Solvang camping : Alta : Seek The Aurora

Alta

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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.

84%

There is a 84% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Alta area (forecast for 11 January 2026 at 8:29pm UTC)

Kp 5.00

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.

HPI 76 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.

Bz -3 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced aurora activity.

Bt 5 nT

Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.

Density 2.54 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 550.7 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.

Moon

Waning crescent 46%

Sunrise N/A

Sunset N/A

Moonrise 2:13am

Moonset 8:41am

Clear

-21°C Feels like -28°C

High: -11°C
Low: -21°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 0%
South-Easterly winds 4 km/h gusts of 5 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

Privat sled trip with husky in the alta valley

5.0 (70)

2 hours 30 minutes From £242.57

We are a small kennel who is passionate about huskies and we love to share this passion with travellers from all over the world. we normally take up to 4 people at the time so we can offer you a personal and unique experience. During the winter time, you might also experience the Northern Lights during the trip if you are lucky! Remember the photo camera dogs love to be photographed, the dogs are very happy when guests arrive so be ready to take pictures and very important warm lingerie to yourself and good mode
Free cancellation

Northern Lights tour with Alta Adventure

4.6 (102)

4 hours From £165.25

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

No reviews

4 hours From £166.69

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 Bus Tour

3.7 (3)

3 hours From £109.92

The Northern Lights Bus Dreaming of seeing the northern lights – without the shows, stress, or heavy price tag? Join The Northern Lights Bus, where we keep things real: no gimmicks, just warm seats, wild nature, and an authentic aurora chase. We head wherever the sky is clearest, guided by local drivers who are part weather nerds, part aurora whisperers. No fixed routes – we follow the night and our Arctic intuition. Along the way, you’ll hear old Sámi legends about dancing souls and fiery spirits that once gave the northern lights their mysterious power. The aurora has a mind of her own – some nights she lights up the whole sky, other nights she hides. But the journey through Arctic wilderness is always an adventure. This is for those who prefer real experiences: a warm bus, crisp air, big smiles, and nature doing the magic. Dress warmly, trust your eyes more than your camera – and join a northern lights chase without the filters. Note: Tour width 6 guests ore less is driven width car
Free cancellation

Snowmobile safari in the mountain plateau of Finnmarksvidda

5.0 (61)

5 hours From £212.25

Driving snowmobile is a great way to experience freedom and it is an activity that we really enjoy to offer. We arrange organized guided tours since 2007 and have the knowledge about the area and the best way to explore it. We will take you to breathtaking places with incredible and different views where we can stop and take some pictures. If we are lucky we can also meet a reindeer herd in their traditional migration over the mountain plateau.
Free cancellation Private tour

Sleigh Ride w/ snacks - Experience Arctic Farm Life

5.0 (51)

2 hours 30 minutes From £128.87

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. After the ride, you can warm up in our Sami tent, called a lavvo, where we serve coffee/tea/pastry/cured meats.

Places to check out around Alta

Discover Restaurants, Campgrounds, Mountains and more…

Alta Museum - World Heritage Rock Art Centre

Museum
Alta River Camping

Campground
Alta Strand Camping

Campground
Aranya

Thai Restaurant
Barila

Bar
Bjørnfjell Mountain

Mountain
Camp Alta

Campground
Du verden

Gastropub
Erica Mat Og Vinbar

Pizzeria
Hjemmelufttoppen

Mountain
Komsa

Mountain
Nordlyskatedralen Alta kirke (The Cathedral Of Northern Lights Alta Church)

Church
Peppes Pizza - Alta

Pizzeria
Seiland nasjonalpark

National Park
Skoddevarre

Mountain
Solvang camping

Campground
Uno Cafe

Café
Wing Wah House

Chinese Restaurant

Explore more nearby Alta

Credit: Andrea Maschio

Kautokeino

69°0'39"N, 23°2'29"E

Aurora probability in Kautokeino: 84%

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.
Credit: Secret Travel Guide

Hammerfest

70°39'48"N, 23°40'57"E

Aurora probability in Hammerfest: 81%

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.
Credit: Sayo Oladeji

Nordkapp

71°10'15"N, 25°47'2"E

Aurora probability in Nordkapp: 81%

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.