Alta is a small town in Northern Norway, but it has plenty of reasons to visit it regardless of what time of year you plan to do so! This guide covers where to stay in Alta, Norway, including my top hotel picks, unique accommodation (including an igloo hotel!), 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!)
- Dog-sledding with Holmen Husky (an ethical tour option)
- 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!
When you compare Alta to a much larger city like Tromso, you will be surprised at how many diverse options you have for places to stay!
Sure, you have your standard city center hotels, but you also have hotels in Alta that are on the outskirts and specialize in different activities (ie. dog-sledding!).
In my Alta hotels and lodging guide, you will see options that are suitable for any travel no matter how big or small their budget is. At the end of the guide, I also included a map since most of these accommodation options are NOT in the Alta city center.
Please let me know if you have any questions regarding where to stay in Alta (or nearby). Thanks!
In this post...
Best Hotels in Alta, Norway (at a Glance)
If you don’t have time to read this guide, here is a quick overview of the best hotels in Alta and which one I think is best for you!
📸 Best northern lights hotel in Alta: Glød Aurora Domes
💕 Best hotel in Alta for couples: Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel (only available in winter – perfect honeymoon spot!)
🚸 Best hotel in Alta for families (and kids): Trasti & Trine (offers many activities, including husky sledding), Holmen Husky Lodge (also a husky hotel!)
🎨 Best city center hotel in Alta: Thon Hotel Alta
💰 Best budget hotel in Alta: Canyon Hotell
Honestly, every hotel on this list is good! I And most of the hotels that are not in the city center will arrange your itinerary itinerary for you. It is a win/win. I find Alta such a great destination with a lot of things to do for this reason alone!
Where to Stay in Alta, Norway
1. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel (& Arctic Wilderness Lodge)
Those looking for a unique experience should check out Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, the world’s northernmost igloo hotel (it barely edges out the one in Kirkenes!). Built on the edge of the Alta River, this property is around a 20-minute drive from the town of Alta.
Every year in the winter, experienced builders and artists build this hotel out of snow and ice. The artistic theme is different each year and there are three types of rooms to choose from; the Igloo Suite, the Igloo Family Room, and the Igloo Room.
The Igloo Suites offer the most luxurious experience, where you can enjoy unique sculptures inside your room. Some of these are even lit up! Everything you see is carved from ice including the bed and furniture.
On-site, there’s also the Arctic Wilderness Lodge, which shares facilities with Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel and is open year-round, unlike the igloo hotel. These facilities include a restaurant, bar, and lounge area. During the winter, there’s also an ice bar (which is in the ice hotel).
Another highlight of staying at this hotel is the variety of activities and experiences on offer, including snowmobiling and snowshoeing.
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is open from December 20th to April 7th. I had the opportunity to visit in winter and you can read about my experience visiting Sorrisniva here.
Check rates on Booking.com
Check rates on Hotels.com2. Holmen Husky Lodge
Holmen Husky Lodge is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Alta, Norway. It’s just a short 10-minute drive from town so you’ll be in a great location too.
As the name suggests, this lodge is known for its authentic interaction with Alaskan huskies, as well as their mushers. Throughout the year, this hotel offers dog-sledding and dog-carting experiences where you can explore the wilderness in style.
Holmen Husky Lodge also offers a variety of other activities, including guided snowshoe hikes, whale watching, fishing, and reindeer experiences. There are some excellent facilities on-site too including a restaurant, jacuzzi, sauna, and ice bath.
This lodge is also taking bookings for their beautiful Forest Suites which open in November. These A-Frame cabins offer striking forest views, a spacious lounge area, and a bedroom with large windows, where you stargaze and look out for the Northern Lights.
Holmen Husky Lodge even offers an adoption program for their retired sled dogs, so you may come home with more than good memories!
3. Thon Hotel Alta
If you’re looking for conveniently located places to stay in Alta, then I’d suggest checking out Thon Hotel Alta. It’s located in the center of town, in the same building that houses the AMFI Alta shopping center. I stayed there on my last trip and loved it!
There are a variety of rooms at Thon Hotel Alta, some of which are pet-friendly. These rooms sleep 2-4 people making them suitable for couples and small groups/families. Not to mention they offer plenty of amenities such as free WiFi and a tea/coffee maker.
Couples can also enjoy the romantic package, where rose petals, drinks of your choice, and chocolate-dipped strawberries will be waiting for your arrival.
On-site facilities include a fitness center, conference facilities, and a restaurant called Brasseri Alta. The latter often organizes theme nights such as seafood buffets, afternoon tea, and steak evenings, so you’ll want to check out what’s on during your stay!
Another highlight of staying at Thon Hotel Alta is that you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet and complimentary coffee from the lobby. I took full advantage of both!
4. Trasti and Trine
Trasti and Trine is another of the best places to stay in Alta as it’s just a 15-minute drive from the town.
This hotel is also certified by Ecotourism Norway, so you can enjoy nature and culture-based experiences without having to worry about their sustainability.
As well as offering authentic experiences, Trasti and Trine organize activities in the local area wherever possible and prioritize local and organic food.
This hotel offers a range of accommodation options, including a boutique hotel, guesthouse, cabin, and a fish lodge which is located along the Alta River. No matter your travel preferences, you’re sure to find something that suits you!
A highlight of staying at this hotel is its restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious local produce. The courses depend on the season and you can indulge in fine dining or opt for a more traditional country meal. Fresh seafood such as oysters are also available.
During your stay, you can try out a cooking course or spend some time with the hotel’s huskies, whether that be through dog-sledding or hiking.
5. Scandic Hotel Alta
Those looking to stay in the center of town should check out Scandic Alta. This property boasts a fantastic location as you’ll be just a short walk from the Cathedral of the Northern Lights, cinema, and shopping center.
At Scandic Alta, you’ll have a variety of rooms to choose from. These sleep between 2-4 people and are perfect for couples and small families. The Junior Suites and Presidential Suite offer the most luxury with some even featuring a private balcony.
Those staying at this hotel can also enjoy its fantastic facilities. These include a fitness center, sauna, 24-hour shop, and business rooms/facilities. Bikes are available to hire too so you’ll have no problems exploring the area.
Scandic Hotel Alta also boasts a restaurant where breakfast is served (this is included with your stay) and Restaurant Nordlys & Bar, which specializes in Scandinavian cuisine, although they do offer international classics as well.
Not only that, but this hotel offers pet-friendly rooms so the whole family can come along!
6. Canyon Hotell
Canyon Hotell is also set in the center of Alta, just a short walk from the town’s bus station. It’s just steps away from Aurora Cinema Alta and various nearby restaurants.
Boasting cozy cabin-style architecture and Nordic charm, Canyon Hotell is the perfect Alta base (and is budget-friendly). With its hearty breakfast buffet, extensive facilities, and fantastic location, this property has so much to offer!
Boasting an exclusive yoga studio, sauna, cocktail bar, and nightclub, this place really does have something for everyone. There’s also an on-site restaurant called Raus, which serves classic American dishes with a Northern Norwegian twist.
If you stay here, you’ll benefit from self-check-in and a free breakfast buffet, where you can choose from various dishes, fresh pastries, and fruit. This hotel is also a great option for families as there’s a special kid zone where children can enjoy fun and games.
If you still weren’t convinced, Canyon Hotell offers beautifully decorated rooms that are equipped with a TV, desk, and Chromecast among other amenities. Some bathrooms also have heated floors for your comfort!
7. Glød Aurora Canvas Domes
Finally, we have Glød! This site is around a 10-minute drive from town and is set in a beautiful area, really allowing you to connect with the pristine nature of Norway.
There are two types of accommodation on offer; the GLØD Aurora Canvas Dome and the Glød Boutique Apartment, which can sleep up to 5 people.
The GLØD Aurora Canvas Domes face northwards and offer spectacular forest views, but they also feature a transparent canvas. Thanks to this, you can spot the Northern Lights while simply lying in bed.
Boasting a small toilet room, underfloor heating, a wood-burning stove, and an electric blanket, these domes offer the ultimate comfort during the winter season. Breakfast is also included.
Alternatively, there’s the Glød Boutique Apartment which is more suited to groups and families. This studio-style apartment has one bedroom, a spacious lounge (with a sofa bed that sleeps 2), a kitchen, and a bathroom. The property even has a sauna!
Another reason to choose Glød is that there are a variety of activities and package deals on offer.
Alta Hotels & Accommodation (On a Map!)
Did I miss any of the best hotels in Alta, Norway in this guide? Let me know in the comments. Thanks!
More Northern Norway Travel Guides
- Best things to do in Alta
- Visiting the Alta Museum
- Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel review
- Best things to do in Kirkenes
- Where to stay in Kirkenes
- Best things to do in Honningsvag
- Best things to do in Hammerfest
- Best things to do in Bugøynes
- Tromso in winter
- Tromso in summer
- Visiting North Cape, Norway
- Ice hotels in Norway
Pin this Alta Accommodation Guide
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.