This morning we arrived in the tiny town of Alta, less than 100 miles from the very top of the European mainland. The surrounding hills are dusted with snow and it is very chilly indeed.
After breakfast in our cabin we do the unthinkable – we decide not to go ashore. There are a few reasons for our decision:
First, it’s a tender port and we have not yet tried getting the mobility scooter on and off one of the small boats that will ferry us to shore.
Second, it’s another long walk into town (approximately 2.5 miles) over a rather steep hill.
Third, we can’t actually find anything listed in Atlas Obscura or Tripadvisor that we want to see. That said, there are plenty of Northern Lights excursions available locally – scroll to the end of the article for more info.
Fourth, there isn’t anything worth seeing anywhere near the tender docking area either.
Again, the local town has laid on shuttle buses into the centre of Alta, but we can’t justify $40 USD to visit nothing. There aren’t even any tours being offered by Princess Cruises that are of interest.
Also of note – we are in Alta for two days, so we can always change our minds tomorrow. There are tenders running until 3am, just in case we decide we want to go and see nothing in the middle of the night!
So instead we decide to take it easy. I have a few copywriting tasks complete and we then spend the afternoon watching TV and relaxing. To be honest, my knee needs some rest after yesterday’s yomp into Tromsø.
Top tip: The power points under the beds on Island Princess are standard Euro-style plugs. If you have any devices that require 220V power, like Linda’s Dyson Airwrap, you will need to use these plugs. The 110V US sockets on the desk do not deliver enough power.
Learn more about sockets on cruise ships in our article, The Problem With Power.
The Island Princess is anchored between the local airport and the town which is quite interesting. watching 737-sized jets taking off and landing on the runway surrounded by snow is a little different.
Later we take part in – and win – the classic rock trivia quiz. Instead of a bottle of sparkling wine, this time the prize is two Princess-branded water bottles. Quite cool, but I have no idea how we will squeeze them into our suitcases.
It is cloudy and a little misty overnight – and there is no sign of the Aurora Borealis anywhere. I check from our balcony and the main deck, but there is nothing. Not even when I look again at 3am.
The town of Alta does look quite pretty after dark though.
It is supposed to snow tomorrow, so maybe we will go ashore at some point after all.
Northern Lights Excursions in Alta
Here’s three different options for viewing the Northern Lights on your overnight port stay in Alta:
Dog Sledding Trip under the Northern Lights
Experience the magic of the Arctic on an unforgettable dog sledding adventure in Alta, where the Aurora Borealis often lights up the night sky. Your journey begins with a short drive to the picturesque Gargia valley, where you’ll be warmly welcomed, fitted with cosy winter clothing, and introduced to your eager team of huskies. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll learn the art of dog sledding before setting off into the snowy wilderness with your very own team. Couples even share the thrill by taking turns as driver and passenger along the route.
As the huskies power their way from pine forests to the wide-open expanses of the Finnmarksvidda plateau, you’ll feel a true connection to both the Arctic landscape and the animals leading the way. With luck, the Northern Lights will cast their shimmering colours across the sky, making this exhilarating journey even more enchanting. The only sounds are the soft patter of paws on snow and the sweep of the sled through the crisp, winter air, a moment of pure Arctic magic.
After around an hour outdoors, the adventure concludes at the historic Gargia mountain lodge. Here you can thaw out by the fire with hot coffee or tea as your guides share stories about local traditions, husky training, and life in the far north. It’s the perfect ending to a once-in-a-lifetime experience – an extraordinary combination of excitement, culture, and natural wonder that will leave you with memories to treasure long after your return to the ship.
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Sled Ride Under the Northern Lights
Step into a fairytale winter evening as you journey from Alta to a cosy countryside farm, where a traditional horse-drawn sleigh awaits. Wrapped in warm blankets, you’ll glide through the forest and along the frozen Alta River to the gentle rhythm of jingling sleigh bells, with the sturdy Norwegian Fjord Horse leading the way. This remarkable breed has been trusted in Norway for centuries, and with its strength and patience, it sets the perfect pace for a magical ride through snow-covered landscapes.
As the sleigh carries you deeper into the wilderness, you’ll arrive at a sheltered cabin where the glow of a fire welcomes you. Here, a delicious three-course meal is served, with appetisers, dinner, and dessert enjoyed in the rustic shelter’s warmth. Over stories and conversation, you’ll have time to relax, soak up the atmosphere, and, if the skies are clear, perhaps witness the northern lights shimmering above – a beautiful finale to an already enchanting evening.
After dinner, it’s back into the sleigh for a final ride through the forest, following the snowy trails back to the farm and onwards to Alta. Whether the aurora makes an appearance or not, this serene experience blends romance, culture, and natural beauty, offering a winter memory to treasure long after your voyage.
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Small-Group Guided Northern Lights Tour
Set out into the Arctic night on an unforgettable adventure to chase the Northern Lights across the stunning landscapes of Alta Fjord. With experienced local guides leading the way, you’ll learn the secrets to spotting nature’s most mesmerising display, with tours designed to give you an impressive 80–90% chance of success. Every excursion is unique, as your guides choose the best vantage point depending on the night’s conditions, sometimes just outside town and at other times far into the wilderness.
While waiting for the aurora to appear, you’ll gather around a crackling fire or pause under the stars with hot chocolate and snacks (vegan alternatives included) to keep you warm and comfortable. The stillness of the Arctic night is enriched with local stories about the region’s fascinating past, from Sami traditions and reindeer herding to wartime history and modern life in Finnmark.
As the sky hopefully ignites with glowing ribbons of green, pink, and violet, you’ll be immersed in a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blends natural wonder with culture and history. Returning to Alta just after midnight, this Northern Lights hunt leaves you not just with incredible photographs but with memories of an enchanting evening under one of the world’s most magical skies.
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