Alta Cruises
Located deep into the Altafjord, and originally inhabited by the indigenous Sámi people, Alta is one of the best places on earth to see the ethereal Northern Lights. As the city had to be rebuilt after the Second World War, many of its buildings are relatively new – one remarkable piece of architecture is the striking Northern Lights Cathedral. The Alta Rock Drawings, dating back to between 4200 and 500 B.C, provide an excellent example of human activity in this area.
Top Experiences
Aurora Borealis
Nicknamed the city of the Northern Lights, Alta is home to the Northern Lights Cathedral. This is one of the architectural icons of the north, with its swirling pyramid structure clad in titanium sheets. Inside, the new interactive centre enables you to explore the phenomenon that is Aurora Borealis. This incredible light show is caused by electrically charged particles from the sun interacting with elements in the Earth’s atmosphere. The best chance of seeing this natural phenomenon is to leave the city lights behind and go out into the wilderness.
The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel
The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is situated just outside of Alta and each year is decorated to reflect a special theme. The first ice hotel in Norway and the second in the world, the hotel is made up of 250 tonnes of ice and 7,000 cubic metres of snow. The ice is from a still water lake in the valley, and snow is produced from local river water.
Cruises to Alta
Rugged & Remote Spitsbergen with the Midnight Sun • L2417
- Marvel at the rugged Arctic Fjord Landscapes
- Witness the surreal phenomenon of the Midnight Sun
- Search for marine life from Balmoral's decks with OWE
In Search of the Northern Lights • L2431
- Search for the Northern Lights from the decks of Balmoral in Alta
- Enjoy a scenic discovery of the Seven Sisters mountain range
- Spend time with a Sámi community to learn about local traditions
In Search of the Northern Lights • L2432
- Have the opportunity to spot the elusive Northern Lights in Alta
- Meet huskies on a tour and learn about traditional dog sledding
- Capture the views from the top of Mount Storsteinen in Tromsø
In Search of the Northern Lights • L2433
- Take the opportunity to see the magical Northern Lights in Alta
- See remote coastal scenery as Balmoral sails the Tjeldsundet Strait
- Visit a husky yard to learn about local cultures and traditions
In Search of the Northern Lights • L2434
- Have the chance to see the Northern Lights in Alta
- Connect with the Sámi people and learn of their cultures
- Sail through the Tjeldsundet Strait, accessible only to small ships
In Search of the Northern Lights • L2435
- Have the chance to spot the Northern Lights in Alta and from Balmoral
- Experience Crossing the Arctic Circle and the ceremony held on board
- Spend time with a Sámi community and learn of local traditions
In Search of the Northern Lights at Christmas • L2437
- Have the chance to see the Northern Lights during the festive season
- Celebrate Christmas Day on board Balmoral
- Experience the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv in winter
In Search of the Northern Lights • S2427
- Enjoy an overnight stay in the 'Gateway to the Arctic, Tromso
- Spend time with local Sámi people to learn about their way of life
- Explore the historic Hanseatic city of Bergen
In Search of the Northern Lights • S2502
- Explore the rugged Vesterålen archipelago and historic city of Bergen
- Sail past Torghatten, the mountain with the hole through its centre
- Experience the maritime tradition of crossing the Arctic Circle
