Despite the name of this society, you won’t find any real polar bears in Hammerfest. Yet to honor its location as the world’s northernmost city, Hammerfest long ago adopted the polar bear as a mascot. The Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society runs a small museum about local hunting traditions and fishing in arctic waters. Many people choose to become a member of the society to commemorate their visit. Those who do are presented with a certificate signed by the mayor of Hammerfest and a unique polar bear lapel pin.
