Quick facts
Alta, Finnmark, Arctic Norway, at about 70° north, in the heart of Altafjorden.
About 21.000 residents makes Alta the largest town in Finnmark.
Alta is known as the City of Northern Lights, since the world’s first aurora observatory was built on Halde mountain in 1899.
The sun is below the horizon all day and all night between September 26 and January 17.
The sun is above the horizon all day and all night between May 17 and July 27.
−8 °C by day to −14 °C at night in town; colder inland on the plateau
About 14 °C on average, often near 20 °C on warm days
Alta Airport (ALF), about 10 minutes from the town centre
Rock Art of Alta, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, with carvings up to about 7,000 years old
Finnmarksløpet, Europe’s longest sled dog race, starting and finishing in Alta every Marc.
September to early April, best from November to March
Planning your trip
Where is Alta? Alta is a town of about 21,000 people in Finnmark, Arctic Norway, at about 70° North. It sits at the head of the Altafjord, where the coast meets the Finnmarksvidda plateau.
Why is Alta called the City of the Northern Lights? Because the world’s first aurora observatory was built here, on Haldde mountain above Alta, in 1899. Scientists chose Alta’s sky for its clear, stable winter weather, and the name has stuck ever since.
What is the best time to visit Alta? It depends on what you want to experience. November to March is best for the Northern Lights, dog sledding and snow. September and October offer the aurora with milder weather and fewer visitors. April brings deep snow and long days. July and August offer the midnight sun, the rock carvings, the salmon river and hiking.
How many nights should I stay in Alta? We recommend at least four nights. That gives you several evenings to look for the Northern Lights, since clear skies are never guaranteed on any single night, and time for two or three daytime activities.
Is Alta a good alternative to Tromsø? Yes. Alta lies sheltered inland at the head of a fjord, so it gets less precipitation than coastal Tromsø, which means more clear nights on average. It is also smaller and quieter, with fewer visitors per tour.
Northern Lights
When is Northern Lights season in Alta? The season runs from September to early April. The darkest and most reliable months are November to March, while September and October and early April offer milder temperatures.
Are the Northern Lights guaranteed? No. The aurora is a natural phenomenon and depends on solar activity and clear skies. Staying several nights and joining a guided hunt that drives to wherever the sky is clearest gives you the best chance.
Do I need a tour to see the Northern Lights? No, but a guide improves your chances. On a clear night with activity you can see the aurora from many places around Alta. Guides read the forecasts and drive you away from clouds and town lights.
Seasons and climate
When is the polar night in Alta? The sun stays below the horizon from 26 November to 17 January. Days are not pitch dark: there are several hours of blue twilight around midday. When is the midnight sun in Alta? The sun stays above the horizon from 17 May to 27 July, giving about ten weeks of 24-hour daylight.
How cold is Alta in winter? In January, typical temperatures in town range from about −8° C by day to −14 °C at night. Inland on the plateau it is often much colder, and −25 °C or lower happens. Warm layered clothing is essential, and most activity providers lend out thermal suits.
What is the weather like in summer? Mild and fresh. July averages about 14 °C and warm days often reach 20 °C or more. Bring layers, a rain jacket and insect repellent for summer hikes.
Getting here and around
How do I get to Alta? By plane to Alta Airport (ALF). There are daily flights from Oslo (about 2 hours) and from Tromsø, and direct flights from Frankfurt during winter. There are flights between Alta and Helsinki through Kittilä during summer. Alta can also be reached by car on the E6 and E45.
How far is the airport from the town centre? About 10 minutes by car or taxi. Many hotels and activity providers offer airport transfers.
Is there a train to Alta? No. There is no railway in Finnmark. Travellers arrive by plane, car, bus or coastal ship to nearby ports.
Do I need a car in Alta? Not necessarily. Most activity providers include pick-up from hotels in town. A car gives more freedom to explore the fjords and plateau, but winter driving requires experience with snow and ice.
Things to do
What can I do in Alta in winter? Dog sledding, guided Northern Lights hunts, whale watching in the fjord, snowmobiling, reindeer and Sámi culture experiences, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and visiting the Igloo Hotel. Most activities run from December to March or April; check each provider for exact dates.
What can I do in Alta in summer? Walk among the UNESCO rock carvings, hike under the midnight sun, take a riverboat on the Alta River, visit the Alta Canyon, fish for salmon or king crab, and join a fjord trip. Most summer activities run from June to August.
Can I see whales in Alta? Yes, in late autumn and early winter. Whales and orcas follow the herring into the fjords, and whale safaris typically run from late October to January. Exact dates vary each year with the herring.
What is the Rock Art of Alta? Thousands of rock carvings made by hunter-gatherers, some dated to about 7,000 years old. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The outdoor trail at Alta Museum is open in the snow-free months, roughly May to September.
Can I experience Sámi culture in Alta? Yes. Several providers offer reindeer experiences and meetings with Sámi herders, especially in winter. Kautokeino, the heart of Sámi culture in Norway, is about two hours’ drive away and hosts the Sámi Easter Festival every spring.
What is Finnmarksløpet? Europe’s longest sled dog race, starting and finishing in Alta every March. Visitors can watch the start and finish for free in the town centre.
Is Alta suitable for families? Yes. Many activities accept children from about 4–6 years, including dog sledding, reindeer visits and the Igloo Hotel. Check each provider for age limits.