Danai Christopoulou

5 unique outdoor experiences in Alta

Why you need to put Alta on your itinerary

5 ice-cold facts about Alta

Ina Cristine Helljesen

Tips for northern lights photography

<p>Frequently called, “the City of Northern Lights,” 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!</p><p>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.</p><p>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!</p><p>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!</p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><h4><strong>Population: 19,822</strong></h4><h4><strong>Region: Nord-Norge</strong></h4><h4><strong>County: Troms og Finnmark</strong></h4><h4><strong>Founded: 1863</strong></h4>

A stone’s throw away from mountaintops, plateaus and canyons, Alta is your gateway to Finnmark’s wild beauty and to the dancing Northern Lights above.

Welcome to Alta — your gateway to the Northern Lights! | Go Fjords

Alta

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<p>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!</p>

Your gateway to Finnmark and the Northern Lights!

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Welcome toAlta

Your gateway to Finnmark and the Northern Lights!

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