Norway Opens New Direction for Tourism: What Impresses in the City of Alta.

Unique Experience in Norway

According to The Sun: It's not often that you put on a leash and your dog takes you for a walk. But that’s exactly what happens in Alta, an unknown place in northern Norway.

Among the icy pine forests, we join a snowshoeing tour, led by an Alaskan husky named Bruce. At first, I wanted to walk alone, but it turns out Bruce is much stronger than I am — he pulls ahead while I enjoy this unusual adventure.

Few know about Alta, even though it has a fjord. This small Norwegian town with a population of 15,000 is gradually becoming known as an alternative winter resort.

Activities and Culture

What exciting activities are here? Absolutely — especially husky trips.

And what about culture? There’s a museum and a stunning church of the Northern Lights.

Alta is great for observing the Northern Lights, as its geographical location makes it one of the best places for this.

I booked a three-day stay with the tour operator Best Served Scandinavia, whose itinerary offers the best chances of meeting the lights and other activities. For now, I stay with Bruce.

He leads me to a frozen lake, where I take off my snowshoes and leash, and we start ice fishing, drilling holes through the thick ice.

Snow gently falls as our group of four relaxes on reindeer blankets, holding fishing rods.

Suddenly, I feel a tug, my heart races, and my palms sweat — despite the frost. What’s on the end of the line? Just worms that we use as bait.

Our guide Kale is preparing salmon and vegetables over an open fire in a lavvu — a tent used by indigenous Sami people. It's truly delicious.

My accommodation was at the Scandic hotel, which features a large sauna for warming up, delicious Scandinavian dining, and rooms with views of Alta Church. The remarkable twisted design reflects the Northern Lights and looks just as impressive — especially the harp inside.

Searching for the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are an amazing yet fickle natural phenomenon; to see them, the weather needs to be favorable: if it’s too cloudy or bright, they’re not visible.

That night, I set off on the expedition 'Hunting the Northern Lights,' although in reality, we just need to find clear skies.

We drive away from bright lights into the darkness, and after 27 miles northeast we reach our lucky spot. Everyone gets out of the truck to enjoy the pale green stream in the sky. It’s a nice sight, although not extraordinary, as the atmosphere is a bit hazy.

But there will be more opportunities ahead. One morning, I hike up Mount Komsa, taking 45 minutes both ways, to admire the fjord of Alta, which was used by Germany as a naval base during World War II. Here, the Allies first spotted the German battleship 'Bismarck.'

I also try 'mushing' — I steer eight huskies pulling my sled.

And I visit the ice bar at the Sorrisniva Igloo hotel, where everything is carved from ice, even the glasses. Their signature drink is electric blue with vodka, and it’s easy to sip.

In conclusion, it’s the last night and activity — reindeer sledding, led by Espen, a Sami native. The stars shine brightly; the clouds are sparse. Will we see the lights? “I’m optimistic,” he says.

The only sound is the reindeer Museta gliding over the snow. I look up and gasp.

Before me unfolds a bright green belt, and emerald green streams fountain from the horizon. And then I see a shooting star.

I am so amazed that I can’t believe it: this is a true Arctic journey that surpasses all others.