NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ALTA NORWAY: WHEN, WHERE & HOW TO SEE THEM!

WANT TO SEE THE ALTA NORWAY NORTHERN LIGHTS THIS WINTER?

Check out our blog post below to discover all the ways to maximise your chances of seeing the Alta Norway northern lights this Winter!

Includes: Time and place to see Northern Lights in Alta, best tours and activities, where to stay in Alta, Alta packing list and much more!

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No problem! Check out our quick key takeaways:

Best time to see Northern Lights in Alta Norway:
⭐ End of September up to late March, sometimes early April.

Best guided Northern Lights tours in Alta Norway:
⭐ Northern Lights Tour with Alta Adventure (Small Group)
⭐ Northern Lights Adventure By Snowmobile
⭐ Evening Tour and Aurora Borealis Sightseeing in Norway by ATV

Best places to stay in Alta Norway to see Northern Lights
⭐ Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness (Deluxe Hotel)
⭐ Flatmoen Natur Lodges (Deluxe Lodge)
⭐ GLØD Aurora Canvas Domes (Canvas Dome)

ALTA NORWAY NORTHERN LIGHTS:
AN INTRODUCTION

Lovingly known as the “City of Northern Lights”, the small but mighty town of Alta (located far north of Norway) is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis!

In fact, it has been known for the Northern Lights to be visible in Alta Norway for 200 days out of the year! This is due to its long, dark Winters and relatively short daylight hours even during the Summer months.

Plus – with the Solar Cycle set to burst with the strongest activity of Northern Lights displays for 11 years these next few Winters, there has never been a better time to go out and see the Aurora Borealis in Alta!

Join us below as we explain everything you need to know about seeing the Northern Lights in Alta Norway this Winter:

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ALTA?

While there is always the chance to spot strong Northern Light flurries above Alta town itself, there are a few key spots in the area that are notorious for fantastic Aurora success rates.

These include the nearby Alta fjordlands out on the coast or the Finnmarksvidda Plateau set inland.

Both of these remote and raw locations have one thing in common – no light pollution – which makes for the perfect recipe for Northern Light spotting.

When you join a guided Alta Norway Northern Lights tour, your guide will absolutely take you to at least one of these locations (or similar) to guarantee your best chances!

A photo showing the incredible Aurora Borealis you can spot with the relentless and top quality Rovaniemi Northern Lights tour with Nordic Odyssey! This is a real and honest glowing review for when we personally took this tour when visiting Rovaniemi!

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ALTA?

The best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Alta Norway is during its Winter months, ideally between end of September into late March.

However the Northern Lights in Alta have been known to be visible even into early April, though sightings are much fewer as the daylight hours begin to reappear for Spring.

While September to March is the key season for seeing Northern Lights in Alta, the viewing success rate depends on the unique conditions of each evening. The ideal conditions are a cold, clear and cloudless night with strong forecasted solar activity.

We think you’ll also love → Best glass igloo stays in Alta Norway

ALTA NORWAY NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS

The best way to head to the best Aurora spots safely into the north Norway wilderness surrounding Alta is by joining a reputable guided Northern Lights tour.

Through extensive research, we have found four of the best Alta Norway Northern Lights tours to suit all travel preferences and budgets.

From the classic Northern Lights safari to racing under the Aurora in a snowmobile or ATV, each tour listed below is 5* rated and highly recommended by previous guests:

1. Northern Lights Tour with Alta Adventure (Small Group)

Tour operator: Alta Adventure.

Top highlights: Rated with “Badge of Excellence” on Viator! Head out to the ocean vistas and rugged mountains of the Alta Fjords with your knowledgeable guide to search for Northern lights. You have great chances to spot them, with this tour boasting an over 90% Aurora viewing success rate! Hot tea, coffee and snacks included.

Departure point: Hassle-free Alta hotel pick up and drop off included.

Duration: 4 hours.

Price: From £139 per person.

Tour type: Small group, up to 15 people maximum.

Click to book this ‘Northern Lights Tour with Alta Adventure’! 🌌

2. Northern Lights Adventure By Snowmobile

Tour operator: Æventyr

Top highlights: Set off on your two person snowmobile, following your knowledgable guide into the idyllic Arctic wilderness of Finnmarksvidda to Beskardes mountain range – one of the best locations to see the Northern Lights dance above you! Warm thermal suits, shoe, gloves and hot drinks and snacks are included.

Departure point: Hassle-free Alta hotel pick up and drop off included.

Duration: 4 hours.

Price: From £207 per person.

Tour type: Small group, up to 17 people maximum.

Click to book this ‘Northern Lights Adventure By Snowmobile’ tour! 🌌🛷

3. Evening Tour and Aurora Borealis Sightseeing in Norway by ATV

Tour operator: Finnmark Adventure AS.

Top highlights: After suiting up in warm thermals and a safety and use briefing, head out on your ATV for a thrilling ride along the coastline searching for the dazzling Northern Lights. While the tour is 5 hours approx., they tour has been known to continue longer if the Auroras are particularly good!

Departure point: Hassle-free Alta hotel pick up and drop off included.

Duration: 5 hours.

Price: From £158 per person.

Tour type: Small group, up to 14 people maximum.

Click to book this ‘Evening Tour and Aurora Borealis Sightseeing in Norway by ATV‘! 🌌🏍️

Top Tip: Another one of the best places to see the Northern Lights is in Kiruna, north Sweden!

WHERE TO STAY IN ALTA FOR NORTHERN LIGHTS

To fully maximise your chances of seeing the Northern lights every evening during your visit to Alta Norway, we highly recommend staying in an accommodation that has been designed for full visibility of the Aurora from inside.

Following extensive research, we found three brilliant options for you to consider, a range of very different types of accommodation to suit your personal travel preferences.

All of these top picks below are in a great location just outside of Alta town. They are super convenient and close by to get to, but also far enough away to avoid light pollution:

⭐ Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness (Deluxe Hotel)

⭐ Flatmoen Natur Lodges (Deluxe Lodge)

⭐ GLØD Aurora Canvas Domes (Canvas Dome)

See below for more super useful information and photographs on all three options to help you make your final decision!

Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge (Deluxe Hotel)

Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge is our top Hotel pick for where to stay to see the epic Alta Norway Northern lights! — **© All photograph copyrights reserved by Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge on Booking.com**

⭐ Rating:
9.6 / 10

📍 Location:
Alta, Northern Norway

🏡 View On: Booking.com

✅ Extremely highly rated 9.6/10 ‘Exceptional’.
✅ Remote location outside of Alta town, perfect for viewing the northern lights.
✅ Scenic view of the mountains.

Conveniently nestled just outside of Alta town, northern Norway, Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge has so much to offer.

This deluxe hotel boasts well-equipped, modern suites with jaw-dropping river views deep in the Nordic countryside. It’s idyllic rural location makes it the perfect setting to spot the dazzling Northern lights should they appear, with previous guests noting that a tour is not needed if so!

From mid December to mid April, Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge is also home to the World’s most northernmost igloo hotel – Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel – which also makes our top ice hotels in Norway list!

Take multiple trips to the ice hotel to make the most of being right next to this incredible spectacle, with its perfectly carved rooms, beds and ice bar completely made from ice!

Getting to Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge: The closest airport to Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge is Alta Airport, just a 19 minute drive away (17km).

You can either jump in a taxi outside of Alta Airport, drive straight to the hotel and use their free parking or, Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge provide airport transfers. Arrange all transfers with them prior to arrival.

Doing northern lights tour is not necessary. When the weather is good, you will see them right in front of your hotel.
MARIA, AUSTRIA, BOOKING.COM REVIEWS

Click to book your stay at Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge! 🍙🌌✨

Flatmoen Natur Lodges (Deluxe Lodge)

A photo kindly gifted to us to use from Flatmoen Natur, one of the best glass lodge recommendations on our Glass igloos in Norway blog post! It is also one of the best places to stay to see the Alta Norway northern lights! — **© All photograph copyrights reserved by Flatmoen Natur Lodges**

⭐ Rating:
9.4 / 10

📍 Location:
Alta, Northern Norway

🏡 View On: Booking.com

✅ Convenient location just outside of Alta town.
✅ Scenic view of the mountains.
✅ Watch the Northern lights in the private outdoor terrace and hot tub!

Conveniently nestled just outside of Alta town, northern Norway, Flatmoen Natur offers the most special stays in their collection of wooden cabins.

Each of their spacious ‘Double Room’ cabins are private, boasting stunning scenic views of the adjacent mountains. The cherry on top of the cake is each cabin has its own private outdoor terrace and hot tub, the perfect setting for watching the Northern lights overhead at nighttime!

For your convenience, each cabin also has heating, a comfortable bed, tea and coffee making facilities plus a private bathroom and shower. The bedroom area has full length glass windows and ceiling for optimal night sky and Aurora viewing.

The complex is also well known for its horse and sleigh rides, so be sure to take advantage of this during your visit!

Getting to Flatmoen Natur Lodge: The closest airport to Flatmoen Natur Lodge is Alta Airport, a super convenient 16 minute drive away (12km).

Johnny was amazing! He thought of every little thing to make us enjoy our stay. The cabin was beautiful, and we saw a spectacular Northern lights show. The sleigh ride was perfect….I love the Norweigen Fjord horse…Timion. We were able to get close and pet him. Everything about the stay was exceptional, hot tub, homemade breakfast, nature hikes…absolutely competes with the Grande Hotel, Oslo. Flatmoen Natur has better service by far! Can’t wait to come back!
ANNA, UNITED STATES, BOOKING.COM REVIEWS

Click to book your stay at Flatmoen Natur Lodge! 🍙🌌✨

GLØD Aurora Canvas Domes

A photo kindly gifted to us by GLOD Aurora Canvas Domes for our top igloos in Norway blog post. Pictured: Glass igloo in Norway blog post. It is also one of the best places to stay to see the Alta Norway northern lights! — **© All photograph copyrights reserved by GLØD Aurora Canvas Domes**

⭐ Rating:
9.6 / 10

📍 Location:
Alta, Far Northern Norway

🏡 View On: Booking.com

✅ Extremely highly rated 9.6/10 ‘Exceptional’.
✅ Delicious breakfast included in the price.
✅ Great chance to see Northern lights! (Winter months)

Rated a staggering 9.6/10 on Booking.com, GLØD Aurora Canvas Domes truly tick all of the boxes in previous guests eyes. GLØD is also located in far northern Norway, near the town of Alta.

The canvas domes, one of our top igloos in Norway picks, have everything you could need for a comfortable stay all year round, including, a large bed, air-conditioning / heating, electric ports, tea and coffee facilities and internal log burner.

The domes transparent ceiling and undisturbed woodland location also makes GLØD a fantastic place to see the Northern lights. The surrounding woodland is a great spot for activities such as walking, cycling and canoeing!

A stay here includes an exceptional buffet breakfast served every morning.

Getting to GLØD Aurora Canvas Domes: The closest airport to GLØD Aurora Canvas Domes is Alta Airport, a super convenient 15 minute drive away (11km).

“location is just perfect, it is small, private, and the owner and his employees are beyond pleasant people; very friendly, heartful people. amazing stay, wish we could stay longer.”
MASA, AUSTRIA, BOOKING.COM REVIEW

Click to book your stay at GLØD Aurora Canvas Domes! 🍙🌌✨

ADDITIONAL ALTA WINTER TOURS & ACTIVITIES

While spotting the Northern Lights is one of the main reasons to visit the far north of Norway to Alta, there are plenty of other things to do in Alta in Winter that will keep you fully entertained during the (lack of) daytime hours and throughout your stay.

Through thorough research, we have found a selection of highly recommended 5* tours plus free activities to also consider when visiting Alta Norway in the Winter months:

GUIDED TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN ALTA:

• 5 Hour Snowmobile Safari on the Arctic Tundra (Daytime)

• Horse-drawn Sleigh Ride With Tapas Meal – Experience Arctic Farm Life

• Fjord and Whale Safari Tour. Season: October to January.

• 4 hour Winter Adventure: Includes Snowshoe Trip and Visiting the Ice Hotel

• Book a tour to the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, the World’s most northernmost igloo hotel. Open from: Mid-December to mid-April. Sorrisniva offers transfer services from Alta Airport (45 minutes) or Alta City (30 minutes) to/from Sorrisniva.

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN ALTA TOWN WITHOUT A TOUR:

Visit the Alta Museum “World Heritage Rock Art Centre”. In Winter, the museum is open January 2nd to April 30th and October 1st to December 30th. Winter ticket prices start at NOK 95 per adult (approx. £7). 6 minute drive / 55 minute walk from Alta town centre.

Visit the ‘Cathedral of the Northern Lights‘ located in Alta town centre.

ALTA NORWAY WINTER CLIMATE

Despite being located so far north of Norway, Alta surprisingly experiences relatively pleasant Winter conditions and temperatures. Alongside very little rain, Alta’s coldest months of January and February only experience -8°C to -11°C on average.

ALTA NORWAY WINTER PACKING LIST

GREAT THINGS TO BRING & WEAR FOR SEEING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS OUTSIDE IN ALTA:

A GoPro / high quality camera to capture amazing Northern Lights footage of your own!
Powered battery pack (and cable) for your smart phone and GoPro.
Layers of socks, including a pair of thick thermal socks.
Layers of breathable cotton clothing, jumpers.
Accessories to keep you warm, especially things like thermal gloves, bobble hats and ear muffs! Pack a few pairs of gloves in case they get wet. Ideally your glove ‘top layer’ will be waterproof.
A thick Winter coat (ideally with a hood). A waterproof option is a bonus to stop your coat getting sodden if it were to rain.
Snood (neck warmer). If its windy, the cold chill on your face can take your breath away!

HOW TO GET TO ALTA NORWAY

GETTING TO ALTA NORWAY BY AIR

You can easily catch a short internal flight into Alta Airport (ALF) from two of Norway’s International airports: Oslo (OSL) and Tromsø (TOS).

Oslo (OSL) to Alta (ALF):
Flight duration: Approx. 2 hours direct.
Airlines: Norwegian, SAS and Wideroe.
Check SkyScanner for the best deals on your dates.

Tromsø (TOS) to Alta (ALF):
Flight duration: Approx. 40 minutes direct.
Airlines: Norwegian, SAS and Wideroe.
Check SkyScanner for the best deals on your dates.

ALTA NORWAY NORTHERN LIGHTS: “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S

CAN YOU SEE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ALTA NORWAY?

Yes, during the Winter months of October to March you can see the Northern lights in Alta Norway. In fact, Alta is known as the “city of Northern lights” due to the Aurora being such a common sight here.

IS ALTA NORWAY WORTH VISITING?

Yes, Alta Norway is absolutely worth visiting! Though it is less well known than Tromsø in northern Norway, this small town still packs a punch with its available activities. This includes Northern lights safaris, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, fat bike riding, sleigh rides, husky sledding, whale safaris and more!

WHAT IS ALTA KNOWN FOR?

Alta is best known for being the “city of Northern lights” due to its high level of Aurora Borealis activity. Likewise, Alta is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage rock carvings, some of which can be seen in the Alta Museum.

IS ALTA ABOVE THE ARCTIC CIRCLE?

Yes, Alta is located well above the Arctic Circle in far northern Norway.

IS ALTA IN NORWAY OR FINLAND?

Alta is a small town located in northern Norway, not Finland. It can become confusing as Alta is located in Finnmark, which is the name of the northernmost region in Norway (and Europe).

WHAT ANIMALS LIVE IN ALTA NORWAY?

The surrounding area of Alta is home to a multitude of incredible wildlife. This includes plenty of sea birds such as the sea eagle, puffins, gannets and razorbills to name a few.

Its arctic oceans are bursting with whales during the Winter between October to January, who flock to the fjords here to feed on the mass amount of herring. Don’t miss out on an epic whale watching safari if visiting during these months.

CONCLUSION: ALTA NORWAY NORTHERN LIGHTS

In conclusion, a visit to the enchanting and understated small town of Alta in far northern Norway is absolutely your best bet of seeing the Northern Lights this winter!

While not nearly half as well-known as alternative Norway Northern Lights locations such as Tromsø, Alta provides a quieter, more authentic Norwegian experience.

Head out on 5* guided Northern lights tours to reach the best Aurora hotspots, whether on a classic Northern lights safari or Northern Lights adventure by snowmobile!

Maximise your chances to see the Aurora every night even further by staying in Alta accommodations perfectly designed and located for viewing the Northern lights.

Our absolute favourite choices are: Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge (Deluxe Hotel), Flatmoen Natur Lodges (Deluxe Lodge) and GLØD Aurora Canvas Domes (Canvas Dome).

A photo of Jordie, the author of this specific blog post and owner of the wesbite.

This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!

Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com

A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.

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