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Northern Light Cathedral in Alta Norway
Northern Light Cathedral in Alta Norway

Aurora Views. Sami Culture.

Situated at the head of Alta Fjord along Norway’s northern coast, Alta is nestled among dramatic landscapes and boasts a rich culture and storied past. Enjoy a fishing or kayaking excursion to explore the region by water or embark on an exhilarating whale watching tour. Journey into mountainous terrain to explore fairytale-like landscapes, or truly feel a world away during an immersive Sami cultural experience. From savoring traditional Norwegian cuisine and visiting museums to venturing into the great outdoors, Alta offers memorable experiences for everyone to enjoy.

Exciting Shore Excursions

Immerse yourself in authentic experiences with our Shore Excursions, expertly guided by locals.

Snapshots of Alta

A visual preview of the amazing sites that await you.

Red houses facades reflecting on the bay of Alta, Norway Red houses facades reflecting on the bay of Alta, Norway.
Northern Lights Cathedral church in Alta in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway, Europe Northern Lights Cathedral
Nordic summer landscape Nordic summer landscape
The Alta canyon: view of River Alta and gorge. Alta, Finnmark, Norway. The Alta Canyon
Characteristic small norwegian town near a fiord. Near Alta, Norway. A characteristic small Norwegian town near a fiord.

Travel Tips & Interesting Info

Uncover Hidden Gems & Fun Facts

Beautiful view of northern Norway near Alta

Famous For

Alta is known for its surrounding natural beauty, abundance of outdoor activities and Sami culture.

Cooked Organic Alaskan King Crab Legs with Butter

Exquisite Flavors

Be sure to try reindeer stew and king crab, local delicacies freshly sourced from the surrounding Arctic wilderness.

The rock art in Alta was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the earliest carvings in the area date to around 4200 BC

Fun Facts

Rock Art of Alta — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — features thousands of paintings and engravings that date back to 4200 to 500 B.C. You can see some of this ancient artwork at the Alta Museum.


Port Name & Location

Alta, Norway

Language

Norwegian and Sami (language spoken by the country's indigenous people) "Ya" is yes and "nei" is no whilst "tusen takk" means thank you very much. For you're welcome, say "vær så god."

Time Zone

Central European Time Zone

Currency & Shopping

Norwegian Krone There are a variety of shops you can browse in the city for traditional Norwegian sweaters, local handmade crafts and more.

Featured Alta Itineraries

Learn More about Alta

Read more on our official travel blog.

Hardangerfjord in south western Norway in the summer. A red, Norwegian house situated on a small island in the fjord. In the distance the Folgefonna glacier. Photo was taken near the village of Omastranda.

The Best Months to Cruise Northern Europe

From the scenic fjords of Norway to the charming cities of the Baltic states, Northern Europe offers many experiences that make it an ideal destination for a cruise vacation with Norwegian. With such a diverse climate and varying seasons, choosing the best time to take a Northern European cruise can feel daunting. Read on to learn more about some of the best months to sail Northern Europe on a Norwegian cruise.

Tips on What to Pack for Your Cruise

Tips on What to Pack for Your Cruise

Packing for a cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line should feel easy because the days ahead will be. Think clothes that don’t rush you, shoes that don’t argue with you, and shorts that work well at noon and at sunset. Out here, it’s less about outfits and more about options. Things you can move in. Breathe in. Accidentally nap in. So before you overthink it (you know you will), here’s the simple truth: if it lets the day take you where it wants to go, pack it. If it doesn’t, leave it home (along with your agenda).

Observation Lounge couple strolling-Alaska.

Cruise Tips: What to Expect on Embarkation Day

If you're reading this article, then most likely your cruise vacation date with Norwegian is quickly sailing your way! Embarkation day is very exciting and involves a lot of moving parts as guests check in and board, luggage is delivered to staterooms, and you get settled in and explore the ship. One of the many great things about sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line is that they have worked hard to ensure that the embarkation process goes as smoothly as possible.

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