New Arctic Route Reconnects Helsinki with Alta, Bringing Easier Access to Nature and Culture

Finnair is scheduled to operate flights from Helsinki to Alta via Kittilä five times a week, starting 29 March and continuing through 22 October 2026. This seasonal route connects travellers directly with Alta, a town in Northern Norway known for its Arctic landscape of fjords and tundra plateaus. Nicknamed the "City of the Northern Lights," Alta sits far enough from coastal storms and bright city lights to offer reliably clear skies in winter. It is one of those rare spots where catching the aurora feels more like waiting than chasing.

Bringing back these seasonal flights makes it much easier for visitors to get around and gives a solid boost to local tourism in Finnmark, where remote areas usually see fewer travellers. With flights arriving more regularly, local guides and small tourism operators can plan ahead more easily. At the same time, visitors don’t have to rely on long drives anymore to reach Arctic nature or learn about Sámi life up close. These developments mark a step forward in improving the accessibility of Arctic travel.

Among Alta’s notable attractions is the Alta Canyon, one of Northern Europe’s largest, where a marked trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking the dramatic river valley. If hiking up hills isn’t your thing, you can still get there by hopping on a bus that takes you straight to the viewpoint. The Altafjord offers calm conditions for boat cruises or kayaking, and during the summer months, some visitors even swim in the cold Arctic waters beneath the midnight sun.

Alta isn’t just about scenery. It also gives travellers a window into Northern Europe’s long past and the everyday lives of the Sámi people. The Alta Museum displays prehistoric rock carvings over 6,000 years old, featuring scenes of rituals and hunting life. In the nearby village of Máze, visitors can observe contemporary Sámi life, including reindeer herding, oral storytelling, and participation in traditional tasks that reflect enduring Indigenous customs.

The expansion of air service to Alta reflects a broader shift in travel interests, with more people seeking destinations that offer substance and authenticity over mass tourism. Alta, with its raw landscapes, quiet atmosphere, and layered history, stands out as a meaningful alternative to more commercialised parts of Northern Europe.