The auditorium is much used, for example in the student week when there are student dramatic performances and rock shows. Though much of student life is centred at the college, it's not more than a 5 minutes walk to Alta's new centre. Fishing has always been important for the community and many workers are employed by the industry. Tourism is another important industry and 350,000 tourists visit the town each year. Finnmark's central hospital is located in Hammerfest.
Communications are well developed with an airport, and daily boat and bus services.
Hammerfest is a modern town with a rich and varied cultural life. There are sports clubs, an alpine centre, a choir, and a brass band. The college at Hammerfest is located near the hospital, about a 15 minutes walk from the towncentre, with a regular bus service.