Northern Lights Hotel in Alta, Norway
A secluded Arctic forest lodge near Alta
ONGA Boutique Lodge is a small 10-room lodge in Mathisdalen, near Alta in Northern Norway. Surrounded by Arctic forest and with no neighbouring properties, ONGA offers a peaceful base for experiencing the Northern Lights, Arctic nature, local food and authentic Northern Norwegian culture.
The lodge combines the feeling of a secluded wilderness retreat with easy access to Alta, approximately 40 minutes by car from Alta Airport. Stay in thoughtfully designed rooms, relax in our Aurora Domes and experience the Arctic at your own pace.
During the Northern Lights season from September to mid-April, the remote setting and limited artificial light create excellent conditions for experiencing the Aurora. You can watch the night sky from the lodge grounds, your Aurora Dome or during an evening Aurora experience.
In summer, ONGA becomes a peaceful Arctic forest retreat under the Midnight Sun, with nature, outdoor activities, local food and cultural experiences at the heart of the stay.
Where the road ends, ONGA begins…
At the end of the road, the landscape changes.
Leave Alta behind and follow the forest road into Mathisdalen. The last few kilometres take you through the Arctic forest, across small wooden bridges and deeper into the quiet. There are no neighbouring properties, no traffic passing by — just forest, mountains and the changing light of the North.
ONGA was created for those who want to slow down and be present.
Here, the days are shaped by nature rather than a schedule: a quiet morning, a walk through the forest, a long meal, a sauna, or an evening beneath the Arctic sky.
It is a place to reconnect — with nature, with the people you’re travelling with, and with the North.
Stays designed around the Arctic seasons
From Northern Lights adventures in winter to peaceful summer days under the Midnight Sun, our packages bring together accommodation, food, wellness and experiences to make your stay at ONGA simple and meaningful.
Northern Lights – September-mid April
Couples – Aurora & Private Wellness
Cool Summer – Mid June – August
Culture – Nature – Alta
Self-drive – Northern Norway
Short escape – Dinner & Wellness
Our Highlights
Aurora Domes – glass igloos beneath the Arctic sky
Spend some time in one of ONGA’s glass Aurora Domes and experience the forest and night sky from the comfort of your own private space.
Rooms, sauna & outdoor jacuzzi
Stay in thoughtfully designed rooms inspired by the surrounding landscape, with selected rooms offering a private sauna and outdoor jacuzzi on the terrace.
Arctic dining with local ingredients
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner at ONGA, with menus inspired by Northern Norwegian ingredients and the seasons.
Arctic experiences, close to nature
Experience the Arctic at a gentle pace through Aurora walks, snowshoeing, nature experiences, local culture, food and seasonal activities.
Complete Arctic stays
Our seasonal packages bring together accommodation, meals, wellness, transfers and Arctic experiences, depending on the package you choose.
Private buyouts & executive retreats
With just 10 rooms, ONGA is particularly suited to private groups, executive retreats, incentives and exclusive lodge buyouts in Northern Norway.
What our guests say about ONGA
“What an unbelievable experience. We stayed at Onga with another couple (Northern Lights were a bucket list trip for our friend’s milestone birthday). Although the Northern Lights were the attraction and did not disappoint, they turned out to be just a small part of the magic. The staff were amazing—always cheerful, friendly, and really interest conversationalists. We stayed 4 days and did not want to leave. And the food, prepared by Chef Laurent, was amazing. Who knew you could find fine dining prepared by a French chef in the middle of a forest above the Arctic Circle? Just a wonderful visit.” – stempster, US
“I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT ONGA LODGE!
I went with 2 friends & we experienced only incredible service from the moment I emailed about possible accommodations. Elena was beyond responsive, even across multiple time zones! … The food was phenomenal & Sami accommodated every dietary need! … I can’t begin to convey the level of care, comfort & personal connection we had at Onga.” – Liza, US
“A totally amazing experience, outside any other getaway available in the Nordics. Easy access from Oslo (1:45 min direct flight), 30 min car-ride, a true sensation of being in mother nature with top quality service, accomodation and activities. Perfect for families, friends and small business groups that need peace, time away, joint experiences everybody can do, fantastic food and friendly, family like, professional hospitality.” – Henrik, Norway
“Onga Lodge Team, I just wanted to send a message on behalf of our family thanking you for the wonderful days we spent together! The amazing landscape, the great walking tours, the great facilities and food, the glass dome… hard to choose a favorite.
Your care with us and attention to detail made the experience all the more enjoyable. We will hold every moment in our hearts and minds as wonderful memories! Thank you!” – Andrea, Brazil
“Nous avons passé un séminaire de rêve dans ce lieu hors du temps.
Tout était parfait.
La gentillesse des hôtes, les repas gastronomiques, les petits déjeuners très agréables.
Le confort est exceptionnel et profiter des jacuzzi avec cette vue est juste un rêve !
Merci à toute l’équipe pour cette magnifique expérience.” – Romain, France
Get Inspired by our Blog Posts
Discover Northern Norway, the Arctic seasons, local culture, nature and ideas for your stay at ONGA.
Best Time to Visit Northern Norway
If you’ve ever dreamed of chasing Auroras or experiencing Arctic nature, you might be wondering: when is the best time to visit Northern Norway?
The short answer is — it depends on what kind of magic you’re looking for.
8 beautiful reasons to go to ONGA for Dark Sky Experiences
When darkness settles over the Arctic, something magical awakens. Far away from the city lights, the night at ONGA Boutique Lodge becomes a canvas painted with stars, shadows, and sometimes the dancing green…
Frequently asked questions about staying at ONGA
Where is ONGA Boutique Lodge?
ONGA Boutique Lodge is located in Mathisdalen, near Alta in Northern Norway, approximately 40 minutes by car from Alta Airport.
How many rooms does ONGA have?
ONGA has 10 rooms: 9 double rooms and 1 twin room. The lodge can accommodate up to 20 guests when rooms are shared.
Can you see the Northern Lights from ONGA?
Yes. ONGA is located in a secluded forest setting with very little artificial light. Guests can watch the Northern Lights from the lodge grounds, Aurora Domes, outdoor jacuzzi or during guided Aurora Walks.
When is the Northern Lights season at ONGA?
The Northern Lights season at ONGA generally runs from September to mid-April.
Does ONGA have glass igloos?
Yes. ONGA has five Aurora Domes, also known as glass igloos. One is a shared dome, while four are private domes equipped with a double bed, pellet stove and cosy seating area.
How far is ONGA from Alta Airport?
ONGA is approximately 40 minutes by car from Alta Airport (ALF).
Can I book the whole lodge?
Yes. ONGA can be booked exclusively for private groups, retreats, incentives and private celebrations.
Is ONGA suitable for a summer stay?
Yes. ONGA is open during the summer season, with experiences focused on Arctic nature, hiking, local culture, food and the Midnight Sun.
ONGA at a glance
| Location | Mathisdalen, Alta Northern Norway |
| Airport | Alta Airport (ALF), approximately 40 minutes by car |
| Rooms | 9 double rooms + 1 twin room |
| Maximum capacity | Up to 20 guests when rooms are shared |
| Aurora season | September – mid-April |
| Summer season | Mid June – August |
| Aurora Domes – glass igloos | 5 Aurora Domes: one shared and four private |
| Wellness | Shared wood-fired sauna & outdoor jacuzzi; private sauna & jacuzzi in selected rooms |
| Restaurant | Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & dinner |
| Activities | Aurora walks, snowshoeing, hiking, fishing, culture & seasonal activities |
| Guests | Couples, small groups, retreats & private buyouts |
| Wi-Fi | High-speed Wi-Fi |
| Parking | Available on-site |
| Transfers | Available as part of selected packages and on request |