Northern Norway » Alta Museum - World Heritage Rock Art Centre

Far north of the Arctic Circle, in Alta, we find one of northernmost sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is the richest concentration of prehistoric rock art made by huntergatherers in Northern Europe. More than 6.000 carvings and paintings have so far been discovered at the head of the Alta Fjord, indicating that this area held an important role as a ritual meeting place for several thousand years, from 6.200 – 2.000 years ago.

The rock carvings were part of the rituals and beliefs of the prehistoric people. The panels depict reindeer, bears, elks, whales, and seabirds, humans dancing and playing drums, skiing, fishing, and hunting. They almost seem to make the Stone Age come alive!

Numerous panels are connected by a 3 km long pathway system. The museum on the outskirts of the rock art park offers guided tours and guide booklets in different languages, and has exhibitions, a café, and a shop.