Top 15 Best Things To Do in Alta, Norway

15. Celebrate Alta’s Festivals and Cultural Heritage

Season: Year-round

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Alta is to take part in the city’s local events and festivals. Alta’s calendar is packed year-round with cultural celebrations, unique races, and community gatherings that showcase the best of Arctic Norway. 

In February, Festivalta brings concerts and performances to town. March is all about Finnmarkslopet, the world’s northernmost dog sled race, where you can watch teams launch and finish across snowy landscapes. Meanwhile, the Borealis Winter Festival is celebrated for its impressive snow and ice art. 

In July, Offroad Finnmark turns Alta into a festival basecamp during the toughest wilderness bike race under the midnight sun. August features Alta Live and the annual Halddemarsjen hike, while Week 43 is dedicated to Sami language and culture. 

Visit Alta Tourist Information for updated dates and recommendations on what to see in Alta during your trip.

14. Go River Fishing and Kayak Alta’s Scenic Rivers

Season: Summer

River fishing, deep-sea angling, and kayaking are classic summer activities in Alta. If you have your sights set on the famous Alta River, keep in mind that fishing here is tightly controlled, and you’ll need a special permit. 

For most visitors, it’s much simpler (and just as rewarding) to try your luck in the inlets and coastal waters of Altafjord. You don’t need any special permit for guided deep-sea fishing trips, and you’ll have the chance to catch cod, haddock, pollock, redfish, or even halibut, all with expert support from local guides.

Kayaking and boat trips are another highlight among the best things to do in Alta. In Norway, solo paddlers and anyone renting a kayak typically need a “wet card” (våttkort), which just means you’ve done a basic safety course.

But if you’re joining a guided kayaking or canoe tour in Alta, you don’t need to worry about this at all. The outfitter handles everything, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy. 

Guided trips run from June through September and cover everything from peaceful forested stretches and farmland to the dramatic Alta Canyon. Keep an eye out for sea eagles and salmon along the way. 

Where to go: If you prefer calm water, kayak tours at Kvenvikmoen west of Alta are perfect for a peaceful day out.

13. Live Arctic Farm Life at an Authentic Homestead

Season: Summer

For a genuine taste of local culture, spending time on a working Arctic farm is one of the most rewarding things to do in Alta, Norway. At these traditional homesteads, you’ll see how families tend to their animals, cultivate hardy crops, and maintain a way of life that has persisted for generations in the far north. 

Many farms welcome guests to interact with friendly livestock, learn about local customs, and try hands-on activities like animal feeding or simple farm chores.

In summer, the peaceful Mathisdalen Valley bursts into green, with endless daylight setting the scene for a scenic sleigh ride to a family-run farm in Alta. You’ll travel through rural landscapes, stop for coffee and pastries, and get a glimpse of daily life in northern Norway.

These experiences usually include warm clothing and round-trip transport from Alta, so all you need to do is show up and enjoy the ride.

12. Explore Altafjord by Boat and Spot Arctic Wildlife

Season: Summer (wildlife and sightseeing cruises), Winter (whale watching safaris)

Exploring Altafjord by boat is one of the most memorable things to do in Alta. The fjord delivers a front-row seat to Arctic wildlife, rugged coastlines, and a mix of nature and history you won’t get on land.

11. Step Back in Time at the Tirpitz Museum

Season: Summer (June 15 to August 31)

Photo by Ole Villund – Original photograph, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

A visit to the Tirpitz Museum in Kafjord easily earns its spot among the best things to do in Alta, especially if you’re interested in World War II history and the Arctic’s remarkable past.

Just 12 miles (20 km) from Alta, this unique museum is the life’s work of Even Blomkvist, a local who has spent years collecting nearly 3,000 photographs, old uniforms, ship items, and personal stories connected to the famous battleship Tirpitz.

The museum’s displays bring you right into the center of wartime Altafjord, which was once a large German navy base. Here, the huge Tirpitz (then the world’s largest battleship) hid from enemy attacks for almost two years, surrounded by ships like Scharnhorst and Lutzow. 

With striking photos and real objects, you’ll get a feel for the pressure, strength, and everyday life that shaped both the soldiers and the people living nearby.

10. Admire Alta’s Iconic Northern Lights Cathedral

Season: Year-round

Few attractions in Alta are as unique as the Northern Lights Cathedral, designed to mirror the movement and glow of the aurora borealis. For anyone looking for things to do in Alta, the cathedral also offers a central starting point for exploring the city.

Opened in 2013 and designed by Kolbjorn Jensen, the cathedral stands in the center of Alta as a modern symbol of the “City of the Northern Lights.” Inside, you’ll find a gold-plated bronze Christ figure and bright, contemporary spaces decorated by artist Peter Brandes. The cathedral also hosts concerts, art exhibits, and local events all year.

Its unique design makes it a must-see for anyone searching for what to see in Alta. The Alta’s Most Iconic Sights Day Tour includes a visit to the cathedral. Meanwhile, the Small-Group Northern Lights Tour from Alta passes by, giving you the chance to photograph this striking landmark as you search for the aurora.

9. Trek the Vast Finnmarksvidda Plateau on Foot 

Season: Summer (August–September)

If you’re wondering what to do in Alta beyond the usual sights, hiking the Finnmarksvidda Plateau is one of the most unforgettable outdoor experiences you can have in northern Norway. 

This endless expanse of Arctic wilderness is best explored on multi-day routes like the Old Postal Route, stretching 53 to 55 miles (85 to 88 km) from Alta to Karasjok. 

Treks typically set out from Ovre Stilla, at the top of the Tverrelvdalen Valley, opening straight onto open tundra, birch forests, and peaceful moorland. Nights are spent in a mix of tents and simple mountain lodges, some with saunas to ease tired muscles after a day on the trail.

August and September are the best months to hike, with fewer mosquitoes, colorful autumn scenery, and a good chance to see the northern lights at night. This makes hiking here one of the most memorable things to do in Alta, Norway.

But for a winter option, you can join a snowshoeing adventure to a frozen waterfall near Alta.

8. Rev Up a Snowmobile and Conquer Finnmarksvidda 

Season: Winter

A snowmobile safari on the Finnmarksvidda Plateau is among the most exciting things to do in Alta during winter. This high-adrenaline adventure lets you experience the Arctic wilderness up close as you cross snow-covered tundra and remote mountain landscapes that are otherwise impossible to reach. 

You can drive your own snowmobile (with a valid license) or ride as a passenger on the back, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Most tours allow you to switch drivers and passengers along the way, so both can take in the scenery and share the excitement.

Snowmobiling tours in Alta usually run from December to April and include round-trip transport from Alta, all safety equipment, and a short introduction to snowmobile operation. Both drivers (with a valid license) and passengers are welcome, and routes are led by knowledgeable guides who share local insights along the way.

7. Stay Overnight in Alta’s Enchanting Igloo Hotel 

Season: Winter

Photo by Helt – Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons.

Staying at the Igloo Hotel or even just visiting is among the most unforgettable things to do in Alta, especially for those curious about Arctic traditions and design.

Rebuilt from ice and snow each winter, the Igloo Hotel stands out for its creative design and seasonal atmosphere. With rooms, sculptures, an ice bar, a small chapel, and a sauna for overnight guests, the experience is never quite the same two years in a row. 

Day visitors are welcome to tour the hotel from 12:00 to 20:00, while overnight guests stay in thermal sleeping bags and have access to heated facilities for comfort.

Temperatures inside remain below freezing, so warm, layered clothing is essential. The adventure is best suited to those comfortable with winter conditions.

You can also combine your visit to the Igloo Hotel with outdoor activities, like a snowshoe hike to Gargia Foss, a frozen waterfall in the Alta Valley. This is a good way to see more of northern Norway’s winter landscape if you want to experience both unique architecture and Arctic nature in one trip.

6. Speed Down Snowy Slopes on an Alta Sledding Tour 

Season: Winter

Sledding in Alta is a true winter experience, offering two distinct ways to explore the landscape: the fast-paced excitement of husky dog sledding and the quiet, scenic pace of a horse-drawn sleigh. 

Dog sledding tours in Alta are all about speed and teamwork. On a ride with Alta's Alaskan Huskies, you’ll race across the snowy landscape behind a team of energetic dogs, then unwind in a traditional Lavvo tent with hot drinks and stories from your guides. 

Meanwhile, a horse sledding tour in Altatakes you through forested valleys and open fields. The experience lets you take in the silence and beauty of Arctic winter, sometimes with the northern lights overhead.

Both activities are only available through organized tours, as local operators provide the sleds, safety equipment, and know the best routes. Most tours include transfers from downtown Alta, and booking in advance is strongly advised, since availability is limited during peak season. 

5. Marvel at the Majestic Arctic Views of Alta Canyon

Season: Summer

If you’re looking for what to do in Alta that takes you out into true Arctic wilderness, exploring Alta Canyon is a must. Located just south of the city, this immense canyon plunges over 1,300 feet (400 meters) and stretches for more than 6 miles (10 km), making it Northern Europe’s largest canyon and a dramatic highlight for any summer visit.

In summer, you can experience Alta Canyon by hiking the marked trail from Gargia Fjellstue, an 8-mile (13 km) round-trip with mostly gentle terrain and a steep final descent to the viewpoint.

E-biking from Stilla is another option, though access can vary during reindeer herding season. For a different angle, join a guided riverboat or canoe trip from Sorrisniva. Access to the dam and the protected southern end is only possible on a guided tour.

Alta Canyon appears on every tourist map of Alta, Norway, for a reason. If you want to experience dramatic landscapes far from city crowds, this canyon is one of the top Alta Norway attractions and a solid answer for what to do in Alta when you’re craving wide-open, wild spaces.

4. Dive Into Sami Culture and Time-Honored Traditions 

Best Time To Go: Winter

When you’re mapping out the essential things to do in Alta, getting close to Sami culture is an experience that simply can’t be missed. The indigenous Sami people have shaped Arctic Norway for centuries, and Alta is one of the best places to connect with their traditions all year round.

Through a Sami culture and reindeer experience in Alta, you can meet local herders, join reindeer sled rides (some at night for a shot at the northern lights), and try your hand at classic skills like lasso throwing or reindeer feeding. 

Many visits take place inside a lavvu (a traditional tent) where guides share Sami stories, customs, and even joik, the distinctive Sami song. If you want a true taste of Arctic life, there are opportunities to enjoy a meal featuring reindeer or salmon, homemade cakes, and coffee by the fire.

Some experiences go further, letting you join herders for the day or even stay overnight in a lavvu for a true insider’s view. No matter which you choose, expect hands-on activities, stories that add depth to Alta's top things to do, and a real sense of connection to the land and its people. (If you’re hungry for more options, check out the Alta Sami Culture, Lavvu, and Reindeer Experience as well.)

3. Discover Ancient UNESCO Rock Art at Alta Museum 

Season: Year-round

No other place in the region brings you closer to ancient Arctic life than the Alta Museum and its UNESCO-listed Rock Art. Exploring these prehistoric carvings is one of the most powerful things to do in Alta, Norway. An experience that puts you in direct contact with Stone Age stories, animals, and rituals that have survived more than 7,000 years of polar weather. 

Set along the Altafjord in Hjemmeluft, the museum features over 6,000 petroglyphs (rock carvings) and pictographs (rock paintings), with outdoor walkways open from late May to October. 

Indoors, you’ll find exhibitions on prehistoric culture and Sami and Kven heritage. The Sami and Kven are two of the region’s Indigenous peoples. There are also displays about the northern lights and the history of fishing and trade. You can relax at the panoramic cafe with wide views or browse the museum shop for local gifts.

Alta Museum is widely regarded as one of the top cultural attractions in northern Norway. It’s a must-see for anyone wondering what to do in Alta, especially those drawn to history, archaeology, or the depth of human creativity in the north.

2. Soak Up Endless Daylight During Alta’s Midnight Sun 

Season: Summer

How often do you get to experience a place where the sun never sets? From mid-May to late July, Alta turns into a world of endless daylight, thanks to the midnight sun. It’s one of those things to do in Alta that feels almost unreal.

Locals absolutely make the most of these weeks. You’ll see people climbing to the Komsatoppen Viewpoint for that perfect midnight view, out kayaking or cycling long after dinner, or gathering for summer festivals that stretch late into the "night." 

If you’re looking for what to do in Alta during the midnight sun, just step outside. The simplest activities, such as walking by the Altafjord, spotting wildlife, or even just hanging out with friends, take on a magical feel during this time.

If you want to experience more, you can join tours designed around the midnight sun. You can take a guided hike to catch panoramic views, paddle a kayak on the fjord late at night, or join a boat trip under the bright sky.

1. Chase the Northern Lights Across Alta’s Arctic Skies

Season: Winter (Peak viewing time from 21:00 to 2:00)

Nothing compares to the thrill of spotting the northern lights in Alta. For many, it’s the ultimate Arctic experience. If you’re hoping to see the aurora, you’re in the right place. 

Alta is known as the City of the Northern Lights and is one of the most reliable spots in Europe, thanks to its clear skies, minimal light pollution, and long tradition of northern lights research. With a little patience, you’ll watch bands of color dance above snowy hills and quiet forests, making every moment outdoors worthwhile.

Map of the Top Things To Do in Alta, Norway

Alta goes through all four seasons, but the extremes of summer and winter shape life here in ways that aren’t typical elsewhere. For much of the year, snow sets the pace, while summer flips the script with endless daylight and a sudden burst of activity.

Knowing the best time to visit Norway makes all the difference if you want to experience Alta at its brightest or when winter is at its most dramatic.

From chasing the northern lights and sleeping in an ice hotel to kayaking wild rivers and hiking across the Finnmarksvidda, Alta’s top activities are tied closely to the seasons. All of them are plotted on a detailed map to show exactly where the action is.

Explore this interactive map of Alta’s top things to do to start building your own Arctic itinerary, and keep reading for full details on each experience later in the blog.

Top Things To Do in Alta Year-Round

Alta keeps its energy up all year, with a mix of culture, nature, and history always on offer. If you’re looking for things to do in Alta, no matter the season, you’ll find plenty of reasons to stay busy and curious.

Top Things To Do in Alta in Summer

Summer in Alta is a season where the sun barely sets and the landscape feels wide awake around the clock. From mid-June to early September, you get cool days, endless light, and a sense of freedom you won’t find elsewhere. 

The midnight sun lets you pack your days with outdoor adventures or simply enjoy quiet moments in nature, with no rush and no darkness, just pure Arctic summer energy. Everything here feels a bit more possible.

Top Things To Do in Alta in Winter

Winter in Alta brings long, dark nights and months of snow. Snow can start as early as October and usually lasts until April, covering the landscape in white and setting the rhythm for Arctic life. 

From late November to mid-January, the sun stays below the horizon, and the northern lights often steal the show, painting the sky in green and violet. Days are spent outdoors with activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, or visiting the famous ice hotel. Meanwhile, evenings are for watching the aurora or enjoying local traditions. 

In Alta, winter is about quiet wonder and bold adventure, all under a sky that’s constantly in motion.

Free Things to Do in Alta

Alta’s most famous free experiences, such as hiking Komsatoppen, wandering the Finnmarksvidda, watching the midnight sun, and spotting the northern lights, deserve their top spots on any list of things to do in Alta, Norway. 

But if you’re looking to go beyond the obvious, Alta has plenty of underrated corners and local secrets that don’t cost a thing. Here are a few more free things to do in Alta, off the beaten path:

• Hike to Halddetoppen Observatory: Take on the scenic trail up to Halddetoppen, the site of the world’s first northern lights observatory. The climb is a local favorite for sweeping views over Altafjord and a brush with polar science history. No entry fee, just a good pair of boots required.
• Explore the Bossekop district: This historic neighborhood on the west side of town feels like stepping into Alta’s past. Wander the old village streets, see the wooden Alta Church (built in 1858), and check out local memorials for a free lesson in local culture.
• Relax at Orvvosfossen Waterfall: Follow a quiet forest trail near Tverrelvdalen to reach Orvvosfossen, a small but peaceful waterfall about 6 miles (10 km) southeast of Alta. This hidden spot is perfect for a reflective walk or a picnic, especially during the fall.
• Drop by the Alta Public Library: Located in the city center at Markedsgata 3, the Alta Public Library is more than just a place for books. With free art exhibits, live music, and public talks, it’s an easy way to experience Alta’s creative side. The library also offers cozy reading corners and a cafe area.
• Scenic drive or bike along Altafjord: While you’ll need a car or a bike, there’s no fee to take in the wild coastline. Follow the route between Talvik and Langfjorden, and stop at beaches, birdwatching spots, or viewpoints for classic Arctic scenery. No crowds, no ticket required.

Tip: Stop by the Alta Tourist Information Center at Labyrinten 3, 9510 Alta, located in the city center next to the bus station. The friendly staff offers free maps, current festival and event listings, recommendations for budget-friendly activities, and can help arrange competitively priced tours. You’ll also find local souvenirs and free Wi‑Fi.

How To Plan Your Alta Trip

Planning a trip to Alta, Norway, is easier than you might think. For an overview of local highlights, practical tips, and seasonal advice, start with the comprehensive Alta travel guide.