Most travelers will find that a week to eight days is perfect for a well-paced Norway trip with stops in both Alta and Tromsø. It's also possible to hit the highlights in five or six days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include Oslo, Inner Troms, or Lyngen. Keep reading for more inspiring Alta and Tromsø itineraries.

How many days do you need in Alta & Tromsø?

  • Most travelers spend 7-8 days in Alta and Tromsø combined
  • Visiting Alta and Tromsø in 5 or 6 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
  • With 9 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
  • The most common extensions are Oslo, Inner Troms, and Lyngen

How Many Days to Spend in Norway

Recommended Itineraries for Alta & Tromsø

Recommended Itinerary for 1 Week

Prime territory for spotting the Northern Lights
Prime territory for spotting the northern lights
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Tromsø Tromsø
Day 2 Explore Tromsø & Chase the Northern Lights Tromsø
Day 3 Transfer to Trapper's Farm - Overnight Excursion Tromsø
Day 4 Drive to Alta & Explore Alta
Day 5 Experience a dog sled ride and relax in your tented bungalow Alta
Day 6 Enjoy skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling near Alta Alta
Day 7 Depart Alta  


This exciting and less-traveled winter adventure takes you deep into Norway's boreal territory. Your week-long tour between November and April begins in the quietly sophisticated city of Tromsø, where you can sled with huskies during the day and chase the northern lights after dark. Continue to Alta by car or bus for snowsports in the Arctic wilderness and a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of rock carvings. To up the Alta adventure factor, spend your last two nights in a nearby hotel made of snow and ice. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days

This is prime territory for spotting the Northern Lights
This is prime territory for spotting the northern lights
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Tromsø Tromsø
Day 2 Explore Tromsø & Chase the Northern Lights Tromsø
Day 3 Transfer to Trapper's Farm - Overnight Excursion Tromsø
Day 4 Breakfast at Trapper's Farm - Return to Tromsø Tromsø
Day 5 Transfer to Alta Alta
Day 6 Experience a dog sled ride and relax in your tented bungalow Alta
Day 7 Enjoy skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling near Alta Alta
Day 8 Depart Norway  


This exciting and less-traveled winter adventure (November to April) takes you deep into Norway's boreal territory for spectacular snowcapped scenery. The tour begins in the quietly sophisticated city of Tromsø, where you can sled with huskies during the day and chase the northern lights after dark. Continue to Alta for snowsports in the Arctic and a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of rock carvings. Read more

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Extended Itineraries

1-Week Itinerary Including Kirkenes & Karasjok

A view of Aurora Borealis near Tromsø, Norway.
A view of aurora borealis near Tromsø, Norway.
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Tromsø Tromsø
Day 2 Explore Tromsø in Winter Tromsø
Day 3 Tromsø -> Drive to Alta Alta
Day 4 Alta - Drive to Karasjok Karasjok
Day 5 Karasjok -> Drive to Kirkenes Kirkenes
Day 6 Explore Kirkenes Kirkenes
Day 7 Depart Kirkenes  


This scenic winter adventure traverses the Norwegian Arctic and checks off a number of natural and cultural sites starting in the city of Tromsø, nicknamed "Paris of the North." From here, hit the road and see rock art in Alta, learn about the Indigenous Sámi people in Karasjok, and visit a hotel made of snow along the Finnish/Russian border. Each day ends with another opportunity to view the northern lights in this beautiful and remote part of the world. Read more

2-Week Itinerary Including Oslo, Bergen, Henningsvær, Hamnøy, Reine & the Hurtigruten Coastal Ferry

Explore wintry villages in the Lofoten Islands like this one
Explore wintry villages in the Lofoten Islands like this one
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Oslo Oslo
Day 2 Train to Flåm - Fjord Wintercruise - Train to Bergen Bergen
Day 3 Explore Bergen with a Local Bergen
Day 4 Bergen - Fly to Bodø - Ferry to Moskenes Reine
Day 5 Explore Reine & Hamnøy Hamnøy
Day 6 Drive to Henningsvær Henningsvær
Day 7 Drive to Svolvær - Hurtigruten Hurtigruten
Day 8 Hurtigruten - Arrive in Tromsø Tromsø
Day 9 Explore Tromsø in Winter Tromsø
Day 10 Transfer to Trapper's Farm - Overnight Excursion Tromsø
Day 11 Flight to Alta & Explore Alta
Day 12 Enjoy skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling near Alta Alta
Day 13 Alta - Flight to Oslo Oslo
Day 14 Depart Oslo  


This two-week adventure from late September to late March covers a great deal of Norwegian ground for an unforgettable winter trip. You'll experience snow-covered scenery as you visit Norway's lower half (Oslo, Flåm, Bergen) before flying north to the Arctic Circle. From Bodø, you'll catch a ferry to the Lofoten Islands—the southwestern point of this dramatic archipelago with granite mountains shooting up from the sea. Finish the tour with an overnight coastal steamer and enjoy unique activities in Tromsø and Alta before returning back to Oslo for one more night on the town. Read more

How to travel between Alta & Tromsø

How to get to Tromsø
Tromsø is one of the best places to see the northern lights, which is one of the most beautiful wonders of the world. Tromsø is located in northern Norway and is above the Arctic Circle. Read more

How to get from Tromsø to Alta
There are a few ways to arrive at Alta from Tromsø, a distance of 185 miles (298 km). The fastest way to go is by plane, with flights daily and different airline carriers to choose from. However, if you have time, road-tripping is a great way to enjoy this fascinating northern landscape that passes through fjords, lakes, and mountain crossings. Read more

Map

Map of Alta & Tromsø: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Alta & Tromsø: Best Itinerary Ideas