Northern Lights Tours in Alta, Norway — When, Where & How to See the Aurora
Why in swimsuits? Just enjoying the warm temperatures (5ºC!) in Alta!
Alta, Norway may not get the same attention as Tromsø, but locals quietly call it the City of the Northern Lights — and for good reason.
Every winter, Alta becomes one of the most reliable places on Earth to join a Northern Lights tour and actually see the aurora dance.
We’ve actually seen some of our best auroras there, and it’s the mix of quiet roads, wide skies, and cozy Arctic charm that makes it special… with less tourists, as we love it!
🗓️ When to see the northern lights in Alta
The aurora season in Alta runs from late September to early April, with the best viewing usually between December and February, when nights are longest and skies clearest.
On a calm night, you can often see the lights right from town or by the fjord — though it’s always better a little outside the glow of streetlights.
For photo settings, gear advice, and the best Northern Lights destinations across Scandinavia, check out our full 👉 Northern Lights Hub.
Find a northern lights tour
Why choose Alta for a northern lights tour
Standing in front the first northern lights observatory of the world, at the top of Mt Haldde, near Alta!
Alta sits right inside the auroral oval, meaning your odds of seeing the lights are extremely high between October and March.
Unlike Tromsø, Alta has slightly more stable weather — fewer mountains means fewer clouds.
It’s also more authentic and personal (less tourists, smaller groups), and that’s exactly why we love Alta.
Most Northern Lights tours in Alta start right in town or from your hotel lobby. The guides know the best local spots — sometimes a nearby fjord, sometimes deep into pine forests.
And when you return from your tour, you can warm up in a bar or restaurant next to the stunning Northern Lights Cathedral, the spiral-shaped landmark that lights up the town center.
Did you know?
Even if the skies stay cloudy, the Northern Lights Cathedral is worth a visit.
Its spiral design mirrors the shape of the aurora, and the aluminum surface shimmers under Arctic light. Inside, small exhibits explain how Alta became a hub for early Northern Lights research.
The best northern lights tours in Alta
You’ll find plenty of great options in town, from husky sledding to photography safaris.
These are the types of Alta Northern Lights tours visitors love most — you can book them easily online and cancel if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
1. Aurora Chasing Tour
A guide drives you away from city lights toward clear skies — often stopping by frozen lakes or mountain passes for the best photos.
We just looove mushing!
2. Husky & Northern Lights Combo
Spend the evening with huskies, ride through snow-covered trails, then watch the lights appear above the kennels. We can’t imagine an Arctic trip without a dogsledding (mushing) experience, whether it’s during the day or at night. It doesn’t get more magical than that. Just do it!
Some tours offer snowmobiles too, but we prefer mushing to enjoy the sounds and silence of the Arctic.
3. Northern Lights at Sorrisniva Alta
Sorrisniva offers its own aurora experiences — perfect if you’re staying at their Arctic Wilderness Lodge or Igloo Hotel (we included it in our list of the best hotels to watch the northern lights in Europe).
4. Private Photo Tour
Ideal if you want professional aurora shots or to learn camera tricks while you wait for the show.
All tours usually include pickup from Thon Hotel Alta, Scandic Alta, or Sorrisniva.
Best time to visit Alta for the northern lights
We saw this amazing aurora in October!
Season: late September – early April
Peak months: December to February
Best odds: cold, clear nights after 6 pm but they can appear any time (check the best time to see the northern lights).
January and February are a true winter wonderland, but early spring and autumn offer warmer temperatures so you can stay outside longer.
Penguin Trampoline tip:
We use Heymondo on every Arctic trip — it’s affordable, covers cancellations, and includes winter activities like snowmobiling and dogsledding.
Get 5–15 % off Heymondo travel insurance through our link.
Where to stay for northern lights tours in Alta
Thon Hotel Alta — comfortable, right beside the Northern Lights Cathedral
Scandic Alta — central base with easy tour pickups
Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge — riverside location and on-site aurora activities
All are within easy reach of the main tour operators, so you can walk to your pickup point or watch the aurora from the hotel doorstep. You can check our selection of the best hotels in Alta here.
Zoom in on the map below to find hotels with prices and availability in real time.
🐋 From November to January, the fjords around Alta come alive with migrating orcas and humpbacks chasing herring. Locals can sometimes spot them right from the harbor.
If you fall in love with these Arctic giants, you can actually follow one’s journey through our partner Fahlo — their Whale Bracelet supports marine research and lets you track a real whale’s migrations in the North Atlantic.
💙 Our readers get 20% off through this link: Track a real whale with Fahlo
Plan your winter trip to Alta
✈️ Find flights to Alta — connect via Oslo or Tromsø:
Omio Flights
🏨 Find hotels in Alta — from igloo rooms to fjord-view lodges:
Booking.com Alta Hotels
🧭 Book Alta tours — Northern Lights, reindeer, snowmobiles, and more:
GetYourGuide Alta Tours
🚗 Compare car rentals in Alta — for scenic drives and short day trips:
Rentalcars.com (exercize caution in winter)
🧤 Get Arctic gear - enjoy outdoor activities without freezing
Shop our Amazon Arctic gear list
🛡️ Heymondo Travel Insurance (5–15% off) — tested in the Arctic:
Get Heymondo
🐾 Fahlo Wildlife Bracelets (20% off) — track a real Arctic animal:
Shop Fahloto stay in Sval
✅ FAQ: Northern lights in Alta
How long do Northern Lights tours in Alta last?
Most tours run between 3 and 6 hours, depending on weather, driving distance, and cloud cover. Some operators stay out longer if conditions are promising.
Do Northern Lights tours include photos?
Many Alta guides take professional photos during the tour and share them afterward. Some also help guests set up their own cameras for better shots.
What should I wear on a Northern Lights tour in Alta?
Dress in warm layers: thermal base layers, wool or fleece mid-layers, a winter parka, warm boots, gloves, a hat, and hand warmers. Tours often include extra thermal suits.
Do Northern Lights tours get cancelled for bad weather?
It depends. Alta’s guides usually move to clearer areas rather than cancel, but if conditions are extremely poor, the tour may be postponed or refunded.
Can you see the Northern Lights without a tour in Alta?
Yes — Alta has low light pollution, and you can often see the aurora from the harbor or just outside town. Tours increase your chances by driving to clear skies.
Are small-group tours better for seeing the Northern Lights?
Small groups allow guides to move faster, adjust routes, and find clearer skies. They’re quieter, more flexible, and usually better for photography.
When is the best month to book a Northern Lights tour in Alta?
The most reliable months are November to March, when nights are longest and skies are consistently dark.
Are Northern Lights tours suitable for kids?
Yes — most operators welcome families, though late-night hours and freezing temperatures can be challenging for younger children.
Alta doesn’t shout about the Northern Lights — it just quietly delivers (and we can vouch for it!). With clear skies, small tours, and nights that still feel wild, it’s one of the most reliable aurora destinations in Norway.
Whether you join a guided chase, stay by the river at Sorrisniva, or catch the glow outside the Northern Lights Cathedral, Alta gives you a front-row seat to the Arctic sky.
If you’re planning a trip north this winter, start here — find your tour, pick a cozy hotel, and let the lights do the rest.
Planning a northern lights trip in northern Norway? Check out our guides:
✨ How to See the Northern Lights in Alta — Our full guide to clear skies, quiet nights, and reliable aurora.
🇳🇴 Alta Travel Guide— Ice hotels, rock carvings, and one of the best places on Earth to spot the aurora.
❄️ Alta in Winter — Snowy days, epic Northern Lights, and all the quiet Arctic magic without the crowds.
🌲 Outdoor Adventures in Alta, Norway — Fjords, plateaus, reindeer, and the kind of quiet that stays with you.
🏨 Alta Hotels — Where to stay under the northern lights in Norway’s quiet Arctic capital.
🦌 Alta vs. Tromsø — How to choose the perfect Norwegian Arctic getaway.
🌌 Northern Lights in Norway — Your guide to clear skies, fjords, and the best aurora spots.
🏨 Best Hotels in Tromsø for the Northern Lights — Cozy stays, Arctic views, and a front-row seat to the aurora.
✨ Northern Lights for Dummies — How to actually see the aurora (without freezing your butt off or waiting 12 nights in vain).
📅 Best Time to See the Northern Lights — Month-by-month, season-by-season, when the sky is most likely to dance.
📸 Northern Lights Photography Tips — Camera settings, tripods, and how not to end up with 200 blurry green smudges.
🧤 What to Wear for a Northern Lights Trip — Layer up or freeze up: the packing list you actually need at –30°C.
