This Arctic town is known for its Northern Lights research, ancient rock carvings, and the striking spiral-shaped Northern Lights Cathedral.
Alta, a town in northern Norway, sits at the edge of the Arctic Circle. Known as the "City of the Northern Lights," it's an excellent location for viewing the aurora borealis. In Alta, you can sleep in the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel made entirely of snow and ice, explore ancient rock carvings at the Alta Museum, or go dog sledding across vast snowy plateaus. The town is surrounded by fjords, forests, and mountains, creating a stunning Arctic landscape.
Chasing the Northern Lights
Alta's location above the Arctic Circle makes it one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis. From September to March, you can join guided excursions to hunt for the dancing lights in the night sky. The world's first permanent northern lights observatory was built in Alta in the late 1800s, cementing the town's connection to this natural phenomenon.
Sleeping in a Snow and Ice Hotel
The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is a remarkable seasonal structure in Alta. Built entirely from snow and ice each winter, it includes ice sculptures, an ice bar with ice glasses, and rooms where you sleep on beds made of ice. The hotel melts away each spring and is rebuilt the following winter, creating a new experience each year.
Ancient Rock Art at Alta Museum
The Alta Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, houses one of the largest collections of prehistoric rock art in Northern Europe. With over 6,000 carvings and paintings dating back up to 7,000 years, it provides insight into the lives of the area's ancient inhabitants. You can take guided tours and explore interactive exhibits to understand the significance of these ancient artworks.
Arctic Adventures
Alta has many activities year-round. In winter, you can go dog sledding across Finnmarksvidda, Norway's largest mountain plateau. Summer brings opportunities for hiking or mountain biking in Alta Canyon, Northern Europe's largest canyon. The Alta River is known for its excellent salmon fishing, drawing anglers from around the world.
Learning About Sami Culture
Alta has been a meeting place for indigenous communities since the Stone Age. Today, you can learn about Sami culture through various experiences. Visit a Sami reindeer farm, try traditional Sami cuisine, or listen to joik, the traditional Sami form of song. These experiences allow you to engage with the rich cultural heritage of Norway's indigenous people.
Alta's Distinctive Architecture
The Northern Lights Cathedral, completed in 2013, is Alta's architectural landmark. Its spiral shape and titanium-clad exterior are designed to reflect the aurora borealis. Inside, you'll find modern art installations and a cultural center. The cathedral serves as both a place of worship and a symbol of Alta's connection to the northern lights.
Getting to Alta
Despite its remote location, Alta is relatively easy to reach. The town has its own airport with direct flights from Oslo, taking about 2 hours. You can also travel to Alta by bus from other parts of northern Norway, though journeys can be long. If you're driving, Alta is connected to the rest of Norway via the E6 highway.
When to Visit
Alta's climate varies dramatically with the seasons. In winter, from November to January, the sun doesn't rise above the horizon, creating the "polar night." This is the best time for northern lights viewing. In summer, from May to July, the sun never sets, giving you the chance to experience the "midnight sun." Each season offers unique experiences, so choose based on what you want to see and do.
