Dog sledging and snow mobiles

There is a world of adventure awaiting you in Alta - all framed against the brilliant blue light and contrasts which are so distinctive of Finnmark in the middle of winter. Try for example dog sledging or go on a snow mobile safari. The world's first Northern Light observatory was built here at the end of the nineteenth century and has earned Alta the name The Town of the Northern Lights.

UNESCO-protected rock carvings

See the protected rock carvings at Hjemmeluft in Alta. The museum is situated by the rock carvings, which date 2,000 to 6,200 years back.

Seasons

Alta has good climatic conditions, with little precipitation, pleasant winters and warm summers. During the winter nights here, you can often see the northern lights dancing across the skies. The blue season in Alta lasts from November to January, after which the days get gradually longer. May to August have midnight sun and 24 hours of daylight.

See slideshow with pictures of the northern lights.

Bossekop, Elvebakken and the town centre

Alta has three centres: Bossekop, with old trading and market traditions, Elvebakken in the east, with airport and harbour, and the town of Alta itself, as the newest of the three, with pedestrian shopping precincts and shopping centres. The town is one of Northern Norway’s largest educational and research centres and is home to Finnmark Municipal University, with approximately 2,000 students. 

Main industry

Local commerce and industry also include slate works and mining, agriculture, aquaculture and fishing.