Five things to do in Alta on a budget

Alta offers great experiences that don’t necessarily cost a lot of money. Here are five tips for activities and experiences that will allow you to enjoy the best of the north without emptying your wallet.

Explore the Alta River on foot

Put on good shoes and go for a walk along the Alta River, or rent a bike and cycle along the riverbank. There are a number of paths that wind through lush nature. Here you get both fresh air and a beautiful view of the world-famous salmon river. Enjoy the silence by the water’s edge. Note, be aware of fishermen if you move along the path outside the conservation period (12-18) during the fishing season.

Visit the rock art in Hjemmeluft

The famous rock art is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and are well worth the entrance fee to Alta Museum. Walk along the ancient rock art and try to imagine life here thousands of years ago. If you want to learn more, you can also visit the indoor exhibition at the museum.

Svetlana Funtusova Helleristninger Hjemmeluft Alta Museum verdensarv
The rock art at Alta Museum. Photo: Svetlana Funtusova/nordnorge.com

Find peace in the mountains

Alta is surrounded by magnificent nature, the elongated Finnmarksvidda plateau and a number of mountain peaks. Take a trip to Komsatoppen for panoramic views of the city. It costs nothing to get out. Here you will find an overview of mountain hikes in Alta.

Experience the light

In winter, the Northern Lights dance across the sky, while in summer the sun never sets. Nature helps define the people who live here in Alta. Go hunting for the Northern Lights in places with little light pollution or enjoy the midnight sun high in the Altafjord. Tip! Ask a local about the best place to experience the Northern Lights yourself or the best place to experience the midnight sun from!

The midnight sun seen from Hjemmelufttoppen. Photo: Karianne Engelien-Anti/Visit Alta

Take a bath

In the summer, Lathari is filled with people from Alta who enjoy swimming, while only the toughest dare to go ice swimming in the winter. A swim is wonderful no matter what the season!