Aktivitetstype: Local Culture

Your adventure begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel, the harbor or the Tourist Information Centre. Sit back and enjoy a scenic 30-minute drive through the Arctic landscape as we leave Alta behind and head towards the small and peaceful village of Kviby.

Here, your Arctic adventure truly begins.

On arrival, you will be provided with warm clothing, gloves and a helmet before your experienced guide gives you a thorough safety briefing and explains everything you need to know about operating your ATV. No previous ATV experience is required – your guide will make sure you feel comfortable and confident before setting off.

Then it’s time to ride.

In small groups, follow your guide along the dramatic Arctic coastline, surrounded by mountains, wilderness and the dark northern sky. Kviby is located in an area known for excellent Northern Lights conditions, far from the bright lights of the city.

And then… look up.

On a clear night, you may see the first green glow appear above the horizon. As the Northern Lights begin to dance across the sky, you will find yourself riding through a landscape that feels almost untouched – with the Arctic wilderness stretching endlessly around you.

There is something truly special about experiencing the Northern Lights from an ATV. You are not standing behind a window or watching from a crowded viewpoint. You are out in the Arctic, surrounded by silence, nature and the open sky.

Your guides are professional, English-speaking and deeply passionate about Northern Norway. They know the landscape, the weather and the best places to look for the lights. They are also great storytellers and will share stories about Arctic nature, local life and the culture of the far north along the way.

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and can never be guaranteed. But our guides will always go the extra mile, carefully watching the weather and cloud conditions and choosing the best possible route for the night.

When the adventure comes to an end, we return safely to your pickup location.

Warm, exhilarated and hopefully with unforgettable memories – and perhaps a few spectacular photographs of you riding beneath the Arctic sky.

This is more than an ATV tour.

It is your chance to ride into the Arctic night and search for the Northern Lights.

When darkness falls over Northern Norway, something begins that can best be described as part adventure, part science project – and just a little bit of madness: The hunt for the Northern Lights. Because yes – finding the aurora is a small science in itself. It’s not just about luck or pretty boots. Especially on cloudy nights, it takes local knowledge, patience, and an eye for nature’s subtle hints.

Sometimes, 200 meters can make the difference between a sky full of dancing lights and… a very dark evening. The adventure begins with a heartwarming visit to some of Northern Norway’s most charming creatures – llamas, alpacas, woolly pigs, and horses. You’ll get the chance to meet, feed, and learn a bit about these friendly Arctic animals before heading out into the night in search of the Northern Lights. As the sky darkens, the real journey begins. In a small, comfortable group – never more than eight people – we set out on a calm, fun, and slightly mysterious chase. Your guide, a true Northern Lights hunter and self-proclaimed weather nerd, reads clouds like others read books and knows exactly where we should go to find nature’s own fireworks.

Along the way, we warm up with hot drinks and a selection of Norwegian delicacies – carefully chosen treats that tell the story of local traditions and northern flavors. Sweet and savory bites – perhaps a little chocolate, something smoked, something unexpected – taste even better under the stars. Because everything feels more magical when there’s laughter in the air, frost on your cheeks, and a touch of anticipation all around. We stop at secret spots where nature breathes, cameras click, and silence falls – until suddenly, the sky explodes into shimmering waves of green light.

Your Northern Lights adventure begins at the Port of Alta or at the Tourist Information, Where we set out together into the Arctic night. Our first stop is the Northern Lights Exibition in the Cathedral – the Perfect introduction to the science, history, and wonder behind the Aurora , setting the stage for the experience ahead. From there, the real chase begins. With a trained Northern Lights guide by your side, we travel to carefully selected viewing spots far form the city lights. Your guide knows exactly where to go for the best chances of clear skies and will help you adjust your camera setting so you can capture the Aurora beautifully.

With warm drinks in hand, we settle in and watch the night sky, waiting for the unforgettable moment when the first green glow appears. And when the Northern Lights begin to dance above us, you’ll experience on of nature’s most breathtaking shows in complete comfort. The tour concludes with a smooth return to the Port of Alta or the Tourist Information – enriched by an evening of Arctic magic and memories you’ll carry with you long after the lights fade.

Alta was deeply affected World War 2 -first occupied by thousands of soldiers and finally burned down near the end of the war.

This tour will explore this story in more depth, with a special focus on the battleship. Tirpitz that was anchored in Kåfjord, just a short distance outside of Alta.

The group will travel by guided tour to the Tirpitz Museum, located in Kåfjord. Founded by local resident Even Blomqvist, the museum is home to a fascination array of objects and photographs from the War and the Tirpitz that help bring the subject in to focus. While we are at the museum, wr are watching a film about the Tirpitz, afterwards we will be roaming through the museum on a guided tour. After the museum visit, the tour resume and includes sites relevant to World war 2, the Tirpitz, and some other aspects of life in Alta, before returning the group to the pier.

Experience the fascinating beauty of Northern Norway on a scenic round trip along the Altafjord. This tour combines spectacular nature, intriguing history, and charming coastal villages.

After a short drive through Alta, our journey first takes us to Kåfjord, a small but highly significant village located about 20 minutes from Alta. Despite its size, Kåfjord played an important role during World War II and is best known as the anchorage of the German battleship Tirpitz. Today, visitors can learn about this fascinating history while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the fjord and the surrounding mountains.

Afterwards, we continue our journey towards Talvik. There, we will stop at the marina for a short photo opportunity. From the waterfront, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the fjord, the surrounding mountains, and the charming village atmosphere that makes Talvik such a special place along Altafjord.                   

From Talvik, we continue to Isnestoften, a cozy fishing village on the Altafjord. At the pier, we serve coffee and hot juice while you enjoy the fresh sea air, admire the view, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the fjord.       

After an eventful day, we return to Alta. There may still be time for a last look at the Northern Lights Cathedral, which especially shines in the evening light during the dark winter months.

Prehistoric ceramics have been found across Finnmark, including Alta that sits on rich clay deposits, perfect for truly local craft. Step into our cozy studio and get hands on with local clay: hear stories from regional history, discover the oldest paint we know, and see how Alta’s iron-rich clay is related to it.

After a quick but rich overview of ceramic basics, it’s your turn to decorate your cup with natural materials, inspired by local motives. This activity doesn’t require any experience, anyone can participate! After you’re done, you leave it to us, we fire your mugs overnight. You will get your ready creation the next day, bringing a little piece of Alta home. We keep it sustainable: materials sourced here in Alta and minimal waste. Welcome to our studio!

NOTE:
Your cup will be ready in 24 hours time (might be a few hours quicker). The cups can be picked up at the Tourism office or at the port.
If needed, we can ship the cup to your home country for NOK 200,- extra + shipment fee that you pay when receiving package.

Visit the World’s Northernmost Igloo Hotel that is built new again each year with a unique theme made from naturally sourced ice and snow.  

Every year in November the field at Sorrisniva transforms to the site of the Igloo hotel and from December to April we welcome guests from all over the world. The ice hotel is built up from scratch every year by local builders and artist, and the theme is ever changing. Visiting the Igloo hotel is a great way to take a break from your everyday life. Stepping into the magical atmosphere you’ll find our main gallery with sculptures and snow carvings, bedrooms, a chapel, suites and the ice bar. Especially the two-room suites are worth a visit. At the Ice bar you can enjoy the Blue Ice Drink served from our handmade ice glasses. Before leaving, make sure you sign the guestbook with your name and a greeting.

Our recommendation:                                   

Combine this tour with a delicious dinner at one of Sorrisniva’s restaurants. Must be booked in advance.

For many travelers, visiting Northern Norway in winter has one ultimate goal: witnessing the Northern Lights. The Vesterålen region offers numerous excellent viewing spots, eliminating the need for long, exhausting drives. Our exclusive Northern Lights safari provides a truly immersive experience.

Guests are picked up directly from their hotels and transported comfortably by bus to Nyksund, a historic fishing village renowned for its stunning coastal landscape and dark, unpolluted skies – perfect for Northern Lights observation.

Time on the day for this tour :
Requirements : –
Equipment : –
Level of difficulty : easy
Wheelchair accessible : yes
Distance to walk : 1 km (optional)
number / intervals of tours : every evening one tour

About the tour
Chasing the Northern Lights: During the one-hour drive to Nyksund, we remain flexible if the Aurora appears en route, we stop to enjoy the spectacle.

Warm Welcome: Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a special Northern Lights welcome drink, followed by a short introduction to our expert guides.

Night Walk Through Nyksund: Equipped with headlamps and spikes (if needed), we explore Nyksund’s rich history and its transformation from an abandoned village to a vibrant cultural hub.

Northern Lights Buffet: A delicious dinner made from locally sourced ingredients
offers an authentic taste of the Arctic.

Aurora Presentation: A fascinating presentation delves into the science and legends of the Northern Lights, blending facts with local stories and personal experiences. If the Northern Lights appear during the talk, we pause the session to step outside and admire the show.

Relax & Enjoy: After the presentation, guests have time to ask questions, share experiences, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere before the return journey.

Itinerary:

• 17:30 – Departure from Melbu
• 17:50 – Departure from Stokmarknes
• 18:30 – Departure from Sortland
• 19:30 – Arrival in Nyksund & welcome drink/snak
• 20:00 – Guided night walk through Nyksund
• 20:45 – Northern Lights buffet
• 21:45 – Aurora presentation
• 22:45 – Social gathering & relaxation
• 23:30 – Departure from Nyksund
• 00:30 – Arrival in Sortland
• 01:00 – Arrival in Stokmarknes
• 01:30 – Arrival in Melbu

Join us for an unforgettable Northern Lights adventure, where nature, history, and Arctic hospitality come together to create a magical night under the polar sky. Would you like to offer this experience to your clients? Contact us now for booking details and availability!

Included:

• Local guide (english)
• Transport from the hotel
• Welcome drink & snack
• Night village walk
• Headlights & spikes
• Dinner (includes one drink)
• Northern Lights presentation (english)

Not included:

• Not Included:
• Pick-up/drop-off at locations other than the designated hotels in each town
• Additional drinks at the basecamp (except for the welcome drink and one drink
  with dinner)
• Guiding and presentation in other languages than english. But depending on the
  situation other langages may be available on request)

Group size : Min: 10 / Max: 45

Our tour follows the traces of the fish farming culture in Vesterålen. Along the Sortlandsundet and the famous Eidsfjord we experience the impressive landscape of Vesterålen. Here the mountain ridges drop directly into the sea. Old trading centres point to the region’s former wealth. But how did people live here in the past? And why do we have the MV Vesterålen, an old Hurtigruten ship, on display in a glass house? All these questions and more will be answered on this trip.

Time on the day for this tour : –
Requirements : –
Equipment : –
Level of difficulty : easy
Wheelchair accessible : yes
Distance to walk : –
Tour length : 3,5 h
number / intervals of tours : 4 busses at the same time,
next bus-groups earlyest after 1,5 hours, better to reuse same
busses. Or every 30 min one bus in the same direction
Photo stop : 1-2

About the tour:
An easy tour where we share the culture of Vesterålen. Our route takes us through a very scenic area. There are 1–2 photo stops (depending on the weather) where the guests can also stretch their feet. The tour can be driven clockwise or counter-clockwise. If two (or four) busses are used, the next bus group may leave after 1.5 hours at the earliest, otherwise the photo stops will overlap. We will visit the Hurtigruten museum before we are driving home again.

Included / not included:
Entry to the museum is not included. Busses are not included in this offer.

Group size: min. 1 / max. full bus.

Nyksund is perhaps one of the most well known places in Vesterålen. Situated offshore, it was once the most prosperous place in Vesterålen, then abandoned and later again rebuilt. Today, Nyksund is a witness of the great fishing era of the last century.

After a guided tour, where we learn about the secrets of this place, there is plenty of time to explore the village yourself and perhaps meet some of the locals, who are always happy to chat. Coffee and cake in a coffee shop of your choice is included in the tour price. On the way there and back, we will pass beautiful landscape.

Time of the day for this tour : –
Requirements : –
Equipment : –
Level of difficulty : easy
Wheelchair accessible : yes (in winter, depending on weather condition)
Distance to walk : 1 km
Tour length : 4 h
number / intervals of tours : 2 busses at the same time, next group of busses after 90 min
Photo stop : 1 (beside the visit of Nyksund)

About the tour:
An exciting tour to experience the history and culture of Vesterålen up close. The paths in Nyksund are not paved but easy to walk on. In winter it can be very slippery. Due to the parking situation and the acceptance of the locals, no more than 2 busses are recommended at the same time. Between mid-June and mid-August there should be no busses sent to Nyksund between 12:00 and 16:00. At that time Nyksund is very busy, there is hardly any parking space and on the narrow road busses tend to cause traffic jams which can lead to a delay of up to 60 minutes.

Included / not included:
Busses are not included in this offer. Coffee and cake can be booked. For visits to the off-season we can guarantee that there will be open toilets and at least one open restaurant in Nyksund for an extra charge of NOK 1000,- per bus.

Group size: min. 1 / max. full bus.