Bergen - Places to visit for FREE

Bergen is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains and fjords. Explore Bryggen, its colourful historic harbour and charming narrow streets. Get a little lost, browse the local shops and grab a traditional Norwegian troll as a souvenir. 🎄 Don't miss the three-storey Julehuset, and if you visit in winter, check out the Christmas Market at Festplassen.

Locations to save:
📍 Bryggen – historic centre & colourful wooden houses
📍 Bryggen backstreets – small historic passages & souvenir shops
📍 Julehuset – three-storey Christmas shop
📍 Festplassen – Bergen Christmas Market
📍 Lille Lungegårdsvannet – lake next to the Christmas market

Getting Around Bergen

Bergen is a fairly large city, but getting around is easy on foot or by public transport. We recommend spending 2–3 days exploring the city and its surroundings.

Where to Stay

For the best location at the lowest price, check out Best-value accommodation in Bergen.

Our favourite was Hostel Montana — amazing views, super clean facilities, a social room, activities, kitchen and spotless bathrooms. Private rooms are also available. We would stay in Hostel Montana again it is 3 minutes walk to Bus Stop and the view is unbelievable ! 

Explore Around Bergen

If you're already in Bergen, it's definitely worth exploring the incredible surroundings. Tours can be expensive, so we recommend renting a car and going on your own adventure. 🚗

Two must-sees are Vøringsfossen, one of Norway's most spectacular waterfalls, and Flåm, surrounded by dramatic fjords and mountains.

Car rental tip: Discover Cars compares rental companies so you can easily find the best price.

TOP ACTIVITIES IN BERGEN : 

1. The Best View in Bergen

Stunning views over Bergen and the fjord, with a restaurant at the top. Extra tip: Come for sunset — the views are unforgettable. 🌅

2. Ice Bar

A unique Norwegian experience — step into a world made entirely of ice. Enjoy a drink in an ice glass and experience one of Norway style ice bars. ❄️

Oslo – Places to Visit for FREE

Oslo is Norway's capital, combining modern architecture, green spaces and waterfront views. Walk through the city centre, explore the harbour and discover some of its most iconic spots without spending a fortune.

Locations to save:
📍 Oslo Opera House – walk on the roof for great city & fjord views
📍 Aker Brygge – lively waterfront area
📍 The Royal Palace – beautiful gardens & surroundings
📍 Karl Johans gate – Oslo's main street
📍 Vigeland Sculpture Park – impressive sculptures & huge park
📍 Sørenga – waterfront swimming area & Oslo views

Getting Around Oslo

Oslo is easy to explore on foot or by public transport. We recommend 2–3 days to see the main highlights and enjoy the city.

Where to Stay

Scandic Karl Johan – perfect location right in the heart of Oslo, close to Karl Johans Gate and within walking distance of many main sights. A great choice if you want to explore Oslo without relying much on public transport.

Private Room – 2 in a Luxury Villa, Chalet Style – a cosy and more budget-friendly alternative to a traditional hotel, with a relaxed chalet-style atmosphere. Great if you're looking for something different and more home-like.

TOP ACTIVITIES IN OSLO :

1. Viking Museum

A great introduction to Norway's Viking history. Step into an immersive world of Vikings and experience their story in a completely new way.

Come for the experience — stay for the history. ⚔️

2. Oslo Boat Trip - Islands

If you're not heading north, treat yourself to a boat trip in Oslo and enjoy the fjord from the water. 🚢

But if you are travelling north, save your money — Northern Norway offers even more spectacular boat trips, including whale and orca watching, remote islands and dramatic Arctic scenery.

3. Oslo Boat Trip  - Relaxing 

Sail through the Oslo Fjord on a traditional wooden boat and enjoy 2 hours of panoramic views, fresh sea air and a relaxed atmosphere 

4. National Museum - For History Lovers

If you're into history and Vikings, this is a great way to discover Oslo's past and Norway's fascinating heritage. ⚔️

5. Viking Cooking Experience

Step back in time and taste the Viking Age! Learn how Vikings prepared their food and enjoy a unique outdoor cooking experience in Oslo. 🔥⚔️

Lofoten Islands – Places to Visit for FREE

Lofoten is one of the most famous destinations in Norway, located above the Arctic Circle. From around September to mid-April, you have a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights. 🌌

We visited in the second half of April, when the sun was barely setting and the midnight sun was beginning. ☀️

The airport is in Svolvær, the gateway to Lofoten. From here, explore Svinøya, a small island connected to Svolvær by a bridge. Walk around the fishing village, see the traditional stockfish drying racks -but be prepared for the smell and the famous Fisherman's Wife statue ! 🐟😂

Further south, don't miss Reine, one of Norway's most photographed villages, and Å, a tiny fishing village with one of the shortest names in the world.

Getting Around Lofoten

For Lofoten, we strongly recommend renting a car - you can find best deals HERE. The scenic road from Svolvær to Å is spectacular, and having a car gives you the freedom to stop whenever you see another incredible view — which will happen A LOT! 🚗

Free Camping in Norway 🇳🇴

One of the best things to know about Norway is Allemannsretten – the Right to Roam. You can generally camp for free on uncultivated land, at least 150 m from houses and cabins, usually for up to 2 nights in the same place. Always respect nature, locals and local restrictions.

How Long to Stay

We recommend 6 - 8 days in Lofoten, especially if you enjoy hiking.

Locations to save:
📍 Svolvær – gateway to Lofoten (airport here) 
📍 Svinøya – fishing village, stockfish racks & Fisherman's Wife
📍 Henningsvær – picturesque fishing village
📍 Haukland Beach – spectacular Arctic beach
📍 Uttakleiv Beach – dramatic coastal scenery
📍 Nusfjord – historic fishing village
📍 Reine – iconic Lofoten village
📍 Reinebringen – famous viewpoint
📍 Hamnøy – one of Lofoten's most photographed spots
📍 Å – the village with the shortest name

📍 Kvalvika Beach

❤️ And one more place to remember: Senja — a spectacular mountainous island surrounded by fjords and the sea. We loved Lofoten, but Senja impressed us even more. We'll get to this one later!

Where to Stay 

Kræmmervika Rorbuer – Rustic Cabins & Hostel– a great choice if you want an authentic Lofoten experience. Traditional fishermen's cabins right by the sea, with beautiful views, a cosy atmosphere, kitchen facilities, free parking and even a sauna.

Nordis Hotel Lofoten – this is where we stayed, and we loved it! Huge, super-comfortable pillows, free parking behind the hotel, balconies in almost every room and a very tasty breakfast included. ☕ You can grab coffee throughout the day, and the self check-in with keyless entry means no keys to carry around. It's also just a 5-minute walk from the centre, with bars, souvenir shops and the starting points for many activities.

Extra Tip 1 – Svinøya

Cross the bridge from Svolvær and you're on Svinøya, a small island with a completely different atmosphere. One of our favourite spots here is Anker Brygge — a cool waterfront bar and meeting place where you can enjoy a drink right by the harbour with very cool vibe.

Extra Tips 2 🐟

If you're in Lofoten, look out for Möller's Tran, the iconic Norwegian cod liver oil in the green bottle. The brand has strong roots in Lofoten, where its cod liver oil production began in the 1850s. We found it cheapest in Lofoten, so it's a great little Norwegian souvenir. 🐟🇳🇴

Lofoten is very touristy, so we wouldn't recommend visiting during peak season. We went in the second half of April, when the season was just starting. It was colder, but there was no snow anymore — for us, it was the perfect time to visit.

One of our favourite experiences was camping at Kvalvika Beach and hiking up to Ryten. The views from the top are incredible, and waking up at Kvalvika was unforgettable. 🏕️🏔️ Google - free parking Kvalvika beach - PARK BETWEEN THE LINES - they are very sensitive to this and give fines if parking outside the lines. 

⚠️ Drone tip: Be very careful with drones in Lofoten. Flying is prohibited in Lofotodden National Park, including Kvalvika and Ryten, and there are several other restricted areas around Lofoten. Always check the current rules before flying.

TOP ACTIVITIES IN LOFOTEN:

1. Brim Explorer

One of our favourite activities in Lofoten! Enjoy a quiet, spacious and luxurious cruise through stunning scenery towards Trollfjord, with large glass windows, refreshments and informative screens on board.

The guides are friendly and very knowledgeable, and you'll have the chance to spot sea eagles and, during most of the season, orcas. 🦅🐋

A beautiful and environmentally friendly way to experience Lofoten — highly recommended!

2. Guided Kayak Experience

Experience Lofoten from the water — paddle through calm bays surrounded by dramatic mountains and beaches. 🛶

The 2-hour guided tour is suitable even for beginners, with all equipment included and local guides sharing stories about Lofoten and its Viking history. There's also a good chance of seeing sea eagles up close. 🦅

A perfect way to experience Lofoten from a completely different perspective.

3. Horse Riding in Lofoten

Experience Lofoten on horseback along the beautiful coastline of Gimsøya. 🐎 Ride Icelandic horses past white beaches, dramatic cliffs, traditional fishing racks and old Viking sites.

The tour is slow-paced and suitable even for beginners, with spectacular views along the way. A beautiful and unique way to experience Lofoten from a different perspective.

4. Magic Ice Bar

Step into a world made entirely of ice in Svolvær — with impressive ice sculptures, Arctic stories and atmospheric lights. ❄️

You'll get a warm poncho, gloves and a welcome drink served in an ice glass. A fun and unusual experience, especially if you've never visited an ice bar before.

Senja – Our Favourite Hidden Gem - PLACES to visit for FREE

We loved Lofoten, but Senja impressed us even more. It's still much less touristy, with dramatic black mountains rising straight from the sea, deep fjords, beaches and tiny islands. 🌊🏔️ And Senja is so much cheaper than Lofoten ! 

You can reach Senja by car or by ferry. If you're coming from Lofoten, the most scenic option is to drive towards Andenes and take the seasonal Andenes–Gryllefjord ferry.

National Scenic Route Senja 🚗

This is a must-do road trip. The 102 km Scenic Route follows the dramatic western coast between Botnhamn and Gryllefjord, with mountains, fjords, beaches and incredible viewpoints.

Senja Scenic Route – official route & map

One of our favourite spots is Husøy — a tiny island village surrounded by the sea. Come here for sunset and you'll understand why we loved Senja so much. 🌅

And if you love hiking, you have to know about Segla — probably Senja's most famous mountain. The hike starts near Fjordgård and takes you into some seriously dramatic scenery. Fjordgård feels almost like a hidden city from a fairytale — tucked between enormous mountains and reached through some rather questionable-looking tunnels! 😄

⚠️ Important: We would not recommend Segla in winter or early spring. We visited in April and there was still plenty of snow, making the trail feel much more dangerous. Summer is the perfect time for hiking, while winter is popular for ski touring.

Locations to save:
📍 Husøy – tiny island village & sunset
📍 Tungeneset – dramatic coastal viewpoint
📍 Bergsbotn – panoramic viewpoint
📍 Ersfjordstranda – white beach surrounded by mountains
📍 Mefjordvær – beautiful fishing village
📍 Segla – Senja's iconic mountain
📍 Fjordgård – starting point for Segla

Getting Around Senja

We strongly recommend renting a car — you can find the best deals HERE. 🚗

Some roads on Senja are quite narrow, but they're still manageable if you're a confident driver. If you'd rather not drive, there are also guided tours that take you around the island, so you can enjoy the scenery without worrying about the roads.

Where to Stay

Cosy Modern Apartment near the City Center - A great option if you prefer your own apartment instead of a hotel. Modern, cosy and conveniently located close to the city centre — ideal for a comfortable stay while exploring the area.

Arctic Wonderland - A beautiful choice if you want to stay close to nature. This spacious apartment has sea views, a balcony, terrace, fully equipped kitchen and free parking. 🌊

It's a peaceful, remote location on Senja, with Arctic nature right outside your window — and on clear winter nights, you can even see the Northern Lights directly from the property. Perfect for those looking for privacy, space and a real Senja experience.

Olaheim - A cosy and highly rated house in a peaceful location on Senja, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. It has a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, terrace, free parking and great views — and it's also a fantastic spot for watching the Northern Lights. 🌌🏔️

Fjordgård- If you're planning to hike Segla, this is a great place to stay. 🏔️ Located in Fjordgård, it puts you right in the heart of Senja's dramatic mountain scenery, with beautiful fjord views and easy access to the Segla hiking trail.

It's a peaceful base surrounded by mountains, while still being close to the small village, grocery shop and local places to eat. Perfect if you want to wake up surrounded by the landscapes that make Fjordgård feel like a little fairytale village. 🌊🏔️

TOP ACTIVITIES IN SENJA:

1. Sea Safari in South Senja

Explore Senja from the water on a comfortable boat surrounded by beautiful fjords, dramatic coastline and Arctic nature. 🌊

There's a great chance to spot sea eagles and other wildlife, while the local guides share interesting stories about the area. A peaceful way to experience a different side of Senja. 🦅

2. Snowshoe Hike to Husfjellet

A full-day winter adventure from Tromsø to Senja, combining an express boat, scenic drive and a guided snowshoe hike to Husfjellet. ❄️🏔️ The hike takes around 3 hours and rewards you with spectacular views of the fjords, Devil's Teeth (Okshornan) and the Arctic Ocean.

You'll have snowshoes and poles provided, plus hot drinks and local snacks at the viewpoint. You can hike Husfjellet independently in suitable conditions, but this guided option is perfect if you're not confident navigating snowy terrain.

3.Senja Scenic Tour

Explore the highlights of Senja on a full-day guided tour — perfect if you don't want to drive. 🏔️ The tour takes you along the spectacular coastline, through fjords and past some of Senja's most beautiful viewpoints and villages.

A great option for seeing the best of Senja in one day without worrying about narrow roads or planning the route yourself.

Tromsø – The Famous Arctic City 🏔️

Everyone seems to rave about Tromsø and describe it as one of the most magical places in Northern Norway. And honestly? We liked it too. ❤️

But here's the truth: a big part of Tromsø's popularity is simply that it is very tourist-friendly. Compared with many other places in Northern Norway, you'll find far more bars, restaurants, hotels, activities and organised tours here. It's easy to visit, easy to get around and there is always something happening.

That can be a huge advantage — but it also means crowds. In some places, you might literally find yourself walking in a little tourist queue. 😄

And one more Instagram myth: you'll often see Tromsø described as the northernmost city in Europe. That's not true. Tromsø is officially known as the world's northernmost city with more than 50,000 inhabitants. There are places farther north, including Alta, Hammerfest and Honningsvåg.

Locations to save : 

Tromsø has plenty of things worth checking out, even if you only stay for a couple of days.

📍 Arctic Cathedral – Tromsø's iconic modern church, famous for its dramatic architecture and huge glass mosaic - FREE from outside

📍 Tromsø Bridge – walk across the bridge for beautiful views of the city, mountains and Arctic Cathedral- FREE

📍 Tromsø Cathedral – a beautiful wooden church right in the city centre and one of the northernmost Protestant cathedrals in the world - FREE from outside.

📍 Polaria – the world's northernmost aquarium and Arctic experience centre, with seals, Arctic marine life and interactive exhibitions - ENTRANCE fee

📍 Tromsø Library – a surprisingly beautiful modern building and a great place to warm up during the colder months - FREE 

📍 Northernmost McDonald's 🍔 – yes, we went. 😂 It's currently the world's northernmost McDonald's, right in central Tromsø. Don't expect a special Arctic menu, though! You can, however, grab a souvenir postcard proving you made it to the northernmost McDonald's.

📍 Sami shop – a two-storey shop with some really nice Arctic and Sami-inspired souvenirs. A good place to pick up something more interesting than the usual tourist magnets.

📍 Tromsø city centre 

📍 Mack Brewery & Ølhallen 🍺

📍  Tromsø Fjord Viewpoint – the iconic blue triangle overlooking the fjord and mountains. It's one of those Instagram-famous Tromsø spots, so be prepared to wait in line for your photo, especially during the busy season! 😄

If you love beer, you definitely need to stop at Mack Brewery, known as the world's northernmost brewery. Mack was founded in Tromsø in 1877, and although the main production has since moved outside the city, you can still visit the historic brewery quarter right in the centre.

Right next door you'll find Ølhallen, Tromsø's oldest pub, opened in 1928. And this place is seriously impressive — there are 72 beers on tap, including Mack beers and a huge selection from other Norwegian breweries. You can also order a tasting board if you want to try several. 🍻

BUT… prepare yourself for the prices. 😂💸 Beer in Norway is expensive, and here it can feel absolutely insane. We loved the atmosphere and the whole experience, but don't come here expecting cheap beer!

Our tip? Come for the atmosphere, try a local Mack beer, take some photos and enjoy one of Tromsø's most iconic places. 🍺❄️

Tromsø vs. Alta

This is where our opinion might be a little controversial. 😄

We liked Tromsø — but Alta and Gargia impressed us much more.

Tromsø has more restaurants, bars, accommodation and activities, and it's often easier to organise tours here. Some activities can also be a little cheaper than in Alta, even when the experiences themselves are very similar.

But Alta gave us a much stronger Arctic feeling. There were fewer people, fewer tourists and much more of that wild, remote atmosphere we were looking for in Northern Norway.

So if you want Arctic Norway with plenty of infrastructure and activities, Tromsø is a great choice.

If you want fewer tourists, more wilderness and a stronger Arctic vibe, keep Alta and Gargia on your list. ❤️

Getting Around Tromsø

The great thing about Tromsø is that you don't necessarily need a car.

The city centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, while public buses cover most of Tromsø and can also take you to many of the main sights. You can plan journeys and buy tickets using the Svipper app, and regional buses and express boats also connect Tromsø with surrounding areas.

So if you're staying mainly in Tromsø, public transport is absolutely doable. If you want to explore the more remote areas around Tromsø, however, renting a car gives you much more freedom - the best deals for renting a car is HERE. 🚗

Where to stay : 

Tromsø Travel Tips ✈️🎄

Tromsø has its own airport, which makes it one of the easiest places to reach in Northern Norway. It's also one of the main bases for Arctic tours — from Northern Lights and whale watching to reindeer experiences, dog sledding and more. 

Tromsø Christmas Market 🎄

If you're visiting Tromsø during the Christmas markets, just don't expect a huge Christmas market like you might find in bigger European cities. 😄

It's quite small, but there's a beautiful Christmas tree and a giant Christmas bauble in the middle, which makes for a lovely festive atmosphere and some great photos.

And one very important food tip: if you see moose meat for sale, buy it! 🫎 Reindeer meat is relatively easy to find in Norway, but moose meat is much harder to come across. You won't find alcohol being sold at the Christmas market itself, so if you spot a local moose product you like, we'd definitely recommend grabbing it while you can. ❤️

TOP ACTIVITIES IN TROMSO:

1. Arctic Floating in Tromsø 🌊❄️

This is one of the activities we didn't find anywhere else in Norway — so if you're going to do just one unique experience in Tromsø, make it THIS.

Put on a special survival suit and float in the Arctic Ocean, surrounded by mountains and fjords. After your Arctic swim, warm up by the campfire with hot drinks and freshly made snacks. 🔥☕

It's completely different from the usual Northern Norway activities — and honestly, such a cool Arctic experience! The tour lasts around 3–3.5 hours and is a small-group experience. In winter, there's even a chance to float beneath the Northern Lights. 🌌

Arctic Floating – Tromsø

2. Whale Watching from Tromsø 🐋

If you want to see orcas and humpback whales in the wild, this is one of the experiences we would definitely consider in Tromsø.

The trip takes you from Tromsø to Skjervøy, where you board a RIB boat and head into the Kvænangen Fjord in search of whales. The scenery alone is incredible, but the real highlight is getting to see orcas and humpback whales in their natural habitat. 🐋❄️

It's a full-day experience, with transport from Tromsø included, so you don't have to worry about organising the journey yourself. The whale season is mainly November to January, when the whales follow the herring into the area.

If seeing whales and orcas is on your Norway bucket list, this is definitely one to save. ❤️

3. Reindeer Sledding & Sami Experience 🦌❄️

If you want to experience the Arctic the traditional way, this is a great choice. Meet a large herd of reindeer, feed them directly from your hands and enjoy a ride on a traditional reindeer sled through the snowy landscape. 🦌

You'll also meet local Sami reindeer herders, learn about their culture and traditions, enjoy a traditional three-course Sami dinner and gather around the fire inside a traditional Sami hut. And if you're lucky, you might finish the evening watching the Northern Lights above the reindeer camp. 🌌

It takes around 4.5 hours and includes transport from Tromsø, making it an easy way to combine reindeer, Sami culture, food and the Arctic night in one experience.

4. Reindeer Camp & Sami Culture 🦌

If you want to experience Sami culture and meet reindeer, this is a great option from Tromsø. Visit a Sami-owned reindeer camp, get up close to a herd of around 300 reindeer and feed them directly from your hands. 🦌

You'll then warm up inside a traditional hut with a meal cooked over the fire, hot drinks and snacks, while learning about Sami culture, reindeer herding and local traditions. The experience finishes around the campfire with traditional stories and Sami singing. 🔥

It takes around 4 hours and includes transport from Tromsø, making it an easy way to get a taste of Arctic life without having to organise everything yourself.

5. Polaria – The World's Northernmost Aquarium 🦭❄️

Of course, we had to visit the world's northernmost aquarium — and honestly, we really enjoyed it! Polaria is a small Arctic experience centre with marine life from Northern Norway, interactive exhibitions and panoramic films about the Arctic.

Our favourite part was watching the seals being fed and trained. 🦭 They are fed and trained several times a day, and we happened to catch one of the sessions — complete with a very unexpected mermaid moment! 😂

If you're in Tromsø, we definitely recommend stopping by. It's not a huge aquarium, but it's a fun Arctic experience, especially on a cold or rainy day.

6. Magic Ice Bar Tromsø 🧊🍹

A super cool bar made entirely of ice — the walls, sculptures and even your glass are made from ice. You'll get a warm poncho and gloves, so you won't freeze immediately… but let's be honest, you probably won't stay for hours! 😂🥶

It's a fun and very unique Tromsø experience, especially for some great photos. Your entrance also includes a welcome drink served in an ice glass. 🧊🍸

Our tip: Go for the experience, have your drink, take some photos and then get back somewhere warm! 😂

Alta – The Arctic City We Loved Even More Than Tromsø ❄️🌌

Everyone talks about Tromsø, but Alta stole our hearts. ❤️

We actually spent almost half a year here during the winter season, so Alta became much more than just another place we visited in Norway. We were driving to work and suddenly finding moose standing on the road, watching the Northern Lights on ordinary evenings and slowly becoming part of everyday Arctic life.

And that's what we loved most about Alta.

It Feels Like Real Arctic Norway

Alta has everything you need — restaurants, shops, cafés, activities and accommodation — but far fewer tourists than Tromsø. Because of that, you can actually slow down and feel like you're becoming part of the place rather than just passing through it.

You'll also notice Sámi culture as a normal part of everyday life. Sámi people are not something you only meet on a tourist experience here — you might see them at the supermarket, in town, at the cinema or simply going about their everyday lives. 🦌

For us, this made Alta feel much more authentic.

The Arctic Playground 🏔️

If Tromsø feels like a tourist hub for Arctic activities, Alta feels like the playground itself.

The surrounding landscape is much more remote and wild, with forests, mountains, frozen lakes and endless Arctic wilderness. There are fewer people, less traffic and much more space to actually experience it.

And there is A LOT to do here:

🐕 Dog sledding
🦌 Reindeer & Sámi experiences
🛷 Snowmobile tours
🎣 Ice fishing
❄️ Frozen waterfalls
🌌 Northern Lights
🐋 Whales & orcas
🦅 Sea eagles
🧊 Ice hotel
🏔️ Arctic hiking & nature

Sorrisniva Ice Hotel 🧊

One of Alta's biggest attractions is Sorrisniva, the incredible ice hotel built entirely from snow and ice each winter.

You can visit the hotel, explore the ice sculptures and ice rooms, have a drink in the ice bar or even spend the night surrounded by ice. It's definitely one of those Arctic experiences you won't forget. 🧊❄️

Northern Lights 🌌

Alta is known as the City of the Northern Lights, and after spending almost an entire winter here, we can definitely understand why.

On a good winter season, it felt like we were seeing the Aurora roughly every three days. Of course, the weather and solar activity always decide what you actually see — but the opportunities here are incredible.

And the best part? You don't always need to join a tour. Sometimes you can simply look up from your everyday life and there they are. 💚

Finmarksløpet 🐕❄️

Alta is also the starting point of Finnmarksløpet, one of Europe's biggest and longest sled-dog races.

Every year, mushers and their dogs set off from Alta and head deep into the Arctic wilderness. If you're here during the race, the atmosphere in town is something completely different — suddenly the whole place is about sled dogs, mushers and the race. 🐕‍🦺❄️

Kautokeino & the Far North

Alta is also a fantastic base for exploring further north.

Kautokeino, one of the most important Sámi cultural centres in Norway, is only around an hour away by car. It's a completely different experience and a great place to learn more about Sámi culture and traditions.

And if you want to go even further north, the North Cape — the famous northernmost point of mainland Europe — is only around three hours away by car. 🌊🗻

So Alta is not just a destination in itself — it's also a fantastic starting point for exploring Finnmark and the far north of Norway.

Why We Chose Alta Over Tromsø

We liked Tromsø. We really did.

But after living in Alta for almost half a year, Alta felt more like home.

There are fewer tourists, more space, more wilderness and a much stronger feeling that you're actually experiencing Arctic Norway rather than visiting a tourist destination built around it.

You can meet Sámi people in everyday life, see moose on your way to work, watch the Northern Lights from ordinary places and drive into the wilderness without seeing another car for ages.

If you want the Arctic without the crowds, Alta is the place we would choose. ❤️

Locations to save

📍 Alta – City of the Northern Lights
📍 Gargia – Arctic wilderness
📍 Sorrisniva – Ice Hotel
📍 Northern Lights Cathedral
📍 Alta Museum – UNESCO Rock Art
📍 Alta River
📍 Finnmarksvidda
📍 Kautokeino – Sámi cultural centre
📍 North Cape – around 3 hours from Alta

Getting to Alta ✈️🚌

Alta has its own airport, with seasonal direct flights from Frankfurt, making it surprisingly easy to reach this far north. ✈️❄️

You can also take a bus from Tromsø to Alta — and honestly, we highly recommend it if you have the time. The journey itself is an experience, taking you through dramatic mountains, deep fjords and beautiful Arctic landscapes, with ferry crossings along the way. 🏔️🌊

So don't think of the bus as just getting from A to B — the journey is part of the adventure! ❤️

Where to Stay

Getting Around Alta 🚗

If you really want to see as much of Alta and the surrounding area as possible, we strongly recommend renting a car.

There is public transport within Alta, but once you want to explore the surrounding area, it becomes much more limited. For example, getting to SarvesAlta ski resort, around 30 minutes from Alta, can be tricky without a car, with only limited bus connections.

Having your own car gives you much more freedom to explore Gargia, SarvesAlta, the Arctic wilderness and all the amazing places around Alta at your own pace. ❄️

🚗 Our tip: Rent a car and explore Alta properly. You can compare the best deals on Discover Cars [HERE].

TOP ACTIVITIES IN ALTA:

1. Become a Musher 🐕❄️

Our absolute favourite Arctic activity! If you want to experience the real Arctic, don't just sit on a sled — become a musher yourself.

Work together with the dogs, learn how to drive your own sled and feel the incredible freedom of travelling through the snowy Arctic wilderness with a team of huskies. 🐕‍🦺🏔️

This was one of those experiences that made us fall in love with Alta even more. Cold hands, happy dogs and pure Arctic freedom — we absolutely loved it! ❤️

2. Whale & Orca Safari 🐋🖤

One of the most incredible experiences we had in Northern Norway. We saw a whole show of nature happening right in front of us — small and large orcas, enormous humpback whales and breathtaking Arctic scenery. 🐋

We sailed through the fjord surrounded by mountains, while our guides told us everything about the whales and the area. We could stay warm inside with a hot drink while watching the wildlife outside.

Honestly, it felt like watching a live Arctic documentary — but we were right there in the middle of it. An absolutely unforgettable experience! ❤️

3. Reindeer Ride 🦌❄️

Experience the Arctic in one of the most traditional ways — on a sled pulled by reindeer. 🦌

Glide quietly through the snowy landscape, learn about Sámi culture and reindeer herding, and warm up around the fire inside a traditional lavvu. You'll also get the chance to meet and feed the reindeer up close.

And if you're lucky, you might even experience the ride under the Northern Lights. 🌌

A peaceful, authentic Arctic experience — completely different from racing through the snow on a snowmobile. ❤️

4. Snowmobile Under the Northern Lights 🛷🌌

Riding a snowmobile across Finnmarksvidda, Europe's largest mountain plateau, while the Northern Lights dance above you — honestly, it doesn't get much more Arctic than this. ❄️💚

You'll ride through snowy forests and up towards the plateau, far away from the city lights, with the chance to see the Aurora and an incredible Arctic night sky. The experience includes warm clothing and safety equipment.

And don't forget your driver's licence! You need a valid B-class driving licence to drive the snowmobile in Norway.

5. Whale Watching by RIB 🐋🌊

For the more adventurous ones — THIS was a mega experience! 🔥

We jumped on a RIB boat and raced across the waves, getting incredibly close to orcas and humpback whales in the Alta Fjord. Being surrounded by mountains while these huge animals were swimming right next to us was absolutely insane. 🐋🏔️

It's fast, exciting and completely different from a comfortable whale-watching cruise — if you want adrenaline and wildlife at the same time, this is the one! ❤️

The tour is done in small groups, and the guides adjust the route depending on where the whales have recently been spotted, giving you the best possible chance of seeing them.

6. Snowshoe Hike to the Frozen Waterfall ❄️🏔️

You can do this hike independently, but if you're not completely confident walking through snowy terrain, we'd recommend going with a guide. You'll have more fun, learn about the Arctic nature around you and even get to stop for a bonfire, hot drink and local snack. 🔥☕

The trail starts near Gargia Lodge and is well marked, taking you through beautiful snow-covered Arctic landscapes towards a frozen waterfall. Gargia Lodge is also surrounded by several winter trails, so this is a great area to explore on foot or snowshoes.

Our tip: If you're confident in winter conditions, go independently. If you want the experience to be easier, safer and more fun — take the guide! ❤️

7. Gargia Nature Sauna 🔥❄️

Have you really been to Norway if you haven't tried a Norwegian sauna? 😄

At Gargia Lodge, you can enjoy a cosy sauna surrounded by Arctic nature and then cool down in the freezing Alta River or the cold plunge pool right outside. 🔥❄️

We absolutely loved the contrast — warm sauna, icy water, snow-covered forest and complete silence around you. And if you're lucky, you might even be doing it with the Northern Lights above your head. 🌌

Our tip: If you're staying in Gargia, don't miss this. It's the perfect way to relax after a day of snowmobiling, snowshoeing or exploring the Arctic wilderness. ❤️