Sautso Canyon & Power Station
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Hafen
Alta, Norway
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Aktivitätsebene
Moderate
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Ausflugstyp
All
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Rollstuhlgerecht
No
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Ab
$214
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Mindestalter
Information Not Currently Available
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Reisedauer
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Mahlzeiten inbegriffen
Meals included
Discover the natural and manmade wonders that surround Alta. Considered the Grand Canyon of Northern Europe, Sautso Canyon is a powerful and inspiring landscape seven miles long. Its immense dam is one of the tallest arched dams in Norway, plunging 360 feet from top to bottom to hold back the Altaelva River.
Travel south across Finnmarksvidda, one of Norway's largest mountain plateaus and the home of Norway's Sami people. The plateau is filled with flowers and plants, birch trees, bogs, and glacially formed lakes. Venturing further into this stunning wilderness, you'll pass the sparkling Joatka Lakes and a few seasonal Sami communities (siidas) en route to Sautso.
The dam was built in 1981 amid much controversy. Enjoy a view of the Sautso Canyon and the Sautso Dam from two different viewpoints and learn about the original hydro plan and how it was eventually scaled down to save the charming surrounding farmlands and the Sami village of Maze.
You'll also pass the dam's original proposed construction site at Stilla — the location of many protests during the early planning stage.
Head to a Sami venue and step inside a traditional tent called a lavvu. Sit on reindeer skins around a small fire and enjoy a tasty snack of maize cake, dried reindeer meat, and coffee. Hear stories of Sami life and listen to the chant-like songs of the Sami called joik.
Enjoy the relaxing, scenic panoramic drive back to Alta.
Notes:
Tour requires approximately one hour of walking. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, inclines, gravel, and steps. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Dress warmly in layers with a windproof and waterproof outer layer; bring a warm hat, gloves and a scarf. Children under the age of 3 must be secured in a child's car seat on the transportation. These are not available through the tour operator; you must bring your own from home. Guests must bring valid photo ID with you on tour; accepted forms of ID include passport, National ID card with photo, or European driver's license with photo.