Alta, Norway

Mountain landscape in Alta, Norway
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mountain_scootering_Finnmark.jpg
Author: arcticroute.com


Alta is a town in Finnmark county, on the northernmost part of Norway. It covers 3,849 sq km (1,486 sq mi) and has a 19,000, making it the northernmost city in the world with a population exceeding 10,000.

Alta is on the western part of Finnmark county, along the Altafjord. The area has been carved by the Altaelva river into one of the largest canyon in Europe. The area is a good place to view the aurora borealis. The warmest month in Alta is July, when the average temperature rises to 17°C (63°F). July is also the wettest month, receiving 54 mm (2.13 in) of precipitation. Coldest months are January and February, when the average low drops to -9°C (16°F).

The earliest evidence of human habitation in Alta is called the Komsa culture, a stone age culture of hunter-gatherers from some 10,000 BC. Petroglyphs found in Alta which have been dated to between 4200 BC and 500 BC and are today preserved as a World Heritage Site.

Prehistoric rock art in Alta
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gravure_alta09.jpg
Author: Vberger

Visiting Alta

The most practical way to reach Alta is by flight. There are flights from Oslo and Tromsø, among others. Travelers arriving at the airport can take the shuttle bus to the city center. The buses are coordinated to follow the arrival times. Apart from buses, taxis are also available.

Sights & Attractions in Alta

View of Altafjorden, Norway
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Altafjorden.jpg
Author: David Torras

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