
Drive it Yourself: Hammerfest to the Lyngen Alps
Here’s a practical guide for the drive from Honningsvåg to Hammerfest in the far-north of Norway.
North European travel guide
Alta is a small Arctic city in Norway’s far north, known as the “City of the Northern Lights.” Situated at 69°N, it has surprisingly mild weather (thanks to the Gulf Stream), with midnight sun from mid-May to late July and polar night late Nov to mid-January. Locals enjoy an outdoorsy, laid-back lifestyle: fishing, reindeer herding, and Sami traditions are part of everyday life here. Alta is in the heart of Sápmi (the Sami homeland), so you’ll see Sámi language on signs and can easily join reindeer farms or cultural tours. The city centre is modern but compact; residents commute on foot, by bike, or the local Snelandia bus (download the Snelandia app or purchase it on board) for trips around town and to the airport.
Latitude: 69.5 degrees north
Sami name: Áltá
Population: 21,000
Founded: 1863
Hottest Month: July
Coldest Month: February
Wettest Month: July
Windiest Month: February
Annual Precipitation: 271mm
Ålta Municipality
Here are some things that you must try in Alta
The 1000km-long Finnmarksløpet is Europe’s longest dog-sled race and it starts and ends in Alta in March and traverses the length of the north.
Alta is close to the Sami communities of Kautokeino and Karasjok, both of which are well worth visiting. Otherwise you can visit the Boazo Sami Siida, a reindeer farm, café, pub and museum rolled onto one. It’s only open in the summer months.
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Alta.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to over 6,000 Stone Age rock carvings in the surrounding area. The indoor museum (open 365 days a year) features engaging exhibits on carvings, Sámi culture, World War II, and the Northern Lights. In summer, you can walk a wooden path to see the carvings up close (1.2 km or 3 km trails with an audio guide or a booked guide). Guided tours and activities (arrow shooting, stone grinding) are offered in high season, plus a café with a view.
This striking modern church (opened 2013) is Alta’s most famous landmark. The aurora inspires its silver, spiralling roof, and the tower lights up with coloured stripes at night. Visitors can enter (for a small fee) to view the art and a light show of the Northern Lights in the basement exhibition. It’s open daily (check http://www.visitalta.no or the cathedral’s website for hours).
This hidden little museum is about the history of the German battleship Tirpitz, which was anchored for nearly two years in the Altafjord.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Please note – the links provided are affiliate links. We only recommend experiences that we have researched and/or tested and focus on providing unique, local things to do!
The Alta Canyon is a must-see. You do drive through it on the way south to Kautokeino, but the best way to see it is to hike. The most popular hike begins at the Gargia Mountain Lodge, and it is 10km (6 mi) one way. The end of the hike is at a spectacular viewpoint over the canyon more than 300 metres above the river.
There is a lot of light pollution in Alta, so if you don’t have a car it’s recommended to book a tour.
I recommend the tour “In search of the Northern Lights”
Holmen Husky Lodge is a tour operator that provides tours by huskies along the banks of the Alta River. You can choose if you want to drive the sled or have someone do it for you. In summer, they have events where you can meet the huskies.
I recommend tours by Holmen Husky!
Did you know you can go whale watching around Alta? Orcas and other whale species often visit the area, and there are guided whale watching tours that will take you out to see the whales.
I recommend the tour “Alta Fjord Whale Watching Tour” on GetYourGuide
Looking for a bit more thrill when looking for the northern lights? Snowmobiles are an excellent way to have lots of fun while out searching for the northern lights!
Head out onto the Altafjord for a beautiful cruise. The scenery here is incredible and the fjord doesn’t freeze in winter!
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Alta.
The E6 highway is the longest highway running through Norway, beginning south of Oslo and ending at Kirkenes. This stretch of the E6 covers the entire length of Arctic Norway, passing by and including some spectacular remote places.
The E45 is a short but scenic highway that connects the Sami capital of Kautokeino with Alta. Along the way, you pass the Alta Canyon and remote Sami settlements.
We currently do not have any self-guided walks available in Alta.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Alta.
Join us on the drive from Hammerfest to the Lyngen Alps. This includes a drive through the city of Alta.
Here are some things that you must try in Alta
The 1000km-long Finnmarksløpet is Europe’s longest dog-sled race and it starts and ends in Alta in March and traverses the length of the north.
Alta is close to the Sami communities of Kautokeino and Karasjok, both of which are well worth visiting. Otherwise you can visit the Boazo Sami Siida, a reindeer farm, café, pub and museum rolled onto one. It’s only open in the summer months.
Alta has been inhabited for a long time, as evidenced by the rock carvings that are believed to be around 7000 years old.
Before the 18th century, Alta was largely inhabited by the Sea Sami who lived from hunting, fishing, and animal husbandry. The area was a common tax area for Denmark-Norway, Sweden, and Russia. Sweden and Denmark had arguments about who had the right to tax salmon fishing in the Alta River, so the Danes built a fortress. At the peace of Knaerød in 1613, the area was given to Denmark-Norway. This is when the first Norwegians began to inhabit the area. The Kvens began to arrive in 1700 because of war and famine, and the Kven brought grain cultivation and improved river fishing methods.
In 1826 the English company Alten Copper Mines started mining in Kåfjord. Many miners came from Scandinavia and during the mining period this was the most populous place in Finnmark. However, operations closed in 1878.
In the 19th century, the Pomor Trade was important for the area around Alta. Norwegian fish was exchanged for Russian grain and supplied the coastal population in large parts of Norway.
During World War II, Alta was a key strategic location for German forces. The battleship Tirpitz was based in the Altafjord for two years and served as one of the main threats against convoys delivering supplies from Western Allies to the Soviet Union. Alta was burned down by the Nazis in the autumn of 1944 during their retreat. The only building not to be burned down was the Alta church.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s there was a series of protests in Finnmark against the construction of a hydroelectric powerplant in the Alta River. Known as the Alta Controversy, it put the rights of the Sami as an indigenous people, with distinct rights over the lands in northern Norway, onto the national political agenda. For the first time since World War II, Norwegians were arrested and charged with violating laws against rioting. Two Sami women even travelled to Rome to petition the pope.
The Supreme Court ruled in favour of the government in early 1982, at which point organised opposition to the powerplant ceased, and the power plant was built. However, it is considered that although the Sami lost this particular issue, they made important long-term gains.
Alta feels like a frontier town and a regional centre rolled into one. Shops, banks and government offices operate on normal hours (Mon–Fri), but note that many smaller shops close by 17:00–18:00 (long summer days mean late-night drives). Supermarkets and stores are closed on Sundays or have restricted hours. The community is very outdoorsy – you’ll see people of all ages skiing, fishing, hiking or cycling whenever the weather allows.
In the summer, Alta hosts outdoor events such as fishing festivals and midnight sun races; in winter, the cultural calendar features husky races and celebrations of the Sami National Day (February 6 ). Finnmark University College and northern research institutes bring students and academics to town, adding a youthful vibe. Bilingual street signs (Norwegian/Sámi) and the prominence of reindeer décor reflect the region’s heritage.
It’s known to be one of Norway’s sunniest places (over 200 clear days/year) thanks to the stable inland climate.
Fly: Alta’s airport has direct flights to Oslo and Tromsø, as well as the small fishing communities of Finnmark.
Drive: Alta is located on the E6, which is the main highway running through Norway. Alta is a 5.5 hour drive from Tromsø and the road generally remains open all year round.
Train: No train access.
Ferry: The coastal ferry does not call at Alta.
Alta is very spread out, so if you don’t have a car it’s recommended to get to know the public transport. The company is called Snelandia.
Since Alta is surrounded by excellent fishing and hunting opportunities, the local food here is fantastic. It’s also a great place to try reindeer meat.
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Restaurant Haldde is located within the Thon Hotel Vica and relies on local incredients including reindeer steak, grilled stockfish, and its Flavour of Finnmark dessert of cloudberries and cowberry-blueberry sorbet.
Stakeriet – Innovative Nordic tapas in a pub setting. They specialise in small plates and game (think reindeer meatballs, Arctic char).
All our hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. We don’t recommend somewhere unless we think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Camping
Wisløff camping is one of the three riverside campsites in the neighbouring town of Øvre Alta, 3km south of the main city.
When in Finnmark, go glamping! There is a company that offers some lovely glamping options
Lodges
Trasti i Trine is located 10km south of Alta and is a warm place with beautiful wooden lodges. The on-site husky farm adds some personality to the property.
Gargia Fjellstue is 25km south of Alta and is located on a mountain with good access to the canyon.
Chains & Mid-Range
The Scandic Alta has nice rooms and good views out to the Northern Lights Cathedral.
Click here to view rates & book
Thon Hotel Vica is located in a former timber farmhouse. Has a sauna as well.
High End & Unique Properties
Sorrisnova Arctic Lodge is a new high-end property a little out of Alta, making it perfect for the northern lights.
Click here to view rates & book
Looking for the northern lights? Glod Aurora Dome is a unique ‘canvas dome’ out in the forest!
Click here to view rates & book
Holmen Husky Lodge is perfect for those who want to stay close to the huskies (and also out in nature).
Polar night until 17 January
Average Temperature: -7C (19F)
Sunrise: 8:01am
Sunset: 3:21pm
Average Temperature: -7C (19F)
Sunrise: 5:50am
Sunset: 5:22pm
Average Temperature: -4C (25F)
Sunrise: 4:24am
Sunset: 8:32pm
Average Temperature: 0C (32F)
Midnight sun from 17 May
Average Temperature: 5C (41F)
Midnight sun
Average Temperature: 10C (50F)
Midnight sun until 27 July
Average Temperature: 14C (57F)
Sunrise: 3:21am
Sunset: 9:37pm
Average Temperature: 12C (54F)
Sunrise: 5:37am
Sunset: 7:04pm
Average Temperature: 8C (46F)
Sunrise: 7:38am
Sunset: 4:45pm
Average Temperature: 3C (37F)
Sunrise: 9:13am
Sunset: 1:08pm
Average Temperature: -3C (26F)
Polar night
Average Temperature: -5C (23F)
Here’s a practical guide for the drive from Honningsvåg to Hammerfest in the far-north of Norway.
This drive takes you from the Finnmark Plateau down to a remote island by the sea.