The white, wooden church was built in a long church style in 1858 using plans drawn up by the architect Stephen Henry Thomas.

[1][2] The first church built in Alta was the present building which was completed in 1858.

The church was heavily damaged by the retreating German army in 1944 near the end of World War II.

The church benches were burned, the windows were broken, and the electrical system was ruined.

The work was led by architect Kirsten Sjøgren-Erichsen.