Alta, Norway

Where nature is still untouched

Vacation in Alta

Welcome to Alta, a small town north of the Arctic Circle. Here, you can experience the Arctic lifestyle and immerse yourself in a winter adventure between powdery snow and the open sea beneath the northern lights. Just a few minutes away from the Alta town center, you can experience silence like never before. The magnitude and intensity of the natural surroundings will leave you speechless.

Alta is a natural hub and stopover in the Arctic region. The stable climate allows for an abundance of exciting activities throughout the year. The town is urban, warm, and inviting. This is true of its people, too.

In the future, fly with Discover Airlines directly from Frankfurt to Alta in Norway. The unique natural surroundings of Scandinavia have never been easier to reach.

Northern lights at night in Alta

Northern lights

Alta is the perfect place to experience the magical northern lights. Did you know that the first Northern Lights Observatory in the world was built in Alta? As the sun slowly recedes in September, the evening sky becomes darker and the northern lights begin to appear. From September to the end of March, you have the best chance of seeing the northern lights and experiencing this unique spectacle.

Whale safari

In recent years, the whales have moved further and further north into Finnmark, and Alta is an excellent place to experience these impressive animals. If the weather cooperates, you may be lucky enough to see whales.

Whale watching
Traditional Sámi Clothing

Sami experience

Alta was and is still a place for encountering different languages and cultures. Sámi, Kvens and Norwegians live side by side in Alta, the city of the northern lights. The cooperation between these three peoples has a unique charm all of its own. The Sámi are an indigenous people of Norway, and life on the Finnmarksvidda reflects the history, culture, and presence of the Sámi.

Fatbiking

Alta is the unofficial fatbiking capital of Norway. We can only agree! There are two main reasons for this: the large range of routes and the climate! Give it a try!

Three people riding bicycles through the snow
Four people on snowmobiles

Snowmobile safari

If there is one place in Northern Norway where you can experience the typical Norwegian winter, it is in Finnmark. Finnmarksvidda, the largest high plateau in Norway, is in this county. Take a snowmobile tour and enjoy the sweeping, white snow landscape of the plateau.

Be inspired by Alta!

Children entering the ice hotel

Ice hotel

The traditional Igloo Hotel is built every year and opens in December. The changing themes give the hotel its unique character and let it light up anew for every season. The Igloo Hotel is a very popular destination for day-trippers and visitors. You can also book this beautiful ice chapel for weddings.

Alta Museum

Alta’s rock paintings have been on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1985. The Alta Museum boasts exhibition rooms and an outdoor area with rock drawings. The museum is open all year round. However, the rock drawings are only accessible at times of year when the area is free of snow and ice.

Two people in a museum
Cathedral with northern lights in the background

Northern Lights Cathedral

A worthy finale is the modern Northern Lights Cathedral at the end of the pedestrian zone. The cathedral is as elegant as the northern lights themselves and is obviously a landmark of the city of the northern lights.

Unique accommodations in Alta

  • Trasti & Trine: At Trasti & Trine, you will find happy dogs, a cuisine with regional food and unique ingredients, warm and cozy accommodations, and a loving host.
  • ​Sorrisniva: Sorrisniva is a traditional family business, right on the world-famous Alta river. For more than 30 years, the company has been offering its guests wonderful adventures that focus on nature.
  • ​Bjørnfjell: A hint of serenity with a pinch of adventure. You can choose between 5 comfortable cabins or a room in the main house for your stay in Alta, Norway. Thanks to its location in the heart of the Arctic, you will come into contact with the roots of Norwegian culture and get to know the cabin life.
  • GLØD: Accommodations, meals as well as activities and expeditions in nature. Would you like to stay in a spectacular environment near nature without having to give up a comfortable bed? If that sounds like you, then make sure to try the Aurora Canvas Domes.
  • The Glacier: Luxurious igloos at the foot of the Jøkkel glacier.
  • ​Holmen: Discover the beauty of the Arctic. This is a place that meets the needs of both relaxation and adventure in equal measure. You can observe the northern lights from a warm bed, or you can explore nature with a dog sled.
  • ​Alten Lodge: Enjoy an exclusive Arctic experience in the Alten Lodge. The exclusive self-catering cabins with views over the Altafjord are ideal for exploring the fjord, the mountains, the ski resort, and the Finnmark plateau or simply for enjoying peace and quiet.
  • Onga: Cozy rooms with a private bathroom and access to private or shared Aurora Domes. This idyllic accommodation in the pine forest makes for an unforgettable stay with personal service in the middle of the wilderness.

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Flights to Alta with Discover Airlines

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