Port
Alta, Norway
Activity Level
Moderate
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At
$149.95
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 3 hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
The modern city of Alta, in a scenic spot at the head of Altafjord, has not forgotten its rich historic past. Although at the 70th parallel, it is surrounded by pine forests and fertile land covering the wide valley. This is the northernmost place on earth where barley will grow. Discover two attractions that celebrate the area's dramatic legacy and charming culture.
Wind your way through the city on a short panoramic drive to the Alta Museum, which explores Komsa culture, some 8,000 - 10,000 years old. Exhibits also depict the old marketplace in Bossekop, the river and fjord fishing from the mid-1800s to today, and research on Aurora borealis -- the Northern Lights.
The outdoor area is dedicated to the preservation and documentation of rock art in and around the Finnmark region and is one of Norway's five rock-art sites that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along the outdoor path that is arranged around the rock carving area. The well-marked walkway is dotted with 13 stopping points that give you an up-close look at the 3,000 petroglyphs on display in this open-air museum. As the path leads down a gently sloping hill to the fjord, you'll notice that the markings appear to have themes -- boats and fish, hunters, moose, reindeer, bears and fertility symbols. A journey through time inside the museum reveals more ancient rock carvings, as well as sacred art from the late Middle Ages, silver treasures, and artifacts of the Sami culture.
Notes:
Participants must walk a mile on a gentle-to-medium incline. Terrain includes boardwalk, asphalt and a small unpaved area. The museum features 26 steps with an elevator available. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. The outdoor petroglyph area may be closed October through April due to snow or inclement weather.