Norway - the ultimate nature-based cruise destination
Alta
Photo: Anne O. Ryum
Alta Cruise Port
City of the Northern Ligths
Alta lies well above the Arctic Circle at 70 degrees north latitude. A small town of just 20,000, it is the biggest city in the vast wilderness of Finnmark County. It’s the perfect adventure destination! Winter activities include dogsledding, snowmobiling, snowshoe hikes, close encounters with reindeer and the Sami community… and no visit to Alta is complete without a trip to the unique, surprising and beautiful Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel. And of course, there’s always a chance to see the northern lights overhead in the dark sky. In summer, visit ancient rock carvings (on the UNESCO list), take hikes, bike tours and riverboat trips, or explore overland by bus. Instead of the northern lights, you’ll spend your time in neverending daylight, and maybe catch sight of the sun at midnight. Unspoiled landscapes and authentic experiences await you in this hidden jewel of the arctic north!
Visit nearby towns and attractions, accompanied by a guide with stories and local knowledge to bring the area to life. Journey out to Hammerfest (once the northernmost city in the world), Kautokeino (home of the unique Juhls silver gallery)
Alta has extraordinary nature. Winter and summer, hikes and tours that range from moderate to strenuous activity levels are available in many locations and destinations in the Arctic wilderness. Hikes can be arranged for anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
Photo Marianne Knutsen
Tirpitz Museum
The Tirpitz Museum is dedicated to telling the story of and showing artifacts from the German Navy’s occupation of the Alta area in World War II. The fearsome battleship Tirpitz that was anchored just outside of Alta, and the massive occupying force dwarfed the resident population.
Just outside of Alta, you’ll find the perfect spot for winter fun without a guide. The alpine center offers downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding and even ice skating. A café and rest building on-site are ready to provide you with hot drinks, good food or just a place to warm up and relax before heading out again.
Photo GLØD Explorer
Snowshoe Tours
Take a trip in the snow using the ancient method of snowshoes (although the shoes themselves are thoroughly modern!) Feel like a part of the wilderness that surrounds you as you tramp along. Keep an eye out for animal tracks as you go – will you be the lucky ones to spot a moose this time?
Sautso, Northern Europe’s biggest canyon, lies 45 km outside Alta. In summer, journey through farm valleys and over wild plains to the canyon. Stop for photos of the beautiful view, and then drive over to the power station’s access tunnel.
Visit nearby towns and attractions, accompanied by a guide with stories and local knowledge to bring the area to life. Journey out to Hammerfest (once the northernmost city in the world), Kautokeino (home of the unique Juhls silver gallery)
Alta has extraordinary nature. Winter and summer, hikes and tours that range from moderate to strenuous activity levels are available in many locations and destinations in the Arctic wilderness. Hikes can be arranged for anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
Photo Marianne Knutsen
Tirpitz Museum
The Tirpitz Museum is dedicated to telling the story of and showing artifacts from the German Navy’s occupation of the Alta area in World War II. The fearsome battleship Tirpitz that was anchored just outside of Alta, and the massive occupying force dwarfed the resident population.
Just outside of Alta, you’ll find the perfect spot for winter fun without a guide. The alpine center offers downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding and even ice skating. A café and rest building on-site are ready to provide you with hot drinks, good food or just a place to warm up and relax before heading out again.
Photo GLØD Explorer
Snowshoe Tours
Take a trip in the snow using the ancient method of snowshoes (although the shoes themselves are thoroughly modern!) Feel like a part of the wilderness that surrounds you as you tramp along. Keep an eye out for animal tracks as you go – will you be the lucky ones to spot a moose this time?
Sautso, Northern Europe’s biggest canyon, lies 45 km outside Alta. In summer, journey through farm valleys and over wild plains to the canyon. Stop for photos of the beautiful view, and then drive over to the power station’s access tunnel.
Visit a slate quarry in the rugged hills near Alta. The hosts demonstrate old and new techniques for producing slate, and tell the history of the rough and difficult trade that has been a cornerstone of the Alta economy for two centuries. Be the first human ever to touch a 700-million year old rock surface!
Tour Alta’s newest landmark, the Northern Lights Cathedral. Learn about the building and hear behind-the-scenes stories from its construction from your guide. Explore the symbolism found in the church and its art, and marvel at the blending of holy meaning, natural elements and modern design, both inside and out.
Photo Kjersti Bang
Alta Museum
Alta Museum sits amid thousands of rock carvings made 6,000 years ago. Explore their mystery along outdoor paths in summer, and indoors in winter. Other local exhibits and Alta’s biggest souvenir shop await visitors inside. No matter what the weather, the museum has one of the best fjord viewpoints in all of Alta!
Photo altafoto.no
Snowmobile Tours
Snowmobiling is a favorite activity for the area – in one town there are more snowmobiles per-person than anywhere else in Norway! Join the fun, whether you are experienced or have never tried it before. Climb aboard your scooter and follow the guides and the forest trail.
Visit members of the Sami community and learn more about their culture and traditions. In winter, take a sled ride pulled by reindeer. In summer, you can explore the nearby river by boat. Then spend time hearing stories about the old days, sample snacks or lunch made with reindeer meat, and hear examples of joik, the haunting chanting song of the Sami people.
Photo altafoto.no
Riverboat Tours
The area’s old-style narrow wooden riverboats are still very much in use during the summer in modern times. Join an experienced pilot and cruise along the river through often shallow and white water. Look for birds, jumping fish, and maybe even a moose! Boat trips are available from 20 minutes to 2 hours in duration.
Photo altafoto.no
Dogsledding
Take to the forest trail on a sled pulled by a team of sturdy, enthusiastic dogs. Whether you are riding as a passenger or standing in control at the back, you will marvel at the dogs’ strength and easy confidence as they pull you steadily along. Hot drinks and conversation will be waiting for you on your return.
Photo altafoto.no
Sorrisniva
No wintertime visit to Alta is complete without seeing the Igloo Hotel, an elaborate and beautiful hotel made entirely of local snow and ice every winter. The interior is decorated with ice sculptures and carvings made by local artists, following a new theme each year.
Join your guides out under the winter night sky to search for the elusive and beautiful Northern Lights. Enjoy the quiet of the Arctic wilderness as you search and wait. The guides provide good company, something hot to drink, and help with camera settings.