Small Group Northern Lights Hunt

Few natural phenomena carry as much myth and mystery as the aurora borealis. Over centuries, different cultures have woven their own stories around the lights — from heroes illuminating the sky to omens and warnings. The Sámi people have many names for it; one of them, Guovssahas, means "the light that can be heard."

Alta is one of the world's finest places to witness the aurora, and the reasons go back more than a century. In 1899, Norwegian scientist Kristian Birkeland chose Halddetoppen, just outside Alta, as the starting point for his pioneering research. His work — which established the connection between the Northern Lights and electromagnetic storms from the sun — earned him the title of father of the aurora. Alta's dry, stable climate and clear winter skies make it ideal for aurora hunting, and the surrounding Arctic wilderness adds its own kind of magic to every outing.

What to expect on the tour

The evening begins at the Æventyr Adventure Store at Løkkeveien 6 in the city centre, where your guide will give a short introduction to the science and conditions of the Northern Lights. Because the aurora depends entirely on weather and solar activity, the route for the evening is decided on the day — our guides draw on deep local knowledge to find the best vantage points in the area.

Once you're out under the sky, your guide will keep you warm with coffee, toddy and snacks while you wait for the display to unfold. After the tour, you'll return to the adventure store where the evening began.

A word on expectations: the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and no one can guarantee a sighting. What we can promise is a genuine, well-guided experience in remarkable surroundings — whether or not the sky puts on its full show.