Coastal view of Alta with red wooden boathouses along the waterfront and houses scattered on green hills below rocky mountains.

Alta, Norway

Cruises to Alta, Norway

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Things to do in Alta

Where the tundra meets the sea, Alta blends Arctic stillness with all kinds of sightseeing and activity. From the titanium-clad Northern Lights Cathedral to prehistoric rock art and slate mountains, the Far North feels close enough to touch.

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  • Modern spiraling Northern Lights Cathedral in Alta, Norway, set against snow-covered mountains and a vivid sunset sky.

    See the Northern Lights Cathedral’s helix tower catch the Arctic light.

  • Prehistoric petroglyphs painted in red on rock surfaces near the sea in Alta, Norway.

    The rock carvings on coastal slabs at Alta Museum practically jump out at you.

  • A winding river cutting through steep rock cliffs and dense green forest in Alta Canyon.

    Marvel at the raw beauty of Alta Canyon, Norway’s deepest gorge carved by the Alta River.

  • Excavator working at a marble quarry in Alta, Norway, surrounded by massive vertical slabs of stone.

    See the striking white walls of Alta’s marble quarry, carved into towering geometric forms.

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Shore excursions to explore in Alta

Wild landscapes, Sámi culture and rare Arctic light set the tone. Choose easy panoramas or lean into adventure.

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  • Person in colorful Sámi clothing feeding two reindeer inside a fenced grassy enclosure.

    Sami Culture, Alta Dam and Canyon Adventure

    Across Finnmarksvidda, the Alta Dam rises above a river that carved Sautso. Walk inside the dam tunnels, then sample local treats on the terrace. A Sámi camp adds stories, joik and daily life before canyon viewpoints frame the scale of Northern Europe’s biggest gorge.

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  • Modern spiraling Northern Lights Cathedral in Alta, Norway, set against snow-covered mountains and a vivid sunset sky.

    Easy Alta & the Northern Lights Cathedral

    A gentle city circuit takes in Bossekop, Elvebakken and central Alta, with a photo stop at the cathedral wrapped in titanium and crowned by a 154-foot spire. As an architectural icon of the north, the Northern Lights Cathedral is a must-see.

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  • Bed made of ice blocks and furs inside a glowing purple-lit ice hotel room in Alta, Norway.

    Igloo Hotel Visit

    At Sorrisniva, step into halls carved from snow and ice. Peek into sculpted rooms, learn how guests keep warm and toast the moment in the ice bar with a drink served in a hand-cut glass.

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  • Bright green aurora borealis stretching over snowy mountains and reflecting on icy waters in Alta, Norway.

    Northern Lights Safari at Pæskatun

    High above the valley, slate cabins and a lavvu keep you warm between sky checks for the Northern Lights of Norway. Guides share camera tips after a short film about auroras, and clear nights can bring green ribbons right over the quarry ridge.

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  • Smiling person in winter clothes riding a sleigh pulled by a reindeer along a snowy path.

    Sami Camp & Reindeer Sledging

    Inside a lamplit lavvu, share coffee and cake on reindeer skins while your host sings a joik. Then glide through snow on a reindeer sledge for a quiet loop under the wide Arctic sky.

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  • Cascading waterfall surrounded by green hills, rocks and patches of lingering snow in Alta, Norway.

    Hike to Orvvos Waterfall

    A short forest trail leads to Orvvosfossen where spray hangs in the cold air. Pause for photos, breathe the pine, then trace the same path back toward mountain views.

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  • Orca surfacing in the cold waters of Altafjord with snow-covered mountains in the background.

    Whale Safari

    Seasonal boat trips scan fjord waters for orcas and humpbacks, with sea eagles often circling overhead. When fins surface, the captain slows so you can frame the flukes against steep slate hills.

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  • Person dressed in winter gear ice fishing at sunset on a frozen lake in Alta, Norway.

    Snowshoeing and Ice Fishing

    Strap on snowshoes for a gentle walk to a frozen lake. Drill a hole, settle on a reindeer hide and watch the line while hot drinks keep fingers warm. A fresh catch becomes lunch on the grill.

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Experience the Alta port on your next cruise

There are endless things to do in Norway, and the Alta port is no exception. Ships typically dock at Alta’s harbor near the airport, just a short transfer from town. That makes it easy to pair a cathedral visit with canyon views or a slate-quarry aurora hunt on the same call. Alta features on Norway & Iceland cruises and broader Europe cruises, so you can visit a variety of the world no matter what you choose.

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14-Day Search for the Northern Lights

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36-Day Northern Lights Grand Adventure

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36-Day Northern Lights Grand Adventure

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Discover Alta on your next cruise

Alta is one of the best cities to visit in Norway. Winter brings long nights and the chance to chase the aurora. Summer trades stars for midnight sun, river hikes and boat days on the fjord. However you time it, Alta delivers a clear view of Norway’s wild north.

Cruises to Alta
Cluster of red wooden boathouses along the shore in Alta with homes and rocky mountains in the background.

Wander through Alta’s waterfront, where red boathouses glow beneath rugged peaks.

Traditional Sámi tent lit warmly at night under vivid green aurora borealis in a snowy valley.

Watch the northern lights swirl above a glowing Sámi lavvu in snowy Alta.

Ships sailing to Alta

Get ready for the perfect blend of entertainment, comfort, and relaxation on a Princess Cruise ship.

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Majestic Princess

Majestic Princess®

Royal-class comfort with global dining at Crown Grill℠ and Harmony, plus quiet hours in The Sanctuary between Polar days.

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Emerald Princess

Emerald Princess®

A Grand-class favorite that pairs classic venues with wide deck space for fjord sail-ins and late-night stargazing.

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Majestic Princess

Sky Princess®

Modern spaces, Sky Suites for wraparound views and Movies Under the Stars® when the Arctic sky stays clear.

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Cruises to Alta FAQs

 

                   *The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.

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