The canoeing trip

We start by driving up the valley of Tverrelvdalen past the slate quarries at Stilla and Nullpunktet – where the historic demonstrations against the construction of the hydroelectric power plant took place – then up to Sautso. We start paddling 2 km down river from the dam and you will soon gain your first experience of northern Europe’s largest canyon.

Few people venture into the Alta Canyon, primarily because it’s so difficult to get there. You will experience incredible nature, eagles, salmon, various duck species and long river boats in perfect union! If we’re lucky, we can add a moose and fox as well!

We set up camp just below the Alta Canyon. We can gather around the campfire and talk about the incredible nature we have experienced and the huge and majestic Canyon we have just paddled down. Many may need the night for the experience to sink in so that we don’t run out of things to talk about during breakfast. We then paddle further down the river and hopefully experience the eccentric salmon fishing that takes place in the Alta River.

The trip ends at Sorrisniva or Bollo, roughly 25 km further down river. We expect to be back in Alta between 16.00 and 18.00 (4-6pm), but this time may be adapted to suit your plans.

Nature and animal life

The upper reaches of the Alta River take us through Alta Canyon, a rare natural gem best enjoyed from a silently flowing canoe. Few people make it up here, apart from those who can fish here. Further down the valley, the landscape is dominated by forest, cultural and agricultural areas.  Paddling in a canoe provides a close-up encounter with the animal life, such as white-tailed sea eagles, various duck species and, if you’re lucky, the king of the forest, the moose.

Accommodation

We stay overnight in a tent or lavvu (Sami herdsmen’s tent) in the mid part of the river just below the Alta Canyon. Participants require a sleeping bag and ground pad. If you don’t have these, you may rent them from us). Check the equipment list. What could possibly bring you closer to nature than sleeping in a tent and hearing the flowing river and animal life outside.

A culinary journey

The trip down the river is also a culinary experience. We aspire to serve good food, preferably grilled over an open fire on the riverbank. Dishes based on reindeer, king crab, salmon and berries are among those prepared over the open fire, depending on the season. Lunch and dinner on day one and breakfast and lunch on day two are included in the tour price. We recommend participants to eat a solid breakfast before setting off on this trip.

History

The Alta River (or Altaelva as it’s known in Norwegian) plays a central part of the history of Alta and forms an important part of the identity of locals of Alta. During the trip, your guide will tell you about the history of the river, organisation of fishing rights, the damming of the river and construction of the hydroelectric power plant and the subsequent years.

You may also choose a tour of the Alta Hydroelectric Power Station – the dam and the viewing room. However, as this is not included, it must be agreed in advance.

Previous canoeing experience

Although the river is relatively calm for long stretches, it also contains many rapids that require that participants have some paddling experience. We will review some training and routines before setting off. All participants use life jackets so, if we are unlucky enough to capsize, this will be undramatic. The temperature in the water is often up to 16 °C in the summer and the water level is relatively low. However, the upper reaches of the river is somewhat “freer”, so it’s necessary to know where to paddle to reduce the risk of overturning and accidents. Our guides know the area well, so they know where to paddle!

Combinations, mountain biking or three-day paddling trip

This tour may be combined with mountain biking trips of varying durations. Alternatively, you may combine it with our one-day canoeing trip, so you end up with a three-day canoeing adventure. On such trips, we spend the first night at Jotka Fjellstue.

 

For further information and to book a trip, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

As an extra measure this summer, we offer free cancellation of the activity up to one week prior to arrival.

Here are our terms and conditions.