Welcome to Alta Your gateway to Finnmark and the Northern Lights! Ready to explore Europe’s most remote and wild region? Finnmark is a rich tapestry of history that dates back to the Stone Age, indigenous traditions, and untamed, gorgeous nature that’s sure to thrill visitors — and its gateway city, Alta, is the best place to kick off your Arctic adventure! Chase the Northern Lights in Alta with Expert Guides Chase the Northern Lights by Snowmobile Chase the elusive and magical Northern Lights on a snowmobile across Finnmarksvidda. From NOK 2550 Dog Sledding and Northern Lights Adventure in Alta Explore Alta’s Arctic Beauty: Dog Sledding Beneath the Northern Lights From NOK 3150 Northern Lights Tour in Alta Discover the Aurora Borealis in Alta: Norway’s Northern Lights Capital From NOK 1990 Fairytale experiences to Finnmarksvidda plateau Snowmobile and Icefishing Adventure Catch the Arctic tranquility and adventure on a snowmobile icefishing expedition. From NOK 2850 Snowmobile Adventure on Finnmarksvidda Embrace the wilderness and feel the Arctic rush on a snowmobile expedition in Alta. From NOK 2250 Dog Sledding in Alta: Explore Finnmarksvidda plateau Glide across the snowy trails of Alta and Finnmarksvidda with your own team of sled dogs From NOK 2790 Discover Alta: From Gourmet Dining to Whale Watching and Snowmobiling The Taste of Northern Norway Embark on a culinary journey through Northern Norway’s rich flavors and traditions. From NOK 890 Historical Snowmobile Tour across Finnmarksvidda Journey through time and landscape on a historical snowmobile tour across Finnmarksvidda. From NOK 2850 Whale Watching and Fjord Adventure in Alta Spot Humpback Whales and Orcas in Norway’s Winter Wonderland From NOK 2690 Explore Alta’s Winter Wonderland on a Snowshoeing Adventure to Orvvosfossen Snowshoeing Expedition to Frozen Waterfall in Alta Explore the Winter Wilderness of Alta on a guided snowshoeing hike From NOK 1590 The city of Northern Lights Alta – where arctic landscapes blend with rich Sami culture. Read our tips and guides for your next adventure in Alta. Tips and inspiration for your next visit to Alta How to experience Norway in the winter 5 ice-cold facts about Alta 5 unique outdoor experiences in Alta Why you need to put Alta on your itinerary Alta is one of the best places in the world to spot the elusive Aurora Borealis. In fact, the world’s first permanent Northern Lights observatory was established here in the late 1800s, and the unraveling spiral form of the city’s newly built church, the Northern Lights Cathedral, pays homage to the dancing lights in the sky Read more about Alta. But apart from looking up to the elusive light show, Alta will also enchant you if you cast your gaze to the ground — specifically to the 6,000 or so UNESCO-listed rock carvings at the Hjemmeluft World Heritage Site, some of which are 7,000 years old! Or, if you let your eyes feast on the majestic mountaintops, plateaus and canyons (including Northern Europe’s biggest canyon) that surround you, all within a stone’s throw from Alta. Hike Hjemmelufttoppen or Komsatoppen, take your bike around the city or your fat bike off road in wild terrain. Go for a snow mobile tour that will leave you breathless with beauty, or hop into a traditional dog sled and let happy huskies carry you around. After all this outdoor fun, what better way to wind down than at a one-of-a-kind igloo hotel? Alta’s Sorrisniva Ice Hotel, just beside the river, is built from scratch each year: within its icy halls you’ll get to experience a slice of Arctic life! And there’s still more to do! If Alta is on your travel itinerary, you have come to the right place. Stick with us and have fun adventuring! Sorrisniva | Visit Norway Kristin Folsland Olsen | Visit Norway The weather in Alta This unique city, shielded from coastal moisture, offers a surprisingly dry winter, providing rare clarity in the skies and a perfect stage for Arctic adventures. How to travel to Alta Alta Airport Alta has its own airport, Alta Airport, which serves both domestic and some international flights. The airport is well connected to major cities in Norway such as Oslo and Tromsø, with several daily departures. From the airport, there is easy access to the city via rental car, taxi, or bus, with a short travel time of about 10 minutes. By bus If you prefer to travel by bus, there are also long-distance bus connections that link Alta to other major cities like Hammerfest in the region, which is a more affordable alternative. By car You can also travel to Alta by car, either by driving yourself or by renting a car. The journey offers fantastic views and the opportunity to explore several places along the way. The nearest major city to Alta is Hammerfest, which is about a 2-2.5 hour drive away. See our FAQ for more answers