Alta, Norway cruises
Cruises to Alta, Norway
Alta, Norway, is more than just a cruise port. It's a treasure trove of history, culture and breathtaking natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the UNESCO-protected rock art, depicting the lives of ancient civilisations, hike through dramatic canyons or chase the Northern Lights, a celestial spectacle that dances across the arctic sky.
Embrace the midnight sun in summer, offering endless daylight for exploration. In comparison, winter transforms Alta into a snowy wonderland, ideal for snowmobiling adventures or cosy evenings under the Aurora Borealis. Alta beckons you to discover its unique blend of history, adventure, and arctic wonder.
Top landmarks and sights in Alta
Alta Rock Carvings at Alta Museum
There are four designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Alta for rock carvings; Hjemmeluft, Kåfjord, Amtmannsnes and Storsteinen. Hjemmeluft is home to the World Heritage Rock Art Centre (part of the Alta Museum) and is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient history. The site features over 6,000 rock carvings and paintings, some dating back as far as 7,000 years. The carvings depict animals like reindeer, elk and salmon, as well as hunting scenes and rituals. The World Heritage Rock Art Centre provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the earliest inhabitants of the Alta Fjord.
Northern Lights Cathedral
This striking modern church is a true architectural marvel located in the heart of the town of Alta. Its design is inspired by the Northern Lights, with cascading white panels that evoke the movement of the Aurora Borealis. The cathedral is a beautiful place to worship or simply admire the architecture. You might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights yourself from here on a clear night.
Alta Canyon
As the largest canyon in Northern Europe, the Alta Canyon is a must-see. This dramatic canyon is carved by the Alta River and offers stunning scenery. There are several ways to experience this beautiful natural site, such as taking one of the many hiking trails in the area which provide beautiful views of the canyon and the surrounding mountains. You can also take a boat trip or kayaking tour on the Alta River, a great way to see the canyon from a different perspective.
Things to do in Alta
Visit Seiland National Park
Only a short ferry ride away from Alta, Seiland National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is home to dramatic fjords, towering mountains, and the two northernmost glaciers in Scandinavia. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, kayaking and wildlife watching in the park.
See the Northern Lights
Alta is a great place to see the Aurora Borealis, especially during the darker months (from late September to late April). There are several ways to see the Northern Lights, such as using one of the many companies that offer Northern Lights tours; they will take you to a spot with little light pollution to maximise your chances of seeing this natural phenomenon. Another is to go for an evening walk around the town, though your chances of seeing this natural light show may not be as good due to the light pollution.
Visit the Sámi Siida
Take a trip out of the main town centre (about a 10-minute drive) to the Sámi cultural centre where you can learn about the Sámi people and their history in an authentic experience. You’ll be greeted by your hosts dressed in traditional Sámi clothes before meeting their reindeer and learning about their way of life. You can also see traditional Sami handicrafts and taste Sami food.
Cunard shore excursions
Taking a shore excursion with Cunard is a great way of seeing more of Alta and the surrounding area. If you’re an animal lover, consider our Alta Husky Adventure shore experience for the opportunity to admire the breathtaking scenery on a dog sledge ride before relaxing with refreshments around a log fire in a traditional Lavvu. Or, for a unique experience, join our Igloo Hotel Visit and Snow Mobile Ride shore experience to enjoy an exhilarating ride through breathtaking scenery on a snowmobile before visiting the unique Igloo Hotel.
Eating and drinking in Alta
Alta, Norway offers a delightful culinary scene that blends fresh local ingredients with international flavours. The city's location on the Alta Fjord means seafood is a must-try. Sample local salmon, cod or king crab, often prepared simply to allow the natural flavours to shine. Reindeer meat, a staple Sami food, is a unique and flavourful option on many menus. It can be grilled, roasted or used in stews.
Cloudberries are a special treat in the Arctic summer, along with blueberries and raspberries. These berries are enjoyed fresh, in jams or incorporated into delicious desserts. While the growing season is short, Alta boasts fresh, high-quality vegetables like potatoes, carrots and beets.
Norwegians are serious about their coffee, and Alta offers numerous cafés where you can enjoy a quality cup. Local breweries offer craft beers for those who enjoy a sip of something unique. Akevitt, a traditional Norwegian spirit with a strong caraway flavour, is a must-try for the adventurous (enjoyed in moderation, of course!).
Getting around, Alta transport
Alta, Norway offers a variety of transportation options to get around the town and explore the surrounding areas.
Due to its relatively compact size with many of the central sights and attractions within close proximity of each other, walking is a great way to explore Alta. Spend time exploring this wonderful own at your own pace and soak up the atmosphere.
Alternatively, Snelandia operates the bus routes in Alta, including both city buses and regional buses. The city buses run regularly and connect most of the major neighbourhoods in Alta. You can find timetables and route maps online or at the bus station.
Taxis are readily available in Alta and can be a convenient way to get around, especially if you are travelling with a group or have luggage. However, taxis can be expensive, so keep this in mind when budgeting for your trip.
If you are planning on doing a lot of exploring outside of Alta, renting a car is a good option. This will give you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and stop at the sights that interest you. However, be aware that driving conditions in Norway can be challenging, especially in the winter months.
Alta port facilities
Your Cunard cruise will dock slightly outside of Alta (roughly 4km), and you’ll need to jump on a shuttle bus to reach the main town centre. Due to it being a commercial port, you will only find very limited services and facilities available so its best to head into the town centre for anything you need.
Alta quick tips
Currency
Alta, like all of Norway, uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK) as its currency. You won't find Euros accepted in any stores or restaurants. Norway is a rapidly growing cashless society. Many shops, restaurants and even public transportation services prefer card payments via either Visa or Mastercard. While you can still get by with cash, using a credit or debit card is generally the most convenient option.
Tipping is not customary or expected in Alta or most of Norway. Wages for service industry workers are typically higher, ensuring they earn a living wage without relying on tips. However, some restaurants may include a service charge of around 10%-15% automatically on your bill.
Weather
Due to Alta’s northerly location, it has a subarctic climate with cold winters and cool climates.
Winter in Alta, from December to February, is frigid. Average highs hover around -5°C with lows dipping down to a chilly -13°C. This is the time for snow enthusiasts, as Alta receives a significant amount of snowfall – an average of 1.7 meters annually. During this time, daylight hours are scarce, with some periods experiencing complete darkness known as polar nights.
In comparison, summer explodes into life from June to August, bringing the warmest weather of the year. Expect pleasant highs averaging 15°C and lows around 9°C, so pack for cool evenings. Rainfall is moderate during summer, with occasional showers to keep things fresh. A truly unique aspect of summer in Alta is the midnight sun where the sun barely dips below the horizon, resulting in nearly 24 hours of daylight every day between mid May and late July – perfect for extended adventures!