There are few better places to hunt the Northern Lights than Alta, a small city that lies right beneath the auroral oval in the far north of Norway, where the world’s first Northern Lights observatory was set up in 1899. Smaller, less visited and often with more settled weather conditions than Tromso, it’s an ideal destination to combine an off-the-beaten-track city break with an array of epic adventures in the Arctic wilderness. This action-packed trip provides the perfect introduction, featuring a Northern Lights tour, a guided snowshoe hike and a husky sledding experience. You’ll be staying in a modern city centre hotel close to plenty of superb restaurants and the striking, futuristic Northern Lights Cathedral – Alta’s standout architectural gem.
Northern lights city break in Alta
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At a glance…
Combine exhilarating outdoor adventures with an Arctic city break in Alta, one of the world’s best Northern Lights destinations.
» 4 day tailor-made break
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £950 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 » Depart for Alta
Your trip begins with a flight to either Oslo or Bergen, from which you’ll take an internal connecting flight to Alta in the far north of Norway, deep inside the Arctic Circle. On arrival, make your way to your city centre hotel, either by taxi or bus – it’s just a 10-minute journey. The remainder of the day is free for you to familiarise yourself with Alta, head out for something to eat, and potentially join a Northern Lights tour in the evening. The Northern Lights Cathedral, which opened in 2013, is the city’s most striking architectural feature, with its rippling titanium exterior somewhat reminiscent of the swirling shapes of the aurora. If the skies are clear, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to see the Northern Lights in Alta simply by stepping outside – so it’s always worth keeping an eye out.
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Day 2 » Snowshoe hike, ice fishing & Northern Lights hunt
After breakfast, you’ll venture out into the Arctic wilderness on a guided snowshoe hike, accompanied by a friendly husky, passing through peaceful pine forests surrounded by mountains en route to a ‘lavvu’ (Sami tent) beside a lake. Be sure to bring your camera, as there are plenty of wonderful views to capture along the way. Warm up next to a roaring fire and enjoy a delicious lunch, which, if you’re lucky, could feature freshly caught Arctic char from the lake. You’ll then return to Alta for an afternoon spent at leisure.
Later on, it’s time for a Northern Lights hunt. First, you’ll be served a warm soup and be kitted out with thermal clothing while receiving an introductory talk about the aurora. After the briefing, a mini bus will take you out to a spot with minimal light pollution. If it’s cloudy, fear not – your experienced guides will plan a route to try and find an area with better conditions, whether it be further inland or along the coast. Hot chocolate and snacks are served as you go. Your guides are equipped with professional camera gear, and will gladly take photos of you under the Northern Lights (should they appear), which you’ll receive for free after the tour.
Stay: Scandic Hotel Alta, Norway
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 3 » Husky sledding
There’s no better place to learn all about the art of ‘mushing’ than Alta, which is home to the world’s northernmost dog sledding race (Finnmarksløpet). Today, you’ll experience a taste of this Arctic lifestyle for yourself on an exhilarating husky sledding ride through the enchanting snowy landscapes outside of Alta. There will be a stop for snacks and stories by a fire in a lavvu tent and, of course, plenty of time to get to know the huskies. Usually, one person drives the sled while the other person sits, and there will be opportunities to switch roles along the way. Pick-up and drop-off at the Tourist Information Center in Alta is included as part of the tour.
There is also the alternative option of combining a husky sledding adventure with an exquisite, home-cooked gourmet Nordic meal at Trasti og Trine – a truly special and intimate experience that’ll undoubtedly be among the highlights of your trip. Or, if you’d prefer to go snowmobiling or visit a Sami reindeer farm, that can also be arranged.
Stay: Scandic Hotel Alta, Norway
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 4 » Return to UK
After breakfast, make your way back to the airport to catch your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
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To book call us on:
At a glance…
Combine exhilarating outdoor adventures with an Arctic city break in Alta, one of the world’s best Northern Lights destinations.
» 4 day tailor-made break
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £950 pp incl. flights
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