Next time you're in Alta, you should dedicate an evening to exploring the many flavours, textures, feelings and sensations that the Alchemists at Gabo Bar can mysteriously concoct for you. Here you will be able to enjoy a good cocktail or beer infused with local ingredients, right in the heart of Alta.
German traders first introduced the concept of Aquavit to Scandinavia in the 1400's, where it was initially used in medicine and gunpowder. You can see why...
Soon after, the Scandinavians acquired a taste for the fiery water, and aquavit became integrated into Nordic customs, traditions, and culture. Today, it's still used for 'medicinal purposes' but they've stopped using it in gunpowder.
The idea of aging the spirit at sea goes back to 1805 when Catharina Meinke Lysholm sent some potato liquor to sell in Indonesia. Linie akevitt matures in oak casks stored in the hull of a ship that crosses the equator not once, but twice!
The team at Gabo Bar use local and homemade ingredients, handmade syrups and first-class local spirits distilled in northern Norway for their own signature arctic inspired cocktails and drinks inspired by the rough Nordic seasons and wild Arctic ingredients. Unlike the aquavit found in other parts of Scandinavia, Norwegians like to distill theirs with potatoes as a base. By law, 95% of the potatoes in Norwegian akevitt must come from Norway and, depending on the classification type, must be aged in barrels for at least six or 12 months.
In the evenings, you can sit back and enjoy an arctic inspired cocktail with local ingredients at Gabo Bar. The décor and interior are inspired by the Alta Rivers fishing history, and the name Gabo Bar is inspired by a spot by the Alta River - Gabo - a difficult stretch to pass by boat. Gabo Bar can also be difficult to pass on a good night out!
During the early years of tourism in Alta, wealthy tourists came here to experience the summer and to fish in the famous Alta River, which is known for its very high-quality salmon. These wealthy tourists hired river guides (Stakere) to take them up the Alta River to the best fishing places. These days, even the Norwegian king visits Alta River every summer to start the fishing season.
When you find yourself in the Alta region of Finnmark, you should really take a few days to get out on the water and far up into the hinterland, and discover what's under the skin of this wild, remote and interesting region.
With a deep history of human civilisation that dates back over 10,000 years, there is a lot to discover up here. You just have to know where to look. Thankfully, the adventure travel company Æventyr know exactly where to bring you, to get the best and most memorable experiences that will remain with you throughout your lifetime. Experience the arctic fairy tale for yourself, or with your friends, colleagues or family.
Alta is known as the northern lights city, and is located in the heart of the beautiful Altafjord, nestled between the Finnmark plateau and alpine mountains out on the rugged Finnmark coast. The local culture and history go back 10,000 years in time, so there is plenty for you to unpack and uncover. Take some time to experience the remote arctic wilderness, the polar night and midnight sun, watch the reindeers migrate, take advantage of all of the fantastic ski trails or just relax around the fjord or take trips up to famous sights, many of which are only a short drive away. Come back to Gabo Bar that evening, to relax and process all of the new impressions you have taken in that day. SKÅL!