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Alta Canyon Norway – Hiking in Alta

Alta, Norway, offers a variety of activities in every season. One of these is a hike to the Alta Canyon – a.k.a. Sautso, as locals call it.

Alta, Norway, offers a variety of activities in every season. One of these is a hike to the Alta Canyon – a.k.a. Sautso, as locals call it.

Alta Canyon Norway Hiking Trail Info

  • Trail Length: 6.5 km one way (13 km in total)
  • Trail elevation gain: 200 m
  • Required time: 4 -6 hours
  • Alta Canyon highest point: 420 m
  • Difficulty: Easy / Medium

How to Get There

The Alta Canyon Trailhead is about 26 km from Alta. Although Google suggests about half an hour driving, in practice, it takes about an hour to reach the place on the not-in-so-good-shape roads.

The hiking trail starts about a 4.5 km drive from Gargia Lodge. The asphalt on the road ends at Gargia Lodge and the rest of the road is gravel, but most of the time (especially during summer) you can pass it by normal car.

Map of Alta Canyon Hike -Sautso Hiking Map

When to Hike the Alta Canyon

In wintertime, you need snowshoes to conquer this trail, but summer and early autumn offer much easier conditions. We would suggest you hike in June or July when the midnight sun makes the location even more special.

The best time to hike in the Alta Canyon is from June till September. Around May, floods often make the trail harder, sometimes even dangerous.

About the trail to Sautso Alta Canyon

The trail is 13 km long both ways and is relatively easy, but it still requires sturdy footwear due to the rocky and sometimes muddy parts.

The only steeper sections are before the viewpoint.

The Alta Canyon Viewpoint

The viewpoint is exposed, you will be on the top of an almost vertical wall. The views are stunning from the edge of the Canyon. It is definitely worth the effort!

alta canyon hiking

Author Bio – Team of Amazing Lapland

The best way to learn about the magical Lapland is through the eyes and experiences of locals from Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

Let us show you the best places to explore, hike, and visit in Amazing Lapland.

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