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.
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Credit: stein egil liland
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Credit: Sergei Merzliakov
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Credit: Tobias Bjørkli
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Credit: Steffen Rieck
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Credit: Barnabas Davoti
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Credit: Stig-Ove Pettersen
How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?
0%
There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Alta area (forecast for 19 September 2025 at 9:33am UTC)
Kp 0.67
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.
Bz 1 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 auroral activity.
Density 0.58 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 centimeter (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 425.2 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.
Clouds
10°C Feels like 10°C
- High
- 10°C
- Low
- 8°C
- Precipitation: 16%
- Cloud cover: 52%
- Wind: 4 km/h
Moon
Waning crescent
- Sun rises at: 5:55am
- Sun sets at: 6:46pm
- Moon rises at: 12:51am
- Moon sets at: 7:11pm
Book an amazing adventure in Alta
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4hr Dog Sledding Tour under the Northern Lights
4.8 (13)
4 hours From £271.95
Experience the magic of dog sledding in the breathtaking landscapes of Alta, Norway. Join us for an unforgettable adventure where you'll receive personalized training and command your own team of huskies, a truly immersive experience. Glide through pine forests and onto the stunning Finnmarksvidda plateau, feeling the exhilarating synergy between you and your loyal companions. Look up to catch a glimpse of the magical Aurora Borealis dancing across the sky. Warm up with hot coffee and tea at the historic Gargia mountain lodge while our knowledgeable guides share insights into dog sledding and local history.
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Northern Lights tour with Alta Adventure
4.6 (96)
4 hours From £160.87
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.
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Igloo Ice Hotel and Hiking to the Frozen Waterfall from Alta
4.5 (2)
5 hours From £241.31
Experience the World's Northernmost Igloo Hotel The Igloo Hotel is rebuilt every winter, featuring a blend of unique igloo rooms and themed suites. Each suite is a one-of-a-kind creation, handcrafted by our skilled ice sculptors, it is a memorable Arctic stay. Embrace the beauty of winter and immerse yourself in this truly special experience. Gargia Foss is a captivating waterfall located in the picturesque Alta region of Norway, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and serene environment. This hidden gem is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and travelers seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
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Privat sled trip with husky in the alta valley
5.0 (69)
2 hours 30 minutes From £298.76
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
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Northern Lights Adventure By Snowmobile
4.9 (30)
4 hours From £241.31
The highlight of any trip above the arctic circle: experiencing the magical northern lights dance across the sky. The mystery of light has given us many myths and legends over the years. Everything from heroes who lit up the sky to mysterious fire foxes and warnings of danger. The dry and stable climate in Alta provides the best conditions for seeing the Northern Lights. On this trip we combine the excitement of snowmobiling with experiencing the northern lights dancing across the sky. We take you along the old postal road up to the very edge of Finnmarksvidda to a mountain range called Beskardes. Far away from the lights of the city this trip provides the ideal conditions to see the northern lights in a beautiful winter landscape. If we are lucky we will get to see the magnificent northern lights dancing across the sky on our trip, or be treated with a beautiful arctic night sky.
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Sleigh Ride w/ snacks - Experience Arctic Farm Life
5.0 (50)
2 hours 30 minutes From £130.23
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…
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Alta River Camping
Campground
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Alta Strand Camping
Campground
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Aranya
Thai Restaurant
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Barila
Bar
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Bjørnfjell Mountain
Mountain
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Camp Alta
Campground
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Du verden
Gastropub
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Erica Mat Og Vinbar
Pizzeria
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Hjemmelufttoppen
Mountain
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Komsa
Mountain
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Peppes Pizza - Alta
Pizzeria
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Seiland nasjonalpark
National Park
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Skoddevarre
Mountain
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Solvang camping
Campground
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Uno Cafe
Café
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Wing Wah House
Chinese Restaurant
Other places in Norway
See also
Aurora ForecastPlanning Your Northern Lights AdventureNorthern Lights PhotographyScience Of The AuroraNorthern Lights Playlist
