Alta is located at 70 degrees north, far above the Arctic Circle. Alta is considered the northernmost city in the world with a population surpassing 10,000. The 9.81-square-kilometre (2,420-acre) town has a population (2023) of 15,931. At this latitude, nature is in total control.
Alta is a good place to see the Northern Lights due the region’s relatively stable climate and minimal light pollution, particularly when heading out of town into the surrounding wilderness. The Aurora has been known to be seen here for up to 200 nights a year.
Alta is a center of transportation in Finnmark county. The town has port facilities along Altafjorden, just alongside Alta Airport in Elvebakken. The airport has direct flights to Oslo and certain other big cities in Norway like Tromsø. The European route E6 highway also runs through the town and the European route E45 has its northern terminus in the town. The main industries present in Alta include a concrete product factory; several wood mills and sawmills; and dairy, horticulture trade, and maritime services.
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