Alta travel guide

The official currency in Alta, Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Cash can be obtained from ATMs, which are widely available in the city. However, Norway is increasingly becoming a cashless society, with card payments being the preferred method. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, even for small transactions. Contactless payment and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also commonly used. Be aware that your bank may charge international transaction fees, so it's advisable to check before travelling. In terms of budgeting, Norway can be expensive compared to other countries, with dining out and accommodation being particularly costly. It's recommended to budget accordingly.

While visiting Alta, you will find that most Norwegians speak English very well, particularly the younger generation. But trying to speak some Norwegian shows respect and is appreciated. Start with basics like 'Hei' (Hello), 'Takk' (Thank you), and 'Vær så snill' (Please). Despite the prevalence of English, some signs and menus may only be in Norwegian. It is advisable to download a translation app for these situations.

Take note that the Sami language is also spoken in this region. You may hear it in some places, but it's not widely used in daily communication. Remember, Norwegians appreciate attempts to speak their language, even if it's just a greeting or a thank you. Learning a few phrases can enhance your travel experience.

Alta, Norway experiences a subarctic climate, characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The winter season, from November to March, is marked by heavy snowfall and temperatures that can plummet to -15°C. The city often experiences the Polar Night during this period, when the sun does not rise above the horizon, resulting in 24-hour darkness. Conversely, the summer, from June to August, offers mild temperatures averaging around 15°C and the Midnight Sun, a unique phenomenon where the sun does not set for about two months. Autumn is typically wet and cool, while spring is often dry and gradually warming. Despite the extreme darkness in winter, the period is a favorite for visitors due to the high chances of witnessing the stunning Northern Lights. However, travelers should prepare for the cold with appropriate clothing and gear.

Home to plenty of top attractions, Alta is more than just a wonderful town in Norway. Alta is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of Norway.

One fascinating sight in Alta is the unforgettable Alta Museum. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the town, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Alta.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Norway, check out our list of top attractions in Alta below. Discover the best places to visit in Alta, including the fascinating Alta Museum, Cathedral of The Northern Lights, and Tirpitz Museum.

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Alta.

Traveling is all about gaining new experiences. You can have that and more in the town of Alta.

Alta offers numerous tours and activities for travelers to choose from. Ports of Call Tours, Winter Tours, and Snowmobiling Tours are only a few of the many experiences you can book for your holiday in Norway.

Explore the most popular experiences you can join in Alta by clicking on one of the top-rated tour categories below.

Travelers in Alta can choose from 10 categories of top-rated tours and tickets. If you're curious about what the most frequently recommended experiences in the city are, Shore Excursions is the answer.

The most popular tour in Alta is the fantastic Snowmobile safari in the mountain plateau of Finnmarksvidda. By joining this highly recommended tour, travelers get to learn more about what makes Alta one of the best travel destinations in Norway.

Alta also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience in the city. The affordable Sleigh Ride w/ snacks - Experience Arctic Farm Life is the cheapest tour in the town, and is a popular Ports of Call Tour. This experience costs around 129 EUR and allows travelers a great time in Alta. This Ports of Call Tour is available in 2 languages: Norwegian, and English. Around 6 travelers have given this activity an average rating of 5 stars out of 5.

Secure an unforgettable experience for your upcoming trip to Alta and book a top-rated tour in the town. Discover the best tours, activities, and tickets in Alta below.

Discover the best things to do in Alta. Choose from 11 fantastic tours and activities available in the town.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Alta. Click the green button to view your options.

Alta, often hailed as the City of Northern Lights, boasts a culinary scene as vibrant as its sky. The city's local cuisine is dominated by fresh seafood, game meat, and berries, reflecting the bountiful Arctic environment. One of the best places to eat in Alta is Restaurant Alta, where you can savor traditional dishes such as reindeer steak and klippfisk (dried and salted cod). For a more casual dining experience, head over to Alta's bustling street food scene which is particularly known for its hearty fish soup. To taste the finest local produce, visit the Bossekop Market. It's not just a food market, but a gastronomic journey of sorts, where you can sample everything from cloudberries to king crab. For those with a sweet tooth, the local specialty multekrem, a dessert made with cloudberries and whipped cream, is a must-try. Remember to pair your meals with a glass of Aquavit, a traditional Norwegian spirit, to complete your culinary adventure in Alta.

Alta, though a small city in Northern Norway, offers a diverse and enriching shopping experience. The Northern Lights Mall, located in the heart of the city, is the best place to go shopping in Alta. Here, you'll find a variety of local and international brands, from trendy fashion to traditional Norwegian crafts. A visit to the Bossekop Market, held every Wednesday, is a must to explore local produce and crafts. It's a haven for those seeking to take home a piece of Alta's culture. Don't miss out on shopping for 'Duodji', the traditional Sami handicrafts, as they make for unique souvenirs. Lined with quaint boutiques and specialty shops, Markveien street offers a distinct shopping experience with a focus on Alta's unique fashion trends and local craftsmanship. For a comfortable shopping experience, consider visiting during summer when the days are longer. However, the true shopping charm of Alta lies within its winter markets, offering an array of warm clothing and winter accessories essential for the Arctic climate.

Experience the magic of the Arctic in Alta, Norway without breaking the bank. One of the best free things to do in Alta is to explore the Alta Museum. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the museum is home to the largest concentration of rock art in Northern Europe. While entrance to the museum has a fee, the surrounding park is free to explore and offers stunning views of the Alta Fjord. Another must-visit is the Northern Lights Cathedral, an architectural marvel whose design is inspired by the mesmerizing auroras. Although there is a fee to enter, admiring its beauty from the outside is absolutely free. If you're visiting in winter, head to the city center to marvel at the intricate ice sculptures displayed during the Alta Ice Hotel Snow and Ice Festival. Finally, nothing beats a leisurely hike through the Arctic wilderness. The Alta River boasts a network of well-trodden trails perfect for an afternoon stroll. Remember to pack a picnic and enjoy an alfresco meal amidst the breathtaking scenery.

The most popular way to experience Alta is by visiting the town as part of a road trip across multiple destinations in Norway. However, it is also common for travelers to go to Alta on both shorter and longer getaways, to get a break from everyday life, relax, and experience something new.

With Guide to Europe you can find road trips, city breaks, and weekend getaways in Norway, ranging from budget to luxury. Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip across Norway, or you just want to enjoy a few days exploring Alta, there is a vacation package for you.

Discover the most popular vacation packages in Alta below.

Travelers have a great selection of vacation packages to choose from in Norway. In fact, you can choose from as many as 5 different top-rated vacation packages to take you to Alta, and even more if you expand your search to include a bigger area of Norway.

If you would like to go on a budget vacation in Alta, book the popular Cheap 3-Day Norway Road Trip Vacation in Alta and spend as little as 598 EUR. This vacation will take you on a journey to experience some of the most incredible attractions and sights in Alta, including the fantastic Tirpitz Museum, Alta Museum, Nordlyskatedralen Alta kirke, and The Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society.

Get more Alta vacation ideas on this site and discover the greatest selection of vacation packages in Europe. Scroll down to find the best vacation packages in Norway that match your needs and budget.

Discover and compare 5 vacation packages that take you to the wonderful town of Alta.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Alta get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in Norway. Your customized holiday package to Alta is only a few clicks away!

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Alta, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in Norway. However, it is usually cheaper to fly to Alta, Norway, in September.

The cheapest one-way flight to Alta costs around 96 EUR and is offered by the airline Norwegian.

The cheapest round-trip flights to Alta cost approximately 57 EUR in total. The departure flight leaves on May 26 and the return flight is scheduled on May 1. The flight time is around 1 hour per way.

The return flight is operated by Båtsfjord.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to Norway and the town of Alta from your city of departure.

Travelers visiting Alta in Norway can fly to Alta airport directly from 735 destinations worldwide.

The three most popular routes to Alta airport and the town of Alta in Norway depart from Alta airport in Alta, Norway, Norman Manley International airport in Kingston, Jamaica, and Keflavík International airport in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Travelers can fly to Norway by choosing from from 1 weekly flight(s) from Alta; from 2 weekly flight(s) from Kingston; and from 1 weekly flight(s) from Reykjavik.

The airline that operates most flights to Norway is Lanmei Airlines. Lanmei Airlines offers 6 scheduled flight routes to Norway.

Discover the most popular flights to Alta below. Click to view flights to Alta, Norway from destinations all across the globe.

While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Alta provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Alta. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the town of Alta on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the town of Alta that match the information provided.

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the town of Alta to find the best car for your travel plans. Travelers in Alta can choose from small cars, medium cars, large cars, estate cars, mini vans, SUVs, convertibles, premium cars, camper vans, mini campers, vans, cars. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore Norway at their own pace. The most popular type of car rental among small groups of travelers in Alta is a TopLevel.

Another very popular type of car to rent in Alta is a TopLevel. This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the town of Alta.

Check out all options available in Alta and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in Norway below.

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful town of Alta. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Alta, Norway, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Norway. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Travelers in Norway can catch flights to domestic airports in Kirkenes, Hammerfest, Tromsø, Vadsø, and Sørkjosen. Domestic flights in Norway are operated by 2 airlines: Widerøe, and Norwegian. There are around 6 scheduled flight routes operating to Alta on a weekly basis.

From Alta, travelers can book scheduled flights to 5 domestic destinations.

Traveling to another city or region in Norway? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Alta to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Norway on the selected dates.