Experience a typical Norwegian winter in the enchanting area of Alta. Alta (known as the city of the Aurora) is Northern Norway’s largest town, located in the inner reaches of the Altafjord. The city is surrounded by
arctic tundra, mountain plateaus and costal landscapes which create a magical winter paradise.
Arrival at Alta Airport, where you will be picked up and transferred to your accommodation for the next few nights – check in at the Scandic Hotel Alta or similar; Spend the rest of the day at your own leisure. Explore the small city of Alta or visit the famous Cathedral of the Northern Lights. If you feel a bit more adventurous, we recommend a hike up to Mount Kumso where you can enjoy a stunning 360° view over the city and its fjords.
Scandic Hotel Alta or similar (4 nights)
Enjoy a Scandinavian breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards you have the opportunity to join a true Norwegian adventure: dog sledding! Excited Alaskan huskies are waiting for you in the kennel. Harness your dogs and become a real musher. After a professional introduction on how to drive a dogsled you will head out into the white valleys and forests of Alta’s surroundings. With a bit of luck you may be able to even see a few moose on the way. End this adventure with a bonfire, hot drinks and exciting stories about sled dog races all around the world.
In the evening at 19:00h you will start your next adventure and go hunting for the Northern Lights. The so called blue season provides ideal conditions for a colourful light-up night sky. Local, experienced guides will find the best place to observe the Aurora, providing you with a short scientific introduction to the phenomenon and folkloristic storytelling. After finding the ideal location, the guide will assist you with adjusting your camera and will hand out hot beverages and homemade cake. Afterwards return to Alta city and overnight at the hotel.
Enjoy a Scandinavian breakfast at the hotel.
A local guide will pick you up and drive you to the base camp where you get equipped and ready to go. Put on your snowshoes and walk through the wintery pine forests and arctic landscape surrounded by steep mountains, ending up at a frozen lake. You will drill your own whole through the ice and try to catch your own Arctic char for lunch. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before heading to a traditional Lavvu tent where your lunch is grilled over an open fire. A husky will accompany the group and help transport the gear. You will be back around 14.30 – after an unforgettable Nordic experience. Warm clothing and meals are included during the excursion.
In the afternoon you will be transported to your next accommodation – the Igloo Hotel. Made of pure ice and snow, the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is surrounded by pure arctic nature. Enjoy the calm and peace or a hot sauna before you enter your icy room for the next night. The inside temperature ranges around -4 to -7 degrees but don’t worry – thanks to natural reindeer-hides and thermal sleeping bags you will have a comfortable night enjoying your inner serenity. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the night sky, maybe you will have another chance to see the Aurora dancing.
Today we will add some adrenalin to your schedule! By Snowmobile you will drive far into the highlands. See endless plains covered in snow, bright white valleys and majestic mountains. Lunch will be served outdoors before you head back to the city. Check back in at the Scandic Hotel to warm yourself up!
After breakfast and check out at the hotel, we recommend heading to the Alta Museum where you can experience Northern Europe’s largest and richest rock carving sites. Take a walk along the pathways arranged around the UNESCO’s world heritage rock cravings which show the life of fisherman and hunters up to 6200 year ago. The museum is located on top of the Fjord, overlooking the deep dark waters and costs. Museum is open from 10:00 to 15:00. You will be transported from the Hotel back to the airport according to your flight schedule.
Inclusion
4nights hotel accommodation with shower/WC
4 Scandinavian breakfasts
Meals as mentioned in the program
Excursions and tours as included in the itinerary
Return airport transfers
Exclusion
International airfares
Optional activities
Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Voluntary tips for guides or drivers
Travel and medical insurance
Any items not mentioned as included
Note
The Alta area offers a variety of activities, should you wish to fill any of your free time/days with suggestions – Thinking about upgrading? – prices on request
Aurora Canvas Domes: transparent roof and big windows offer the perfect view on the surrounding nature and night sky
Cross Country Skiing: a half day adventure introducing the basics of Norway’s national sport
Fatbike Tour: race through the frozen and snowcovered winter landscape along Alta’s many excellent trails for fatbiking
Entrance to the Alta Museum
Reindeer Sledding and Sami Culture: experience the lifestyle and history of Norway’s indigenous people