Alta Canyon, also known as Sautso, is the largest canyon in Northern Europe, yet it remains somewhat off the radar for most tourists. This means you can experience the breathtaking views of the canyon in relative solitude. While the hike to the canyon offers a relatively easy path, it’s a bit long, so be prepared to spend at least half a day on the trail.
About the Alta Canyon Trail
- Elevation Gain: 200 m
- Highest Point: 420 m
- Difficulty: Easy to Medium
- Length: 6.5 km one way (13 km round trip)
- Duration: 4 to 6 hours
The trail is mostly manageable, with only a few tricky sections. Near the end, you’ll encounter a steep descent to the viewpoint and a river crossing that can be a little challenging, especially after spring flooding (May to June). It’s advisable to avoid the hike during high waters, as the rivers can become dangerous. Good hiking boots are essential, as parts of the trail are rocky and muddy. Hiking poles can also make the descent easier, as some sections are steep and slippery.
One of the most important things to prepare for during the summer months is the local insect population. Lapland is infamous for its mosquitos, so be sure to bring a hat with a net to protect yourself, as insect repellent alone won’t cut it.
River Crossings and Terrain
The Alta Canyon trail involves crossing three rivers, which range in difficulty:
- The first river crossing is straightforward, both on foot and by bike.
- The second river crossing is slightly more challenging, especially if you’re cycling.
- The third one features a wobbly plank to cross, making it trickier for cyclists, though it’s still manageable by foot.
If you’re planning to bike the trail, be prepared to carry your bike across the rivers. While the trail is generally doable with a mountain bike, the crossings could make it more difficult.
Getting to Alta Canyon
The trailhead is located about 4.5 km from Gargia Lodge. The road to the trailhead starts as a paved route but turns into a gravel road that is still passable by a standard car. Just drive cautiously, as the gravel road is full of bumps. The drive from Alta to the trailhead takes about an hour.
For easy navigation, you can use the Maps.me app, which provides excellent trail maps and parking locations. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the canyon by boat along the river, or with a guide to visit the Alta Dam. However, the dam area is protected, and you’ll need a guide to access it.
The Alta Canyon: Nature and Wildlife
Alta Canyon, or Sautso in Sami, is a massive geological wonder. The canyon reaches depths of up to 420 meters, and the Alta River that runs through it is one of the top salmon rivers in the world. The river stretches for about 240 km, with water flows reaching up to 1000 m³/s during the spring floods. The river is famous for its salmon runs, with some anglers catching salmon weighing up to 26.7 kg using fly fishing techniques.
My Personal Experience on the Alta Canyon Trail
I had been training for this hike, but just five weeks before the trip, I suffered an injury to my knee. For weeks, I couldn’t put weight on it and had to rely on a crutch. As the hike approached, I wasn’t sure how I would manage, but I decided to push through.
Starting the hike, I was immediately struck by the pristine Lapland landscape. The path was mostly flat with just a few gentle ascents. We crossed our first river easily, as the weather had been dry. However, I’d imagine the rivers would be more challenging to cross earlier in the season when the snow is melting.
At the halfway point, we took a short detour to explore a waterfall and a smaller canyon. It was a lovely break from the main trail, and I highly recommend it to anyone doing this hike. The terrain began to get rockier as we approached the second river crossing, but it wasn’t difficult to navigate. The wide-angle lens on my camera made the river look less daunting, but it was actually a bit bigger than it seemed in photos.
After crossing some mud and another tricky river, the final section of the trail was the hardest. The last 500 meters felt incredibly long, especially with my injured knee. But once I reached the viewpoint, the effort was more than worth it. The canyon, with its deep ravines and expansive views, was absolutely stunning.
There are two main viewpoints at the canyon, both offering different perspectives of the river below. The trail along the edge of the canyon leads to the second viewpoint, but space is limited, which made it feel even more special to be there without any other tourists around.
Returning from the Trail
The hike back was a bit more challenging. My leg was getting tired, and the mosquitoes were out in full force. But after taking a painkiller, I felt much better and was able to enjoy the journey back. Despite the discomfort, I felt a great sense of accomplishment. The Alta Canyon trail was not just a physical challenge, but it also gave me the opportunity to experience one of Northern Norway’s most remarkable natural wonders.
In the end, the hike helped me recover from my injury. The next day, my knee felt much better, and the pain had almost completely subsided. It was the perfect start to my three-week adventure in Northern Norway.
Alta Canyon is a spectacular hike for anyone looking to explore Northern Norway’s rugged beauty. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just someone seeking a beautiful, relatively quiet spot to reconnect with nature, this trail should be on your list.
