Alta

Travel Guide
Alta showing a small town or village
Gaze in awe at natural marvels, discover ancient rock art, go dogsledding and sleep in an ice hotel at this town in northern Norway.

Visit Alta to enjoy breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventures and some of the world’s most beguiling natural phenomenon. Marvel at a collection of UNESCO-protected rock carvings, explore museums and try thrilling snow adventures.

Alta is the biggest town in Finnmark and is also known as the Town of the Northern Lights. Not only are the climatic conditions perfect for viewing the atmospheric spectacle, but the world's first northern lights observatory was built here on Mount Haldde in 1899. The best time to view the lights is between September and March. Consider timing your visit to coincide with March’s Borealis Winter Festival, a week-long celebration with concerts, art expositions, food markets and dogsled races.

Go on a sightseeing tour of the town. Visit the futuristic looking Northern Lights Cathedral and the 19th-century Alta Church.Spend some time at Boazo Sami Siida, a settlement of reindeer herders where you can watch reindeer and learn about the indigenous Sami culture.

Alta is a great base for outdoor pursuits year-round. In summer, bike along the shores of Alta Fjord, go walking at Sautso-Alta Canyon and climb to the summit of Mount Haldde. Stay up late to witness the midnight sun, a period of 24-hour sunlight. During the winter months join dogsledding and snowmobile tours for exhilarating journeys across snow-covered fields.

A short drive southwest from the town center is the village of Hjemmeluft, home to the Alta Rock Carvings. Survey the thousands of paintings and carvings etched into sandstone rocks by prehistoric hunter-gatherers. Learn more about the rock art and browse exhibitions on parts of Alta’s history at the adjacent Alta Museum.

Reach Alta by flying into its airport or arrive by cruise ship. Get around by rental car or by purchasing the Arctic Travel Pass. This will give you 3 or 7 days of unlimited bus travel around the region. Stay overnight in guesthouses, lodges or a hotel carved from snow and ice.

Canyon Hotell
Canyon Hotell
3 out of 5
Markedsgata 18, Alta
The price is ¥11,766 per night from Apr 28 to Apr 29
¥11,766
per night
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Alta. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and conference space. Popular attractions Alta Tourist Information and Northern Lights Cathedral ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (174 reviews)
"We stayed here 3 nights. First- if you are considering going to Alta- do it. This was our favorite location during our two week trip to Norway. The "downtown" area is one pedestrian street the equivalent of 4 blocks. The Canyon sits almost right in the center. There is an indoor shopping center almost ..."

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2023

Canyon Hotell
Scandic Alta
Scandic Alta
3.5 out of 5
Lokkeveien 61, Alta
The price is ¥14,624 per night from Apr 27 to Apr 28
¥14,624
per night
Apr 27 - Apr 28
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Alta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Popular attractions Northern Lights Cathedral and Alta Tourist Information ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)
Great hotel in centre of Alta
"This is a great hotel right in the centre of Alta, close to the cathedral. The staff were friendly and helpful. The room was comfortable and spacious. The breakfast was great. I’d definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Feb 28, 2024

Scandic Alta
Thon Hotel Alta
Thon Hotel Alta
3.5 out of 5
Labyrinten 6, Alta
The price is ¥19,516 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥19,516
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Alta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the property condition in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (499 reviews)
Best hotel this trip
"Great hotel, fantastic service , breakfast and location. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on Jan 7, 2024

Thon Hotel Alta
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bjørnfjell Mountain Lodge
Bjørnfjell Mountain Lodge
3.5 out of 5
Nordelvdalen 170, Alta, Finnmark
Stay at this 3.5-star spa cabin in Alta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions SarvesAlta Alpinsenter and Elvebakken Church ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"Alta is a great destination within the Artic circle It is the ideal base for a day trip to the North Cape and the town has lots of history. The surrounding countryside is truly stunning. Bjornfjell offers superb and ultramodern lodges which are perfect for families. Highly recommended"

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2023

Bjørnfjell Mountain Lodge
The House Of The Northern Lights
The House Of The Northern Lights
3.5 out of 5
Loppa
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Loppa. Enjoy WiFi, a terrace, and a garden. Discover genuine guest reviews for The House Of The Northern Lights along ...
The House Of The Northern Lights
The car-free town of Kårhamn is located on the island of Seiland (Island of Silence) in Hammerfest m
The car-free town of Kårhamn is located on the island of Seiland (Island of Silence) in Hammerfest m
Kårhamn
Stay at this apartment in Hammerfest. Enjoy WiFi, barbecue grills, and a kitchen. Discover genuine guest reviews for The car-free town of Kårhamn is located ...
The car-free town of Kårhamn is located on the island of Seiland (Island of Silence) in Hammerfest m
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Alta

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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" "4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
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5/5 - Excellent

M
Mar 14, 2019

Stunning vistas

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