Cruise Destination ALTA: practices, challenges and opportunities

Nordlandsforskning

The slate quarry near Alta showcases demonstrations of both old and new techniques used in slate production. It offers insights into the historical significance of this demanding trade, which has been a cornerstone of the local economy for two centuries. Visitors can learn about the challenges, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage associated with the slate industry in the region.

Cruise tourists in Alta can experience Sami culture at Sami Siida, located outside the city. They can visit the restaurant, meet reindeer, and learn about Sami traditions. Another option is a trip to the interior of Finnmark county to meet a Sami family, ride a reindeer-pulled sled, and explore Sami history and traditions.

Northern Lights Cathedral and BorealisAlta 

The  Northern Lights Cathedral offers guided tours to cruise tourists. Here they can learn about the construction and symbolism both inside and out of the Cathedral and visit Borealis Alta inside the church building, an interactive Northern Lights exhibition that aims to bring the science and history of the aurora borealis to life. Cruise guest can also attend a concert in the church, where they are offered coffee and cake afterwards. The typical visit to the church and Northern Lights center lasts about one hour. 

The museum, located 20 km from the Alta harbor, showcases the history and artifacts of the German Navy's occupation in World War II, particularly the battleship Tirpitz. While open from June 15th to August 31st, arrangements can be made for visits outside of the regular season and opening hours.

The Ice Hotel, built annually from snow and ice, offers a unique experience for cruise guests visiting Alta. Decorated with ice sculptures and carvings created by local artists, the hotel features around 30 rooms, as well as lounges, a gallery, a chapel, and a bar with ice glasses. It has become increasingly popular among cruise tourists, with some cruise companies booking the entire hotel for their guests. The hotel offers guided tours for guests to learn about the ice carving process, the opportunity to try their hand at sculpting, enjoy a drink at the Icebar, and even spend the night in the Ice Hotel with dinner.

One of the popular excursions for cruise guests in Alta is a Northern Lights tour. Guests are transported by bus to a suitable location where they can witness the phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis. Some cruise ships even arrange a talk about the Northern Lights before the trip. Due to the unpredictable weather, the tour companies decide on the evening of the excursion where to go. Knowledgeable guides accompany the guests, seeking the best conditions for viewing the Northern Lights and assisting tourists in setting up their cameras for optimal photography opportunities.

In summer, cruise guests have the opportunity to visit Sautso, the largest canyon in northern Europe, located 45 km outside of Alta. Additionally, they can enjoy scenic river cruises on traditional wooden riverboats, with trip durations ranging from 20 minutes to 2 hours.

Cruise guests in Alta have a range of options to explore the surrounding region, including horseback riding, horse-drawn sled rides, reindeer or dog sledding, snowshoeing, and skiing. These experiences can be combined, such as snowshoe hiking and ice fishing. Dogsledding is a particularly popular activity, allowing guests to interact with huskies, drive their own sleds, and learn about the sport of dogsledding and dog raising.

Winter offers the opportunity for cruise guests in Alta to experience driving their own snowmobiles. With guidance and instruction from a guide, guests are equipped with the necessary gear and taught how to operate the snowmobiles. They can then embark on thrilling rides through the untamed Arctic terrain, exploring the area's natural beauty. These snowmobile tours, ranging from a few hours to a full day, start from the Icehotel and are a popular activity among cruise guests.

“I like tourists to have enough time so that when I speak to them, they have the opportunity to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of what I really meant”

“If you are good with English people, it is not necessarily the case that you are a good guide with Mexicans as well. You have to learn from doing tours with different nationalities.”

“"I had almost as many people at work to take care of individual guests as I needed to take care of groups of 50 tourists because these groups come with a guide who coordinates and communicates with their guests."”

We are delighted to present this research publication on the practices, challenges and opportunities of cruise tourism in the destination Alta. This topic is highly significant in the context of the Arctic tourism industry, and we are honored to be part of the dialogue surrounding it.

The completion of this research project involved extensive efforts in conducting thorough research, analyzing data, and presenting the gathered information in a coherent and insightful manner. Our objective was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and challenges associated with tourism practices in cruise destinations.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed to the realization of this project. We extend our appreciation to the dedicated team members, researchers, and experts who generously shared their expertise, insights, and valuable time. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the depth and quality of the research findings.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the individuals and stakeholders who participated in interviews, surveys, and provided invaluable data and perspectives. Their willingness to engage and share their experiences has been fundamental in enriching the findings presented in this publication.

Furthermore, we would like to acknowledge the support and cooperation received from the Research Council of Norway in financing the project project Sustainable Arctic cruise tourism communities: From practice to governance (grant number 301540), Nord University, the Nordland Research Institute, Dalarna University, Aalborg University, Uppsala University and the Icelandic Tourism Research Centre. 

It is our sincere hope that this research publication will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders in the tourism industry. May it contribute to meaningful discussions, inspire innovative solutions, and foster the adoption of sustainable practices in cruise destinations in the Arctic.

We would like to express our gratitude to all individuals who have contributed their time, expertise, and dedication to this research endeavor. Your efforts have been invaluable in bringing this publication to fruition.

Hindertje Hoarau-Heemstra and Albina Pashkevich

The museum in Alta was one of the early beneficiaries of cruise tourism, with cruise guests first arriving in the summer of 2003. The museum takes advantage of the summer months to showcase stone-age rock carvings located outside, which is not feasible during the dark and snowy winter season. However, the museum offers indoor exhibits and operates a souvenir shop throughout the year, catering to visitors regardless of the weather condition

Cruise Destination ALTA: practices, challenges and opportunities

Foreword