Alta
Alta has more rock art made by hunter-gatherer people than any other place in Northern Europe. In 1985 the petroglyphs in Alta were inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The rock art in Alta was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1985. The reason for the inscription is this: “The rock art in Alta, with thousands of paintings and carvings, is an outstanding testimony to aspects of the life, natural surroundings, and activities of hunter-gatherer people in the Arctic area in prehistoric time. The great variation in motifs and scenes has high artistic quality, and reflects a long tradition of interaction between hunter-gatherer people and the landscape, as well as development of symbols and rituals from about 5000 f.Kr. to around year 0.”
In Alta there are around 6000 rock carvings, the oldest more than 7000 years old. Motifs such as reindeer, elk, and bear are most common. The rock carvings tell about daily life in the Stone Age, and show magnificent scenes from people’s cooperation on hunting and fishing, use of boats, and how skis and snowshoes were an important means of transportation in the winter. The rock art also gives us a glimpse into the inner life and mindset of the people.
You can best experience the rock carvings by using the museum’s guidebook or an audio guide. The audio guides are highly recommended. They give a lively account about the rock art and the time they were made. It is also possible to book a private guided tour. From the museum there are prepared paths both to the painted and the unpainted rock carvings and you can choose between a short walk of 1.2 km or a longer walk of 3 km.
In the high season in the summer there are various exciting Stone Age activities happening outside in the rock carving area. You can try archery, make your own arrowhead, archaeological sandbox and much more. Here you also find lavvu and fire, so that everyone in the family can enjoy themselves together.
The rock carvings can be visited in the snow- and ice-free part of the year.
The museum’s exciting indoor exhibitions are open all year. In the exhibitions Alta’s long history is conveyed, from the Stone Age and forward to today’s society. Alta’s rich resources have attracted people at all times. Here are exhibitions among other things about rock art and world heritage, Sami and Kven culture, trade, mining, the Alta case, northern lights research, traditional industries, and salmon fishing in Altaelva.
The museum also has a café with Alta’s most beautiful view and an exciting museum shop.
Source: Visit Alta