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

Dark skies and breathtaking wilderness, one of the best places to experience the northern lights in all their glory.

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Dramatic landscapes with pristine dark skies, an exceptional place to witness the northern lights with a truly unique setting.

Tórshavn

Finland

Enjoy stunning aurora displays from cozy glass igloos or snowy forests in the magical northern wilderness.

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

The remote wilderness and minimal light pollution offer a breathtaking, serene setting to witness the northern lights in their purest form.

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Breathtaking landscapes and long winter nights provide a spectacular backdrop for witnessing the aurora in a truly unforgettable setting.

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Stunning fjords and snowy peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop to the northern lights in one of the best locations to witness this natural spectacle.

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

A remote location and dark skies offer opportunities to witness the northern lights over rugged coastlines and peaceful seascapes.

Lerwick

Svalbard

Polar nights in the high arctic offer exceptional chances to witness the northern lights dancing across pristine, icy landscapes.

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Clear winter nights and pristine wilderness create an ideal place to experience the aurora in a magical Arctic setting.

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Alaska’s vast wilderness and clear, dark skies create perfect conditions for experiencing the northern lights in a breathtaking natural setting.

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

0%

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Alta area (forecast for 28 April 2026 at 12:01pm 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.
HPI 10 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 0 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 4 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 4.26 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 367.2 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.

Light Levels

Moon

Waxing gibbous 80%

Sunrise 3:15am

Sunset 9:32pm

Moonrise 4:45pm

Moonset 3:45am

Weather Forecast for Alta

Snow

2°C Feels like -3°C

High
2°C
Low
-3°C

  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 77%

  • Northerly winds 6 km/h gusts of 9 km/h

  • Snow 1 mm

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 £179.39

    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

    Northern Lights Minibus Chase Max 16 Person In Group

    4.2 (18)

    4 hours From £163.08

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

  • Free cancellation

    Small Group Whale Watching by RIB

    4.8 (12)

    3 hours 30 minutes From £228.31

    In winter, whales come to the herring-rich fjords in northern Norway to hunt. This is a unique opportunity to experience the whales up close while exploring the beautiful Fjords of northern Norway. You will get to enjoy the beautiful winter skies, while surrounded by mountains and the fjords wildlife. Once on the boat we will make our way out into the fjords to look for humpback whales and Orcas. We will keep a safe distance and turn off our boat engines to minimize the disturbance to the whales. The whales are just as curious about visitors as we are about them, so they will most likely come and swim around our boat. Please note that while we try our best, we can not guarantee that we will actually see whales on the trip. The season start and end date can be adjusted according to whale migration patterns. We conduct this tour in small groups of maximum 12 participants only to ensure a great and personal experience for all of our guests.

  • Free cancellation

    Northern Lights tour with Alta Adventure

    4.5 (128)

    4 hours From £185.91

    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

    Northern Lights Adventure By Snowmobile

    4.9 (43)

    4 hours From £256.85

    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.

  • Free cancellation

    Small Group Northern Lights Hunt in Alta

    5.0 (3)

    4 hours From £179.30

    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

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: 0%

    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: 1%

    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: 1%

    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

Alta River Camping

Home / Norway / Alta / Alta River Camping

Alta River Camping is a Campground at Steinfossveien 1-17, 9518 Alta, Norge

Website • Phone: +47 78 43 43 53

Where to find Alta River Camping?

69°55'45"N, 23°15'46"E

What do people think of Alta River Camping?

  • 4.3

  • Very nice place, even wi-fi is working in the house, just a pity that fishing is not allowed here

    Miu R27 June 2012

  • Nice campsite with good cabins. Visit the Alta museum with unique prehistoric drawnings

    Wilco v21 July 2013

Other places to try near Alta River Camping