Find the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights

Plan your northern lights trip with expert travel advice, real-time aurora forecasts and destination guides. Whether you’re chasing the aurora borealis across Scandinavia, Iceland or the Canadian wilderness, we’ll help you find the best time and place to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

Canada

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Tórshavn

Finland

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

Lerwick

Svalbard

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

See also

Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora

Alta

Home / Norway / Alta

Alta. The name itself conjures images of snow-dusted landscapes, midnight skies ablaze with the ethereal green of the aurora borealis and the crisp, invigorating air of the Arctic. This charming town nestled in northern Norway is a haven for aurora hunters.

Alta is more than just a place to see the northern lights. It’s a gateway to the Sami culture, with its rich history and traditions. You can visit the Alta Museum and learn about the Sami way of life and even try your hand at snowshoeing or dog sledding.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Alta. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

18%

There is a 18% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Alta area (forecast for 11 April 2026 at 7:53pm UTC)

HPI 21 GW

The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.

Density 2.22 p/cm3

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimetre (p/cm3).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm3.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 576.8 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Light Levels

Moon

Waning crescent 42%

Sunrise 4:43am

Sunset 8:12pm

Weather Forecast for Alta

Clouds

3°C Feels like -1°C

High
5°C
Low
-1°C

  • Chance of precipitation 0%

  • Cloud cover 57%

  • Southerly winds 3 km/h gusts of 4 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Alta

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Alta.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Snowmobile or UTV Safari in centrum of Alta city. close to harbor

    5.0 (3)

    4 hours From £176.56

    On this trip all the guest will be seen and taken care of under the visiting. We take them with us on a trip in the forestry to see how we do the forestry. we show them the forestry machine we use and let the tray it. We drive around in the Forestry with snowmobile and Utv and the gest will get the opportunity to drive the snowmobile.We have fire pit to warm up the gest and grill some food on. Warm clothes the guest must have with them self. The guest will get an opportunity to test their skills to throw axe. And maybe we se the moose in the forestry.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Sleigh Ride w/ snacks - Experience Arctic Farm Life

    5.0 (63)

    2 hours 30 minutes From £144.45

    A perfect family exursion! Experience the nature and silence surrounded by snow-clad mountains in the valley of Mathisdalen and come join our family at Omdal farm. The sleigh is drawn by the horse breed known from the Disney movie "Frozen". The sheep you will meet, have the opportunity to be outside all year long, and in the summertime they lives side by side to the reindeer up in the mountains. You will also get a taste of the Sami way of life, when enjoying lokal snacks meal in a traditional Sami tent, called "lavvo". we only take small groups of up to 14 people.

  • Free cancellation

    Sleigh ride Under The Northern Lights

    5.0 (18)

    3 hours 30 minutes From £248.78

    Your best chance to see the northern lights in Alta is to be out under the night sky as often as you can. This tour takes you outdoors for a cozy “slow adventure” – a perfect way to spend an evening in good company on a leisurely local northern lights hunt. Your ride will take you through the forest and along the Alta River until you arrive at a wilderness shelter and take a break. A late, light dinner will be served around a fire, protected from the weather by the shelter’s half-wall. Along with conversation and local stories, if the conditions are right you might even have a chance to take a few pictures of the aurora in the sky!

  • Free cancellation

    Northern Lights tour with Alta Adventure

    4.5 (127)

    4 hours From £182.98

    We offer a tour for a small group to enjoy togetherness and excitement while hunting for Northern Lights in the beautiful landscapes of the Altafjord. We arrange organized guided tours since 2007 and have the knowledge about how to find the Northern Lights if the conditions are there. On our tours you normally will have 80-90 % chance of seeing this spectacular view. Each tour is different, as we focus on finding the optimal place with the greatest chance of seeing the lights. We therefore sometimes have to drive quite far to find them, while sometimes we find them in the surrounding area. Necessary driving distance decide whether we establish a camp with a fire, or whether we serve hot chocolate and snacks at one of our short stops. While enjoying the great outdoors, we will share with you local stories about Norwegian way of living, local history from the Stone Age, Sami culture, reindeer-herding, 2nd World War and the modern society in Alta. We are normally back just over midnight.

  • Free cancellation

    Small Group Northern Lights Hunt in Alta

    5.0 (3)

    4 hours From £176.47

    Venture into the Arctic night for a captivating Northern Lights hunt, where the mesmerizing aurora borealis illuminates the sky. This 4-hour small group tour begins with an insightful presentation on the science and lore behind the Northern Lights. Guided by local experts, you'll explore the best viewing spots based on real-time weather forecasts while enjoying warming beverages and snacks. Experience the thrill of chasing this natural wonder in one of the world's prime locations for aurora sightings, enriched by the stunning wilderness of Alta. - Duration: 4 hours of Northern Lights exploration - Small group for a personalized experience, suitable for ages 8+ - Includes professional guide, lectures, and local history insights - Complimentary snacks, tea/coffee, and rental of camera tripod provided

  • Free cancellation

    Northern Lights Minibus Chase Max 16 Person In Group

    4.2 (18)

    4 hours From £160.50

    Small group at Max 15 person in a trip at 4 hours. Clothing is not included. Bonfire with some hot drink and snacks.

Places to check out around Alta

Explore more nearby Alta

  • Blue wooden cabin surrounded by beautiful purple flowers, Kautokeino, Norway

    Credit: Andrea Maschio

    Kautokeino

    69°0'39"N, 23°2'29"E

    Aurora probability in Kautokeino: 18%

    Kautokeino, a remote town in Norway’s Finnmark region, is a cultural hub for the indigenous Sami people, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience traditional Sami culture, reindeer herding and the stunning Arctic wilderness.

  • Two reindeer on the roadside going into Hammerfest, Norway

    Credit: Secret Travel Guide

    Hammerfest

    70°39'48"N, 23°40'57"E

    Aurora probability in Hammerfest: 17%

    Hammerfest, one of the northernmost towns in the world, is a charming Arctic destination known for its rich history, vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty, making it a must-visit spot for travelers seeking unique experiences in Norway’s far north.

  • The rugged coastline at Nordkapp, Norway

    Credit: Sayo Oladeji

    Nordkapp

    71°10'15"N, 25°47'2"E

    Aurora probability in Nordkapp: 17%

    Nordkapp, or North Cape, is a dramatic cliffside destination in northern Norway that offers breathtaking views of the Arctic Ocean and the midnight sun, making it a must-visit spot for travelers seeking to experience the raw beauty of the far north.

Other places in Norway

Bodø•​Lofoten•​Tromsø

See also

Home•​Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora