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Alta norway

Alta, Norway: A Guide to the Aurora Capital of the North

Have you ever had a dream of seeing the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights? Well, that dream can become a reality - and it's even easier than you might think. Alta, Norway is considered to be the "Aurora Capital of the North," and it's the perfect place to experience one of nature's most spectacular displays.

In this guide, we'll not only tell you why Alta is the best place to see the Northern Lights - but also what times to look for them and where is Alta town located. We'll also provide information about top activities in Alta Town in winter, as well as provide answers to frequently asked questions about Northern Lights and their viewing opportunities near Alta Town. So if you're ready for an adventure, let's get started!

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About Alta, Norway: Location and History

Alta is located in the far northern reaches of Norway, where the Arctic Ocean meets the Norwegian Sea. It’s home to just under 20,000 people and serves as an important center for seafaring, fishing and industry.

The area around Alta has a long and storied history. In addition to being home to centuries-old Sami culture and traditions, Alta itself was established as a city in 1799. In 1999, the city was officially declared the Aurora capital of Europe - though many refer to it as the Aurora capital of the world.

Today, Alta is a bustling town full of culture and commerce, where visitors come from all over to experience its rugged beauty and take part in its cold winter activities. It’s no wonder why Alta is considered by many to be one of the best places on Earth to view the Northern Lights.
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Why Alta Is One of the Best Places to See the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are one of the world's most breathtaking natural phenomena and Alta, Norway is one of the best places to witness them. That's because Alta is situated directly beneath some of the most intense displays of the lights in Europe and is considered to be the Aurora capital of the North. Located above the Arctic Circle and nestled at the entrance to stunning Alta Fjord, it remains one of Europe's best-kept secrets when it comes to viewing this amazing phenomenon.

Moreover, its proximity to a number of incredible vantage points means that no matter where you are in town - on its waterfront, on top of a hill or in a boat - you're bound to have an unforgettable experience. Plus, depending on the time of year you visit, you may also experience magical sunsets during winter when days become short and nights become long.

With all that said, here are a few places you should definitely check out for an out-of-this-world Northern Lights show.
Alta in Norway

Top 5 Places to See the Aurora Near Alta

Alta is known as the Aurora Capital of the North and boasts some of the best views of the Northern Lights in all of Norway. There are countless beautiful places to witness this captivating spectacle, but here are five of our favorites:

  1. The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel: This iconic hotel made entirely of snow and ice offers a one-of-a-kind experience to see the Northern Lights in all their glory.
  2. Kautokeino Laponia: This traditional Sami settlement is located near Alta and provides a unique cultural experience while you stare at the sky in awe.
  3. Alta River: The Alta River is a great spot to observe the lights due to its lack of light pollution, so it’s perfect for both amateur and professional photographers alike.
  4. Kåfjord Mountains: Just outside of Alta lies this stunning mountain range, providing breathtaking views for anyone looking for a perfect night to witness nature’s amazing spectacle.
  5. Lyngen Fjord: This fjord provides breathtaking views from its crystal clear waters, where you can sit back and watch as the lights dance across the sky above you.

When it comes to enjoying nature’s greatest show, there's nowhere better than Alta Town in Norway! Whether you're looking for an adventure or just seeking peace and quiet, these five fantastic spots are sure to provide memories that will last a lifetime!

Find out more about the top Northern Lights spots in Alta.

northern lights in alta norway

The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Alta

If you're planning a Northern Lights trip to Alta, you'll want to know when the best time of year is. The good news is that the Aurora Borealis can be seen any time between September and April - which gives you plenty of opportunities to plan a trip.

You can also see the Northern Lights at any time of the night when darkness falls. However, for your best chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis in all its glory, try and spot them between 9 pm and 2 am in Alta Town.

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Alta in Norway

FAQs About Seeing the Northern Lights in Alta

You may have a lot of questions about seeing the Northern Lights in Alta. First off, you're probably wondering when is the best time to see them. You're in luck - the Northern Lights are visible for at least part of the year in Alta Town, so there's a good chance you'll catch a glimpse if you go during the right months. The most active time for seeing the Aurora Borealis is from September to March, typically peaking between October and March.

When it comes to timing, the Northern Lights can be seen at night between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. If you want your best chance for seeing them, then it's recommended to go out around 10 p.m., when the air is colder and clearer - ideal conditions for Aurora spotting!

You may also be wondering how far away from Alta do you need to be to see them? Don't worry - Aurora Borealis can be seen up to 250 km away from Alta town, which means you don't need to venture too far away from town for a good spot!

Finally, what about weather conditions? Even though snow makes many winter activities more enjoyable, it can limit your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Alta since cloud cover blocks out the light from Aurora. The best advice is to plan your trip on clear nights only!
Alta norway

Things to Do in Alta During Winter Besides Chasing the Lights

Beyond chasing the lights, there is an abundance of other activities for you to enjoy and explore in Alta during winter. Here are some of the top activities you can do in and around the town:

Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a popular activity in Alta during winter, as it allows visitors to access and explore the pristine snow-covered wilderness with relative ease. There are many guided snowshoeing tours that take participants across frozen rivers, along quiet forests, and through gorgeous valleys. Not only will you get to experience some of Norway's unique landscape, but also get a chance to meet some friendly locals along the way!

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Alta norway
Fishing
Alta town is surrounded by many large rivers that house a wide variety of fishes. During winter, they freeze over completely and are easily accessible with equipment like skates or snowshoes. If fishing is something that interests you, then head over to any of these numerous fishing spots and try your luck! This is also a great activity for bonding with family or friends during your trip here.

Ice Climbing
For those more adventurous souls who want a thrill from their holiday travels, consider giving ice climbing a go. Alta offers plenty of opportunities for mountaineers of all levels to experience ice climbing on frozen waterfalls, glaciers, or icy cliffs scattered around the area. There are also certified guides available to make sure your climb goes smoothly and safely.

Reindeer Sledding
Experience traditional ways of life in Lapland with a reindeer sledding ride provided by professional guides at various locations near Alta town. This unique activity provides a unique opportunity for guests to gain an understanding of Sami culture while admiring stunning views of nature’s beauty in all its glory!
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Conclusion

All in all, Alta is a magical place and the Aurora Capital of the North. The Northern Lights, winter activities and culture of Alta offer a unique and enchanting experience to anyone looking for a vacation destination for those seeking an unforgettable escape. Whether you’re looking for a place to witness the Northern Lights, to become immersed in nature, or to discover the culture, history, and cuisine of the region, Alta is the place to go. Come visit Alta and explore the wonders that the Aurora Capital of the North has to offer!

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Learn all you need to know to see the Northern Lights. The full package online course. This course includes Basic, Intermediate and Advanced knowledge about the Northern Lights. Great for Beginners. Includes Certificate.
View product

Includes 1 Additional Product

  • €9.99

Aurora Myths & Legends (Ultimate Collection)

  • Course
  • 21 Lessons

Learn about the Top 19 Aurora Myths and Legends. But that's not all. Have you ever thought about how did it happen that people started to believe in these Myths and Legends? What had happened that night? 19 of Aurora Myths and Legends were turned into tales and are right here for you in this collection.
View product
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