Venturing to the dark, wild landscapes of Abisko National Park offers one of the absolute best chances in the world to witness the magical dancing ribbons of the Northern Lights. Abisko is globally famous for its unique microclimate, which creates a rain shadow effect that results in exceptionally clear skies, even when surrounding coastal areas are cloudy. Standing under a vast, star-filled sky, waiting for the first pale green glow to ignite on the horizon and transform into a swirling curtain of neon green and purple light is a deeply moving experience.
The local guides set up cozy wilderness camps with roaring campfires, where you can warm your hands and sip hot lingonberry juice while looking up at the sky. They also assist with camera settings, helping you capture spectacular photographs of the aurora over the frozen mountains and Lake Torneträsk.
One fun fact people love:
Abisko is home to the Aurora Sky Station, which sits on top of Mount Nuolja, situated in a dry-air zone that makes it one of the most reliable auroral viewing spots on Earth.
Where in Kiruna is it?
Located in Abisko National Park, situated approximately one hundred kilometers west of central Kiruna.
How to reach:
Accessible by taking the scenic daily train from Kiruna to Abisko Turiststation, or booking a guided evening bus tour from the city center.
Best time to visit:
October to March when the night skies are dark, long, and clear.
Best time of day:
Evening from 8:00 PM to midnight when auroral activity is historically at its peak.
Entry fee:
Guided tours from Kiruna range from 1000 to 1500 SEK per person, including transport, a guide, and warm drinks.
Commute difficulty:
Moderate; requires a scenic one-hour drive or train ride from Kiruna, followed by walking on unpaved snow trails.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- The camera on your smartphone might not capture the lights clearly without a dedicated long-exposure night mode, so carrying a sturdy tripod and a manual camera is highly recommended.
- It is often much colder in Abisko than in Kiruna due to the open lake winds, so wear hand warmers inside your gloves.
- The lights can appear suddenly and fade in minutes, so keep your eyes on the sky rather than your phone screen.
