Winter adventures
Alta offers a variety of winter activities to explore its stunning surroundings. Try dog sledding through snowy forests and alongside the Alta River valley, snowmobiling across frozen terrain, or reindeer sledding with the Indigenous Sami community. SarvesAlta Alpine Resort provides slopes for all levels, with views of Alta Fjord. Fat biking and ice fishing are also popular, and a stay at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel adds a unique touch to your Arctic adventure.
Arctic wildlife
While in Alta, immerse yourself in the tranquil Arctic wilderness. The region offers chances to encounter wildlife and enjoy peaceful landscapes, whether reindeer watching or stargazing. During the winter in Norway, it is not amiss to see reindeer and moose near the roadside, and if you look closely you may see the paw prints of Arctic Fox, hares, lynx and more.
Alta also boasts cultural landmarks like Kafjord Kirke and the Alta Museum – home to ancient rock carvings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its rich nature and culture, Alta offers a truly unforgettable Arctic experience.
2. Abisko, Sweden
Abisko is a small village in Swedish Lapland, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and as one of the best places on Earth to see the Northern Lights due to its dry microclimate and clear night skies. It’s a destination that offers tranquillity, adventure, and some of the best winter experiences Sweden has to offer.
Aurora Sky Station
The Aurora Sky Station takes advantage of Abisko’s renowned clear skies and optimal conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. Take a chairlift up to the station, where you can relax on the mountainside whilst waiting for Mother Nature’s performance to begin. Below are the twinkling lights of the village and the deep black shadow of Lake Tornetrask, Sweden’s seventh-largest lake. The station also offers warm meals and informative exhibitions about the science behind the Northern Lights.
Sunvil’s team have enjoyed many-an-evening watching the dazzling curtains of the Aurora Borealis moving across the skies above Abisko. The excitement and emotion never diminish. Other Northern Light excursions on offer include Aurora hunts, photo tours, wilderness dinners and snowmobile experiences.
National parks and hiking
Abisko National Park is a haven for nature lovers, with its snow-covered trails perfect for winter hiking and cross-country skiing. While the Kungsleden (King’s Trail) starts here and offers a stunning journey through the Lapland wilderness, it’s not accessible in winter. Instead, the park features the splendid Tjäktja Trail, a winter-friendly hike that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-covered landscape. In winter, the area transforms into a pristine, white wonderland, offering a peaceful backdrop for your adventures.
Ice climbing and snowshoeing
For those looking for something more adventurous, Abisko offers ice climbing on frozen waterfalls and snowshoeing through deep snow. The area’s dramatic landscapes provide an ideal setting for these activities, combining physical challenge with awe-inspiring scenery. Another popular activity is a journey on the historic Ofoten railway to the Norwegian coastal town of Narvik. The views along the route are truly breathtaking. Stay in Narvik or combine Abisko with Tromso, the Lofoten and even Havila and Hurtigruten coastal cruises.
