Downtown Alta, Bossekop and Elvebakken

After adapting the bikes and helmets, we ride eastwards via Sandfallet and at the end have views of Kronstad, Elvebakken and the lower reaches of the Alta river. We pass the Altabakken ski jumps where the legendary ski jumper Bjørn Wirkola was dominant.

The next stop is Alta’s mountain, Komsa. This nice hike to the top (212 m above sea level) offers wonderful views in all directions, including downtown Alta, Halddetoppen where the world’s first Northern Lights observatory was built and the Altafjord and the islands of Seiland and Stjernøya. You will also have great views of the Alta Valley and the world-famous salmon river, Altaelva, which meanders through the valley on its way to the coast. You can also see all the way to Hjemmeluft, the site of the famous rock art, which is our next stop!

UNESCO

In the summer of 1925, archaeologists found the first ancient Stone Age monuments at the foot of the mountain Komsa. The findings consisted of smaller, unclear settlements and objects, which became quickly known as the “Komsa culture”. After that, the rock art (paintings and carvings) in Alta were found (around 1950), and these are so comprehensive and complete that they are now on the UNESCO World Heritage List (1985). You can enjoy these amazing cultural treasures in full if you visit the Alta Museum, which includes most of the rock art.

However, we take you to a hidden treasure! We know about a small area of rock art that has not been adapted for tourists, allowing you to see what it’s like in reality.

Hiking & biking

The hike up and down Komsatoppen is about 2.6 km. This is a relatively easy walk on a clearly marked path, which suits most people, but there are a few small rocky and slightly steep sections.

The bike ride out to Sandfallet and to the rock at Hjemmeluft and back again is roughly 20 km. The surface varies between gravel and sealed roads and not too many ascents – but some!