High on the northern coast of Norway, deep in the Arctic Circle, is the town of Alta. It's the largest settlement and greenest area in the sparsely-populated Finnmark district. Alta stands at the junction of the E6 coast road, heading to Nordkapp at the northern extreme of Norway, and the Rv93, which runs south into Sweden. Alta has an airport and harbour, and has become a centre for exploring Finnmark. Visitors who hire a car in Alta can drive off to experience activities like dog sledding, reindeer sleighs, snowmobile safaris as well as seeing the Sami culture, the Northern Lights and midnight sun. The River Altaelva is popular salmon fishing spot, including regular visits from Norwegian royalty.
If you hire a car in Alta you can fully explore the attractions of one of the world's most northerly cities. Alta stands alongside its own scenic fjord and the mouth of the River Altaelva, which has carved out one of Europe's biggest gorges here. In the winter, there's an ice hotel for visitors. Elsewhere in the town, there's a lively pedestrian shopping centre and a selection of churches ranging from a 21st-century modern cathedral to an old monument dating from 1830. The local highlight however, is the chance to walk on boardwalks among the protected ancient rock carvings of hunting scenes at Hjemmeluft World Heritage Site.
