The rock carvings at Alta, also known as the Alta Museum - World Heritage Rock Art Centre, are a collection of rock carvings dating back to the early hunter-gatherer cultures of Northern Europe. Located near the town of Alta in northern Norway, the carvings cover an area of 5,000 square meters and include more than 6,000 individual carvings, making it one of the largest collections of rock art in Northern Europe.
The carvings were made over a period of 4,000 years, from approximately 4,200 BC to 500 BC. They depict a range of subjects, including animals such as reindeer, elk, bears, and birds, as well as humans engaged in hunting, fishing, and ritual activities. The carvings were made by chipping away at the surface of the rock using stone tools, and many of them are still visible today despite exposure to the elements over thousands of years.
The rock carvings at Alta were discovered in 1973 during the construction of a new road, and they quickly became recognized as one of the most important archaeological sites in Norway. In 1985, the carvings were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing their cultural and historical significance. Today, the site is protected and maintained by the Alta Museum, which operates a visitor center and offers guided tours of the carvings. The museum also features exhibitions on the history and culture of the region, making it a popular destination for tourists interested in the prehistory of northern Europe.