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!

Useful Links & Downloads

Harbor Map

Port information via Barentswatch.no Google Maps

Attractions & Excursions

Photo Photo altafoto.no

Overland Excursions

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)

Photo Marianne Knutsen

Hiking Around Alta

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.

Photo SarvesAlta

Snow Fun

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?

Photo altafoto.no

Alta Canyon and Dam

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.

Photo Photo altafoto.no