Alta Museum sits in Alta, in Finnmark county in northern Norway, at Altaveien 19. It is also known as the Rock Art Museum, Hjemmeluft, or the World Heritage Rock Art Centre, and it is built around one of the region's most important archaeological sites: prehistoric rock carvings that are around 6,000 years old.
The carvings are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Alta is the northernmost UNESCO site in the world. For visitors, that makes this a rare chance to see ancient rock art in its Arctic setting, rather than only in a book or a photograph.
What to expect
- Prehistoric rock carvings, dating back about 6,000 years
- A museum built around the World Heritage rock art
- A northern location that suits anyone interested in archaeology, prehistory or Arctic landscapes
The museum is best suited to visitors with an interest in history, archaeology or the cultural heritage of northern Scandinavia. Because it focuses on a specific and well-defined collection, it works well as a focused visit rather than a broad day out.
Around the museum
Alta is a town in Finnmark, a region known for its wide open landscapes, its northern light and its long history of human settlement. Visitors combining the museum with time in the area will find the rock art a useful starting point for understanding how people have lived in this part of Norway for thousands of years.
For current opening times, admission details and bookings, contact the museum by phone on +47 78 45 63 30 before you travel.