3 Days in Alta: Norway's Northern Lights City
Alta proudly calls itself the "City of the Northern Lights" — and the claim is well founded. Sitting at nearly 70°N in Finnmark, Norway's northernmost county, Alta experiences around 200 aurora nights per year and boasts consistently clearer skies than coastal alternatives. With an aurora score of 9/10, genuine Sámi cultural experiences, and lower prices than Tromsø, Alta is the savvy aurora chaser's choice.
Best months: October through March, with January and February offering polar night darkness and peak aurora activity.
What makes it special: Alta combines high aurora probability with authentic Arctic culture. The UNESCO World Heritage rock carvings, the Northern Lights Cathedral, and deep Sámi traditions give context to the landscape. It's less touristy than Tromsø, with clearer skies and a more genuine frontier feel.
Day 1: Arrival & The Northern Lights Cathedral
Afternoon: Arrive & Explore Alta
Fly into Alta Airport (ALF) — connected via Oslo with SAS and Norwegian (1.5-hour domestic flight). The town is small and manageable.
Start at the Northern Lights Cathedral (Nordlyskatedralen) — a stunning piece of contemporary architecture designed in a spiralling wave form that symbolises the aurora borealis. The interior is equally striking, with a soaring tower and modern art installations. One of northern Norway's most impressive buildings.
Walk through the compact town centre and get oriented. Alta sits in a sheltered valley at the head of the Altafjord — this protected position contributes to its famously clear skies.
Late Afternoon: Alta Museum & UNESCO Rock Carvings
Visit the Alta Museum, home to the UNESCO World Heritage rock carvings at Hjemmeluft — one of the most important prehistoric sites in Scandinavia. The 6,000-year-old carvings depict reindeer, boats, hunting scenes, and figures that some researchers believe represent the northern lights. In winter, the outdoor trail is snow-covered but still accessible (and atmospheric).
The museum's indoor exhibits on Finnmark's history, Sámi culture, and the aurora are excellent.
Evening: First Aurora Camp Experience
Book an aurora camp — Alta's speciality. Professional guides drive you to a remote wilderness location (30–60 minutes from town) where a camp is set up with lavvu (Sámi tents), campfire, warm drinks, and traditional food. You wait for the aurora in comfort, and when it appears, you're in total darkness with 360° horizons.
Alta's sheltered valley position means you're often under clear skies while the coast is cloudy. Guides use multiple weather stations and aurora forecasts to select the best viewing direction.
Cost: NOK 1,200–1,800 (~£90–135) per person.
Day 2: Dog Sledding & Sámi Culture
Morning: Dog Sledding Safari
Alta has some of Norway's best dog sledding operators — several have Finnmarksløpet (Europe's longest sled dog race) experience. A half-day safari takes you through the Alta valley's birch forests and frozen rivers, mushing your own team of Alaskan huskies.
The quiet, the snow, the dogs' rhythmic breathing — this is Arctic Norway at its purest.
Cost: NOK 2,200–3,000 (~£165–225) per person for a half-day experience.
Afternoon: Sámi Cultural Experience
Visit a Sámi family for a genuine cultural experience. Feed and herd reindeer, take a short reindeer sled ride, share a meal of traditional food (bidos — reindeer stew, dried reindeer meat, coffee cheese) in a lavvu, and learn about the semi-nomadic herding lifestyle that continues in Finnmark today.
This is one of the most meaningful activities available in northern Norway — a real connection with the indigenous culture of the Arctic.
Cost: NOK 1,000–1,500 (~£75–110) per person.
Evening: Snowmobile Safari & Aurora
For a different aurora experience, join an evening snowmobile safari that combines riding with aurora hunting. Guides lead you across frozen plateaus to prime dark-sky viewing spots. The thrill of snowmobiling under the northern lights is extraordinary.
Cost: NOK 1,800–2,500 (~£135–185) per person.
Day 3: Final Frontier Experiences & Departure
Morning: Ice Fishing or Snowshoeing
Ice fishing on a frozen river or lake is a meditative morning activity. Drill through the ice, drop your line, and enjoy the silence of the Arctic winter. Most tours include a campfire where your catch (usually Arctic char or trout) is cooked on the spot.
Cost: NOK 800–1,200 (~£60–90) per person.
Alternatively, join a guided snowshoe hike to a panoramic viewpoint over the Altafjord and surrounding mountains. Moderate fitness required.
Late Morning: Departure Prep
Browse Alta's small shops for Sámi handicrafts (duodji) — beautifully made knives, jewellery, and clothing using traditional techniques. The quality is exceptional and you're buying directly from the culture.
Grab a final lunch at one of Alta's restaurants — try Arctic char or king crab if you haven't yet.
Afternoon: Departure
Head to the airport for your flight via Oslo.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £45–75/night (guesthouse/cabin) | £100–170/night (hotel) | £200–400/night (aurora lodge) |
| Food | £25–40/day | £50–80/day | £100–170/day |
| Activities | £60–90/tour | £120–225/tour | £250–450/private tour |
| Transport | £10–20/day | £40–60/day (car rental) | £80+/day |
| Daily Total | £140–225 | £310–535 | £630–1,020 |
Where to Stay
Budget: Alta River Camping Cabins
Simple log cabins along the Alta River. Self-catering. From NOK 600 (~£45)/night.Mid-Range: Scandic Alta
Modern hotel in the town centre with aurora-view rooms on upper floors. From NOK 1,300 (~£100)/night.Luxury: Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel
A hotel rebuilt from ice and snow each winter, with ice rooms, ice bar, and a warm-room option for those who want the experience without sleeping on ice. From NOK 3,000 (~£225)/night.Getting There
- By air: From Oslo via SAS/Norwegian (1.5h direct flight). Occasional connections via Tromsø.
- By road: 6.5-hour drive from Tromsø along the E6 — a spectacular road trip through Finnmark.
- In Alta: Car rental useful for flexibility but most tours include pickup.
What to Pack
- Heavy thermal layers (Alta is inland and cold — expect -10 to -20°C)
- Insulated parka and snow pants
- Arctic boots rated to -25°C
- Warm hat, balaclava, and heavy gloves/mittens
- Hand and toe warmers
- Camera + tripod for aurora photography
- Layers for fluctuating temperatures between heated interiors and outdoor activities
FAQ
Is Alta better than Tromsø for northern lights?
Both score 9/10 for aurora. Alta has statistically clearer skies (sheltered valley vs Tromsø's coastal position) and is cheaper. Tromsø has more activities, restaurants, and easier international flights. For pure aurora probability, Alta has a slight edge.How do I get from Tromsø to Alta?
Fly (short domestic hop), drive (6.5 hours on the E6), or take the Hurtigruten coastal ferry (arrives at Hammerfest, then 2-hour drive). The drive is spectacular but long in winter darkness.Is there enough to do for 3 days?
Yes — between aurora camps, dog sledding, snowmobiles, Sámi culture, the museum, and the Northern Lights Cathedral, 3 days is well filled. Alta is about quality experiences in a genuine Arctic setting, not ticking off attractions.What's the Finnmarksløpet?
Europe's longest sled dog race — 1,200km through Finnmark's Arctic wilderness. It starts and finishes in Alta each March. If you time your visit, watching the start or finish is thrilling.Can I combine Alta with Tromsø?
Absolutely. Fly between them (45 minutes) or make the spectacular 6.5-hour drive. A combined trip gives you the best of both destinations.Explore the full Alta destination guide for more activities and planning tips.