Alta, Norway

Alta is known as the "City of the Northern Lights" and people from around the world come here to watch the spectacular phenomenon known as the Aurora Borealis. In 1899, the world's first Northern Lights observatory was built on Halddetoppen just outside of Alta. But Finnmark's largest city has more to offer than bright dancing lights. Alta's the gateway to unspoiled beauties such as the Finnmarksvidda plateau and the Sautso, often called Northern Europe's Grand Canyon. From the UNESCO-protected rock carvings at the Alta Museum to the fascinating Sami culture, Alta is a tantalizing treasure just waiting to be discovered.

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Points of Interest

  • Alta Museum
  • Sami Siidan
  • Alta Dam
  • Sautso Power Plant
  • Sami Camp
  • Alta Canyon
  • Maze Sami Village

More about Alta, Norway Points of Interest

  • Alta Museum

    Among the exhibitions detailing Sami culture and history is the mile-long outdoor footpath containing 85 petroglyphs. This spectacular rock art, placed on UNESCO'S World Heritage Site list, dates back thousands of years.

  • Sami Siidan

    A siida is a seasonal community inhabited by the Sami, Scandinavia's indigenous, semi-nomadic people, and is used as a foraging area for their reindeer.

  • Alta Dam

    Measuring seven miles long and 1,200 feet deep, the Alta River meanders through Sautso's high cliffs. In 1982, a dam was built upstream from the canyon but the surroundings remain a breathtaking and vital area.

  • Sautso Power Plant

    Located in Northern Europe's largest canyon, this hydroelectric station was the scene of protests 35 years ago. Today, it not only supplies power to the region but offers spectacular views from the 360-foot high dam.

  • Sami Camp

    Authentic Sami homesteads include a tent called a lavvu, which is usually filled with reindeer pelts. Visits include a traditional Sami meal made of reindeer meat and potatoes, and served with home baked bread.

  • Alta Canyon

    Carved out by the Alta River, this stunning natural wonder, known as the "Grand Canyon" of Northern Europe, boasts rugged cliffs that soar 1,300 feet high and phenomenal scenery.

  • Maze Sami Village

    Declared a heritage area in 1972, this tiny town of 350 people is known for its hospitality. Visits include a chance to learn about their way of life and be entertained by stories and songs.

9 EXCURSIONS

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Easy Alta & the Northern Lights Cathedral

2 hours | Alta | A L F - 2 0 5

Set your sights and camera on the charming city of Alta, acclaimed as the 'City of the Northern Lights.' Learn about its nature, history and culture as you make your way to the titanium-clad Alta Cathedral, a visually captivating landmark inspired by the Aurora Borealis.

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Moderate Activity

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$99.95

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Alta Museum & Rock Carvings

3 hours | Alta | A L F - 2 2 0
  • Alta Museum

Immerse yourself in Alta's culture with a sightseeing tour around the city. Then, peel back the layers of Alta's ancient history with a walk through the Alta Museum located next to one of the five rock art sites on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

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Moderate Activity

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$119.95

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Alta City & Paeskatun

2 hours | Alta | A L F - 2 1 0

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Alta on a tour through the main neighborhoods of Bossekop, Elvebakken and central Alta. Then, learn Alta's important contribution to the slate industry with a visit to the Paeskatun slate quarry, embedded in the mountainside of the Alta Valley.

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Moderate Activity

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$129.95

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Northern Lights Safari At Paeskatun

3 hours | Alta | A L F - 2 3 5

Behold the shimmering lights of the Aurora Borealis at Northern Lights Camp at Paeskatun. Under the dark wintry sky, you can soak up the beauty of this otherworldly phenomenon, take photos, warm up with hot beverages and cakes, and sit around a campfire in a Sami tent.

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Easy Activity

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$169.95

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In Search Of The Northern Lights

4 hours | Alta | A L F - 8 6 0

Look out for the Aurora Borealis from a warm and comfortable venue, you're sure to have a front row seat to Mother Nature's most spectacular light show. Warm up with hot drinks and a light snack while surrounded by ever-changing lights.

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Moderate Activity

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$169.95

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Local Connections: Alta Canyon & Sami Lavvu

4 hours | Alta | A L F - 2 3 0
  • Sautso Power Plant
  • Alta Canyon
  • Alta Dam

Discover the natural and manmade wonders that surround Alta with a trip to Sautso, Northern Europe's largest canyon, and learn how the Alta River Dam changed the area but not its beauty. You'll visit the dam and later enjoy a snack inside a Sami tepee.

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Strenuous Activity, Includes snack

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$259.95

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Paeskatun & Husky Farm

3 hours | Alta | A L F - 2 2 5

Enjoy an immersive excursion with visits two unique destinations. Learn what it's like to be a slate miner with a visit to Paeskatun quarry. Then, learn what it takes to be a musher and the techniques involved in the sport of sledding with a visit to a dog sled camp.

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Moderate Activity

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$299.95

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An Enchanting Evening At Husky Lodge Overland - Double Occupancy Per Person

16 hours | Alta | A L F - 8 0 0

Spend the night under the Northern Lights in the ultimate sleepover adventure! At Holmen Husky Lodge, a dogsled ride takes you on a journey through the forest and along the banks of the Alta River, famous for its salmon fishing. You'll have dinner back at the lodge and will spend the night in a Tipi Bungalow. Following breakfast, you'll return to Alta.

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Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

$699.95

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An Enchanting Evening At Husky Lodge Overland - Single Occupancy Per Person

16 hours | Alta | A L F - 8 0 1

Spend the night under the Northern Lights in the ultimate sleepover adventure! At Holmen Husky Lodge, a dogsled ride takes you on a journey through the forest and along the banks of the Alta River, famous for its salmon fishing. You'll have dinner back at the lodge and will spend the night in a Tipi Bungalow. Following breakfast, you'll return to Alta.

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Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

$749.95

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