Alta, Norway Tourist Attractions
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Situation and characteristicsAlta, the largest town in the thinly populated county of Finnmark, lies at the head of the Altafjord on the banks of the Alta, the best known salmon river in Norway.
Prehistoric Rock Carvings
Excavations have brought to light traces of human settlement dating back 9,000 years - though how men could survive here during the Ice Age is unexplained. In the 1970s seven areas with some 3,000 rock carvings were discovered here. They date from between 6,200 and 2,500 years ago and show a wide range of subject. The carvings at Hjemmeluft were added to the UNESCO list of specially protected world heritage monuments in 1985.
Alte - Kåfjord
Near Alta on the road to Haldde, in the commune of Kåfjord, is an old copper mine, now closed down. In the middle of the 19th century Kåfjord was the largest commune in the province of Finnmark. The village church, built in 1837 by a British mining company, was completely restored in 1969. During the Second World War the German battleship "Tirpitz" hid in the Kåfjord, where it was attacked by British mini-submarines in 1943.
Alta Museum
The Alta Museum is responsible for the Hjemmeluft excavations and has an interesting collection of material on the local slate-mining industry, the river and fjord fisheries as well as the domestic art of the Lapps. At Peska (15km/9mi south of the town center) visitors can get a first-hand view of slate-mining methods and the life and work of the local population.
Observatory, Haldde
At Haldde (alt 1,000m/3,300ft), west of Alta, is the oldest observatory for watching the aurora borealis. It was in operation from 1899 to 1927, and restored during the 1980's.
Sausto Canyon
The main attraction of Alta is the river Alta with its varied facilities for recreation and excursions. The Sausto Canyon offers a fascinating view of the forces of nature; it can be traversed either on foot or by boat (with guide).
River Alta - Salmon Fishing
The most popular sporting activity on the river Alta is salmon fishing (from June 22 onwards). Anglers from all over the world come here to try their skill.
