Are you heading to Alta, Norway and searching for relaxing things to do between your northern lights tours (and other adventurous activities)?
This guide tells you how to visit the Alta Museum, a must-see when visiting the city! You’ll find information on why you should visit, what to do there, opening hours, ticket prices, and more!
If youʻre booking your trip to Alta last minute, I have you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!
🇳🇴 Top experiences and tours in Alta, Norway:
- Small-group northern lights tour (a winter favorite!)
- Guided snowmobile trip on Finnmarksvidda (adventure tour option)
🛌 Top places to stay in Alta, Norway:
- Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel (Alta’s only ice hotel!)
- Trasti & Trine Boutique Hotel (also has fine dining, huskies, and more)
- Holmen Husky Lodge (cozy place w/ pups and dog-sledding!)
🚗 Looking for the best way to get around Alta? Click here to check rental car rates for Norway!
If you have any questions about visiting the Alta Museum, let me know in the comments! Thanks!
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About the Alta Museum
The Alta Museum (also known as the World Heritage Rock Art Centre) is famous for its ancient rock carvings, dating back 2,000–6,200 years.
These rock carvings show the lives of prehistoric hunters and gathers throughout the years and can be seen during the summer when you can explore the outdoor area.
There are also some fantastic indoor exhibits where you’ll learn all about rock carvings, Alta’s history, and Norway’s other World Heritage Sites.
Permanent exhibitions at this museum include Traces In Stone, Our World Heritage, Jumping after Wirkola, and Aurora Borealis: The Mysterious Northern Lights.
You will find many amazing things to do in Alta, and I think the Alta Museum gives a much-needed break to all of the adventure activities you’ll have in store on your trip!
Visiting the Alta Museum: Practical Information
Opening Hours
The opening hours for the Alta Museum vary depending on the time of year.
From September 16th to April 30th, the museum is open Monday to Friday (9 am – 3 pm) and Saturday to Sunday (11 am – 4 pm).
From mid-May, the museum is open daily (9 am – 5 pm). From June 1st to August 18th, the Alta Museum is open 9 am to 7 pm. From August 19th to September 15th, it’s open from 9 am to 5 pm again.
One thing I would recommend is to double-check their website before you go. Since Alta is pretty seasonal and relies heavily on ship traffic coming in, things can change quickly and at the last minute! You can see their website here.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices also vary depending on the season.
In the summer (May 1st to September 30th), the prices are as follows: adults (150 NOK/$14), seniors (140 NOK/$13), students (130 NOK/$12), and children ages 7–16 (50 NOK/$5).
In the winter (October 1st to April 30th), the prices are as follows: adults (100 NOK/$9.50), seniors (95 NOK/$9), students (80 NOK/$7.50), and children ages 7–16 (35 NOK/$3).
Children under 7 can enter the Alta Museum free of charge.
If you are looking to secure your ticket beforehand and save time from waiting in line upon arrival, you can purchase one directly on their website.
When I was there, it was not crowded at all. But if a cruise ship is in port, I imagine the traffic picks up quite a bit!
Location
The Alta Museum: World Heritage Rock Art Centre is located at Altaveien 19, 9512 in Alta, Norway.
It is only a 7-minute drive from the town center. Alternatively, you can take the bus (services 40 and 44) or walk, which will take just under an hour from the hotels located in the city center.
How much time do you need to spend at the Alta Museum?
You’ll want to allow at least 2 hours for your visit if you are extremely interested in learning more about the history and rocks.
During the winter months, however, the outdoor area is inaccessible, and you can only check out the exhibits indoors. I would plan a bit less time during the winter months, as a result.
Best Time to Visit the Alta Museum
The Alta Museum is open 360 days a year. If possible, try to visit in the summer, as there are various outdoor activities available and you can see the rock carvings. During winter, the outdoor area is closed as it’s covered in snow.
If you opt to visit the Alta Museum during the winter months, you can also pair the museum with a quick drive to the Sami Siida Center, which is only a 6-minute drive from the museum.
The Alta Museum FAQ
What facilities are at the Alta Museum?
On-site facilities include a shop where you can purchase locally produced items and a café that boasts tasty homemade cakes and stunning views of the Alta Fjord. The cafe was a self-serve one when I went, but the outdoor area was closed off during the winter months (totally fine as it was too cold to sit out there).
Is the Alta Museum accessible?
There is an elevator that connects the two floors, making the Alta Museum wheelchair-friendly (and good for strollers).
What activities are available?
In the summer, you can try out various Stone Age activities. These include bow and arrow shooting, stone grinding, and jewelry making, which are perfect for families.
Can you go on a guided tour of the museum?
You certainly can but guided tours must be pre-booked in advance. Prices vary depending on the time of year and range from 350 to 800 NOK ($33–$75) plus your entrance fee.
Additional Tips for Visiting the Alta Museum
- Audio guides are available and come in several languages: Norwegian, English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish. They cost 30–40 NOK ($3–$4).
- Throughout the year, there are several temporary exhibitions held here.
- Get to the museum early, as the car park can fill up in the afternoon.
- During the year, the Alta Museum offers reduced opening hours on certain days, so you’ll need to check this in advance.
Do you have any questions about adding the Alta Museum to your itinerary? Let me know in the comments!
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Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now lives in Finnish Lapland after previous stints in Norway, Germany, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ (2020) and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.