Clear-sky aurora chasers who want maximum viewing nights and lower prices than Tromsø
About Alta
Alta is Norway's Aurora Capital — a title it wears proudly. Sitting at nearly 70°N in Finnmark, it experiences around 200 aurora nights per year and is statistically one of the clearest places in Arctic Norway. The town sits in a sheltered valley with consistently lower cloud cover than coastal alternatives, giving aurora chasers a significant advantage. The world-famous Northern Lights Cathedral is here, designed in an abstract wave form symbolising the aurora. Alta is also home to the UNESCO-listed rock carvings at Hjemmeluft, one of the most important prehistoric sites in Scandinavia. Activities include snowmobile expeditions, professional dog-sled tours, and dedicated aurora camps where guides take you out to remote locations. Budget-conscious travellers find Alta slightly cheaper than Tromsø while offering equivalent aurora quality.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | -10°C | Polar night | High |
| Feb★ Best | -9°C | 18h | High |
| Mar★ Best | -5°C | 12h | High |
| Apr | 0°C | 4h | Low |
| May | +6°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +13°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +16°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +14°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +8°C | 6h | Med |
| Oct★ Best | +1°C | 14h | High |
| Nov★ Best | -5°C | 20h | High |
| Dec★ Best | -8°C | Polar night | High |
Activities
Getting There
Flights via Oslo or Tromsø (1h from Tromsø). Alta Airport is well-served. Car rental recommended for flexibility.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Aurora Camp Alta
- ✓Northern Lights Lodges
- ✓Cabin Stays
Location
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $160/day in Alta. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
🏨Where to Stay(10)
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Heggelis
Vesterhaugveien 14A, 9514 Alta, Norway
bed and breakfast
Sorrisniva
Sorrisniva 20, 9518 Alta, Norway
hotel
ONGA Boutique Lodge
Mathisdalen 481, 9541 Alta, Norway
hotel
Fjord Hotel Alta
Bossekopveien 19, 9511 Alta, Norway
hotel
Thon Hotel Alta
Labyrinten 6, 9510 Alta, Norway
hotelAlta River Camping
Steinfossveien 5, 9518 Alta, Norway
rv parkCanyon Hotell
Markedsgata 6, 9510 Alta, Norway
hotelCamping Solvang
Transfarelvmoen 13, 9538 Alta, Norway
rv parkBårstua guesthouses AS
Kongleveien 2A, 9510 Alta, Norway
hotelScandic Alta
Løkkeveien 61, 9509 Alta, Norway
hotel🍽️Where to Eat(10)
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Flo & Fjære Bistro
Bossekopveien 19, 9513 Alta, Norway
restaurant
Friends Cafe Alta
Markedsgata 3, 9510 Alta, Norway
coffee shop
Raus Social
Markedsgata 10, 9510 Alta, Norway
restaurant
Norí Restaurant & Bar
Markedsgata 18, 9510 Alta, Norway
restaurant
Sorrisniva
Sorrisniva 20, 9518 Alta, Norway
hotelVanvittig Grill
Skoleveien 1, 9510 Alta, Norway
indian restaurantAurora Grill - Restaurant Alta
Jernveien 1, 9518 Alta, Norway
restaurantRestaurant Sami Siida Alta
Øytunveien 4, 9518 Alta, Norway
restaurantErica mat og vinbar
Markedsgata 21, 9510 Alta, Norway
restaurantWing Wah House
Markedsgata 4, 9510 Alta, Norway
chinese restaurant🎯Things to Do(10)
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Sami Experience in Alta
Havneveien 24, 9515 Alta, Norway
tour agency
Flatmoen nature
Killiveien 93, 9518 Alta, Norway
tourist attraction
Altaturer AS
Altaveien 252, 9515 Alta, Norway
tour agency
Alta Adventure
Komsaveien 2, 9513 Alta, Norway
travel agency
Æventyr
Markedsgata 6, 9510 Alta, Norway
point of interestHolmen Husky Lodge
Holmen 102, 9518 Alta, Norway
cafeteriaGLØD Explorer AS
Jordfallet 3, 9518 Alta, Norway
lodgingNorth Adventure AS
Labyrinten 3, 9510 Alta, Norway
tour agencySorrisniva
Sorrisniva 20, 9518 Alta, Norway
hotelAlta Tourist Information
Labyrinten 3, 9510 Alta, Norway
tourist information centerNearby Destinations
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