alta_norway_hgr_159076_1920_photo_tommy_simonsen
northern-lights-cathedral-alta-norway-hgr-149921-kay-fochtmann-1920

Visit two of Alta's most remarkable attractions in one excursion: its UNESCO World Heritage rock carvings and the iconic Northern Lights Cathedral.

Highlights

Take in the exhibition at Alta Museum featuring nearby prehistoric rock art discoveries, the largest collection in northern Europe

Learn more about the history of

and enjoy views of Altafjord

Visit the landmark new Alta Cathedral, also known as the Northern Lights Cathedral.

Understand the history and science of the northern lights through a fun and immersive exhibition and a unique presentation.

How it works

You’ll meet your local guide and board the bus for a short tour of Alta’s city center, learning about daily life in what is often described as one of the northernmost cities in the world.

Your first stop is the Alta Museum, home to Northern Europe’s largest collection of prehistoric rock carvings, discovered near Altafjord and now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Exhibits include carvings from the nearby Hjemmeluft site—among them “Pippi,” the first rock carving ever discovered in Alta—alongside displays covering Sámi and Kven heritage, the local slate industry, and the history of the Alta River.

From there, you’ll continue to the striking Alta Cathedral, whose titanium-clad spire spirals skyward in a design inspired by the Northern Lights. During the long Arctic nights, the façade reflects the aurora as it dances overhead. Inside, the immersive Borealis Alta exhibition explores both the science and Sámi mythology behind the Northern Lights, one of nature’s most extraordinary phenomena.

Before you book

Activity level

Easy: Suitable for most people

Group size

Groups up to 88 guests

Availability

Winter, Spring, fall

Transport

Bus

Food & drink

No food or drink included

What to bring

Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

Voyages with this excursion

This excursion is available on select Hurtigruten voyages along the Norwegian coast. Explore all voyages.

Available: Winter, Spring, fall

20240212-North-Cape-02-Espen-Mills EDIT 3x2

Oslo - Honningsvåg - Oslo

The North Cape Line – Roundtrip

All-inclusive winter cruise to Norway’s North Cape, chasing the Northern Lights

  • September 2026 - December 2027
  • 15 days
  • 13 Stops
  • All meals & unlimited select drinks included
There's a high chance you'll see the Northern Lights from on deck while on The North Cape Line

Tromsø – Oslo

The North Cape Line - South

Premium cruise south from Arctic Norway in winter, under the glow of the aurora

  • October 2026 - December 2027
  • 9 days
  • 8 Stops
  • All meals & unlimited select drinks included
christmas pictures12

Oslo - Honningsvåg - Copenhagen

The North Cape Line Special Christmas Voyage

Premium winter cruise to Norway’s North Cape, chasing the Northern Lights

  • December 2027
  • 15 days
  • 12 Stops
  • All meals & unlimited select drinks included

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions our guests ask most often

If an excursion is not fully booked, any remaining slots will be available for purchase on board through your Expedition Team. These will be charged in Norwegian Kroner at your ship’s exchange rate.  

However, to ensure yourself a spot, we recommend booking in advance.

You will be able to view them all by logging into your booking here.

If you booked through a travel agent, you can reach out to them for this information.

Yes, you will get a full refund to your original payment method. If that's not possible, we will reach out to check your payment details.

Each of our excursions has a rating to illustrate the level of fitness required. There are four categories, with 1 being the easiest and 4 the most difficult.

Level 1 = Easy: suitable for most

Excursions at this level are physically undemanding and suitable for most people. Level 2 = Moderate: some mobility needed

Excursions in this category involve a small amount of physical activity, but on easy terrain with few major challenges. Level 3 = Active: good mobility needed

Excursions in this category are more active and involve outdoor pursuits that require a decent level of fitness. You may be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. They are not suitable for those with limited mobility.

Level 4 = Challenging: good mobility and fitness needed 

These are our most challenging excursions, and require a good level of fitness. They may involve hiking or biking on uneven terrain and may also require specialist equipment. You would be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Excursions in this category are not suitable for those with limited mobility. 

Prices can vary depending on the season you travel. Costs such as exchange rates and local prices may change from year to year, so we show a “starting from” price as a guide. The exact price will be confirmed when you book.

Other excursions in Alta

Discover more ways to explore this beautiful coastal destination

A couple enjoying a drink at the Sorrisniva Ice Hotel, Norway

Alta·2h 30min

Visit the magical Igloo Hotel in Alta

Explore the beautiful Igloo Hotel, made entirely from snow and ice. Even your free drink comes in a glass carved from ice!

Winter

Dog sledding Wilderness Adventure Camp Finnsnes Tromso Norway HGR 15830

Alta·2h 30min

Dog-Sledding in Alta

Go dog-sledding through snowy scenery near The Northern Lights City and meet the enthusiastic dogs that pull you.

Winter