulted in an economic boom and new optimism in Hammerfest in recent years, a stark contrast to the economic downhill and negative population growth most other municipalities in Finnmark are experiencing. After the opening of natural gas production on Melk�ya there have been some problems with significant smoke and soot pollution in the initial production phases. Sn�hvit is Europe's first export facility for liquefied natural gas.
Hammerfest offers sport and commercial fishing, both sea and freshwater, as well as scuba diving. The northernmost glacier on the Norwegian mainland is a popular hiking destination. The town is a popular starting point for northern tours. There is a daily boat to the North Cape (Norwegian:Nordkapp). One chain of the Struve Geodetic Arc, now on the World Heritage List, is located at Fuglenes in Hammerfest.
Hammerfest is also a centre of Sami culture.
Hammerfest is home to the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society (Norwegian: Isbj�rnklubben); a museum displaying the history of Arctic hunting.
American author Bill Bryson begins his European travels, documented in his popular book Neither Here Nor There, with a visit to Hammerfest in order to see the Northern Lights, stating that he found the town "engrossing" and that it "grew to feel like home"
