Written by Elsa Holm, Graham Smith, Julien Lambert
06/09/2025
Barnabas Davoti, Pexels
Alta, Norway, offers a blend of Arctic wilderness and cultural depth, inviting visitors to experience the spectacular Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun. This destination provides opportunities for active pursuits like dog sledding and hiking, alongside a rich history found in ancient rock carvings and Sami traditions.
Downtown Alta features various hotels, restaurants, and shops, serving as a functional hub. While the nightlife is not bustling, some local restaurants offer fine dining, and unique accommodations like the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel provide a distinctive ice bar experience for social interactions.
Top 6 Things to do in Alta
Exploring Alta offers a journey into Arctic wonders, blending thrilling outdoor pursuits with profound cultural and historical insights.
1. Northern Lights Hunting
Experience the chase for the Aurora Borealis, a mesmerizing natural light show that paints the Arctic sky. Alta, often called the 'City of Northern Lights,' provides excellent viewing opportunities due to its stable weather conditions and location within the aurora zone. Tours typically involve travelling to optimal viewing spots, often including a warm bonfire, hot drinks, and local stories about the phenomenon and the region's history.
Cost: Guided tours generally range from 1780 NOK to 2000+ NOK per adult.
Transport: Most tours include transfers from centrally located pick-up points in downtown Alta.
2. Dog Sledding Adventure
Engage in a classic Arctic adventure by experiencing dog sledding. Visitors can either mush (drive) their own team of huskies or ride comfortably as a passenger through the snow-covered forests and vast expanses of the Finnmarksvidda plateau. This activity provides an intimate connection with the energetic dogs and the serene wilderness, often concluding with warm refreshments and stories from experienced mushers.
Cost: A 2.5 to 3-hour tour typically costs between 2200 NOK and 2700 NOK per adult. Options for private tours are also available.
Transport: Transfers from downtown Alta are usually included in the tour price. Some operators also offer on-site parking for self-drivers.
3. Alta Museum and UNESCO Rock Carvings
Delve into Alta's ancient past by visiting the Alta Museum and its adjacent UNESCO World Heritage rock carvings. These thousands of petroglyphs, etched into sandstone by hunter-gatherers 2,000 to 7,000 years ago, offer a rare glimpse into prehistoric Arctic life. The museum provides essential context and exhibitions on local history and culture. The outdoor carvings are accessible only during the snow-free months (May to October), while the indoor museum is open year-round.
Cost: Admission for adults is 160 NOK in summer and 105 NOK in winter. Children (7-16) pay 50 NOK in summer and 35 NOK in winter. Children under 7 enter for free.
Transport: The museum is approximately 4-5 km from Alta city center. Take bus line 40 (40-60 NOK, 7-12 minutes) or a taxi (200-250 NOK, 6 minutes). It is also possible to walk in about 55 minutes.
4. Sami Cultural Immersion
Gain insight into the rich heritage of the indigenous Sami people through an immersive cultural experience. Visitors can step inside a traditional lavvu (Sami tent), hear ancient stories, learn about Sami traditions and way of life, and interact with reindeer, which are central to their culture. Many experiences include traditional meals, hot beverages, and joik, the unique Sami form of singing.
Cost: Experiences range from approximately 1295 NOK to 1350 NOK per adult for comprehensive tours including reindeer interaction and storytelling.
Transport: Sami Siida, a common venue for these experiences, is located in Øvre Alta and can be reached by city bus (line 42 or 170, about 10 minutes) or taxi from Alta city center.
5. Snowmobiling on Finnmarksvidda Plateau
Embark on an exhilarating snowmobiling safari across the vast Finnmarksvidda plateau, Europe's largest mountain plateau. This adventure allows for high-speed exploration through snow-covered forests and expansive open landscapes, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Arctic wilderness. A valid driver's license is required to operate a snowmobile.
Cost: Guided snowmobile tours typically range from approximately 2800 NOK to 5000 NOK per person, depending on duration and inclusions.
Transport: Tours often include pick-up from city center hotels or start from a designated meeting point like the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel.
6. Visit Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel & Ice Bar
Experience the architectural marvel of the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, meticulously rebuilt entirely from snow and ice each winter. While an overnight stay is an option, visitors can also enjoy the unique ambiance of its ice bar, where even the drinking glasses are crafted from ice. This provides a distinctive social experience in a truly Arctic setting.
Cost: The cost of staying overnight can be substantial (from 5750 NOK+). Visiting the ice bar for a drink may incur a smaller fee, often part of a tour or entrance package if not staying overnight.
Transport: Located outside Alta city center. Access is typically via taxi or tour transportation, often included with longer tours that incorporate a visit.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
