Tucked high above the Arctic Circle, Alta is a place where winter unfolds in shimmering layers of snow, silence, and wonder. Known as the “City of the Northern Lights,” Alta offers some of the most reliable aurora sightings anywhere in Scandinavia—and the perfect backdrop for an adventure that feels both exhilarating and deeply restorative.
With Aurora Nights, your journey to Alta becomes more than a holiday. It becomes a chance to slow down, connect with the natural world, and witness a spectacle that has inspired humanity for millennia.
Why Alta is the Perfect Aurora Destination
Alta’s location on the edge of Norway’s Finnmark Plateau gives it a unique combination of stable inland weather and vast dark skies, resulting in consistent aurora displays throughout the season. Here, the lights don’t just flicker—they flow across the heavens in vivid green, purple, and white arcs that linger long into the night.
But Alta isn’t only about the sky. It’s a place where culture and landscape are woven together: where ancient rock carvings meet modern design, and where you can spend the day exploring frozen tundra before returning to the warmth of an Arctic lodge. Find out more here.
Your Inspiring Arctic Experience
This four-night adventure blends active exploration with moments of pure stillness. Every experience has been carefully chosen to deepen your connection to the land, the culture, and each other.
You’ll journey into the wilderness by dogsled, learning the rhythm of the trail as your husky team pulls you across silent snowfields. You’ll venture out after dark on an aurora-hunting safari, travelling by minibus or snowmobile to reach the clearest skies. Local guides share not only their expertise but the legends and scientific insights that make the aurora all the more meaningful.
At the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, you’ll discover architecture crafted entirely from ice and snow—a cathedral to winter’s creativity and impermanence. You can sip cocktails in the Ice Bar or admire luminous sculptures, before retreating to the warmth of your lodge.
Whether you’re gliding over snowy valleys or standing in awe beneath a blazing sky, Alta offers a rare chance to feel both exhilarated and at peace.
Tips for Maximising Your Aurora Experience
While Alta’s skies are famously clear, here are a few ways to improve your chances of seeing the Northern Lights:
- Stay multiple nights: The longer you stay, the more likely you’ll encounter clear conditions.
- Be patient: The aurora can appear at any time between dusk and dawn—sometimes briefly, sometimes for hours.
- Follow the forecast: Our local guides track aurora activity and weather daily.
- Dress warmly: Thermal layers and proper Arctic gear make it easier to linger outside.
- Choose varied excursions: Combining snowmobile safaris, dogsledding, and minibus tours increases flexibility.
What Kind of Food Will You Enjoy?
Alta’s cuisine is a celebration of Norway’s Arctic larder: fresh cod and halibut from the Barents Sea, tender reindeer, and berries foraged from the tundra. Expect hearty stews, rustic breads, and comforting desserts, all crafted with respect for local traditions and a focus on sustainability.
Vegetarian and special dietary menus are thoughtfully prepared—every meal an opportunity to taste the spirit of the North.
Sustainability at Heart
Aurora Nights believes that travel should leave a positive legacy. In Alta, we partner with local guides and family-run lodges that share our commitment to conservation and cultural heritage. Your adventure directly supports the preservation of Norway’s fragile Arctic landscapes and the traditions of its communities.
Ready to experience the aurora in one of Europe’s most inspiring destinations?
Let Aurora Nights guide you to Alta—where clear skies, authentic culture, and unforgettable moments await.
