Best Place to See Northern Lights: Abisko Sweden

Looking for the best place to see the Northern Lights? Discover Abisko, Sweden—a hidden gem tucked just below the Norwegian border in Northern Sweden. Unlike popular spots like Iceland and Norway, Abisko is lesser-known yet famous for its clear skies, thanks to a unique microclimate that offers some of the most reliable views of the aurora borealis.

As a first-time aurora hunter, I wanted the best chance of success, so I researched destinations with high visibility and landed on Abisko—and it did not disappoint! My time here was a dream, filled with unforgettable nights under shimmering northern lights and breathtaking Arctic landscapes.

Curious about how to make the most of your own northern lights experience? Dive into this guide for everything you need to know!

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Where is Abisko?

Abisko, a hidden gem in the far north of Swedish Lapland, is located just near the Norwegian border and is known as one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. This tiny village lies within the stunning Abisko National Park, where you can explore dramatic mountain ranges, expansive Arctic tundra, and crystal-clear lakes, all teeming with Nordic wildlife.

Abisko’s remote location, unique climate, and untouched beauty make it the perfect spot for aurora borealis hunters and adventurers!

Why is Abisko the best place to see Northern Lights?

• Prime Viewing Location: Abisko sits inside the aurora oval, the area surrounding the north and south poles where auroras are most likely to occur.
• Clear Skies: Abisko’s unique geography creates a “blue hole” above the town, which means clear skies and fewer clouds.
  • This is due to the jet stream and prevailing winds that blow in from the Arctic Ocean in a westerly direction. The mountains surrounding Abisko block the moist air, creating a rain shadow of 10 -20 square kilometers providing a window to the stars even on the cloudiest of nights.
  • Abisko has the lowest rate of precipitation in Scandinavia
• Minimal Light Pollution: Abisko’s remote location means there’s very little light pollution, making it the perfect place to see the Northern Lights.

Best Time to see the Northern Lights

You can see the Northern Lights in Abisko is from September to early April. However, there are some things to keep in mind with whats open:

• Aurora Sky Station: This viewing station is only open from mid-November to mid-March, so plan your trip accordingly if you want to take advantage of its facilities.
• Shared Transfer Buses: If you’re on a budget, consider taking the Visit Abisko’s shared transfer buses from Kiruna Airport to Abisko. These buses are only available from December to March and are significantly cheaper than the year long transfers.
  • These go for 549 SEK per person compared to year-long transfers of 999+ SEK per person.
• Train Travel: Keep in mind that trains to Abisko only operate once or twice a day and DON’T always align with your flight times.
  • We had to take a shared taxi to the airport because the earliest train to Kiruna arrived too close to our flight time.
• Winter Activities: If you’re planning to do winter activities like skiing or snowshoeing, it’s best to visit Abisko in the heart of winter when the snow levels are deeper.
  • We went in mid-October and it was a bit of an awkward time as lot of the winter activities weren’t open due to low levels of snow, but there was too much snow to do the usual summer hikes.
  • The benefit of mid-October was that it wasn’t that cold yet and we could catch the fall colors in Southern Sweden on our trip up to Abisko

The Best Time to Book Your Aurora Borealis Holiday: Equinox Magic

Want to boost your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights? Time your visit around the equinoxes for the best results!

The equinox occurs twice a year, around March 21 (Spring Equinox) and September 23 (Autumn Equinox). These periods bring unique conditions for aurora viewing, as Earth’s axial tilt aligns us perfectly to “catch” more solar particles from the sun. This alignment often leads to twice as many geomagnetic storms, creating more vibrant displays of the Northern Lights.

One added perk of traveling during the spring or fall equinox is the milder temperatures, which make for a more comfortable viewing experience. However, keep in mind that the longer daylight hours around September mean you may need to stay up later to catch the aurora.

Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights:

• Stay for a longer period: The longer you stay, the higher your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
  • While there is no guarantee, it’s said that if you stay in Abisko for three days, you have an 88% chance of seeing the lights, as long as the sky is clear. And it usually is in Abisko due to the blue hole.
• Pack for cold weather. Abisko can get very cold, even in the summer. Be sure to pack warm clothes, including a hat, gloves, and a scarf.
• Bring a tripod. You’ll want to capture the stunning beauty of the Northern Lights.
• Be patient. It may take some time to see the Northern Lights. Don’t give up hope!
• Check the aurora forecast. There are several websites and apps that you can use to check the aurora forecast.
  • *However, it’s important to remember that these forecasts are not always accurate. The aurora can be unpredictable, and conditions can change rapidly.
  • There were multiple nights of high aurora activity that weren’t predicted by any of the forecasts. So, even if the forecast looks unfavorable, it’s still worth keeping an eye on the sky, as you might be surprised!

Overall, the best time to visit Abisko depends on your priorities. If you want to see the Northern Lights and enjoy winter activities, I recommend visiting during the peak season (December-March). If you’re on a budget and don’t mind missing out on some winter activities, then you can visit in the shoulder seasons (September-November or March-April).

What to Do During the Day: Winter Adventures

Abisko National Park is a winter wonderland, with plenty of trails to explore year-round. Hike around the lake and surrounding mountains for stunning views. Check out the stunning Abisko Canyon thats an easy 10-15 minute walk from the STF Abisko Turiststation!

The main hiking trails in the park are color coded and well marked making it easy to explore!

Feeling adventurous? Try snowmobiling, dogsledding, or even ice climbing! Depending on where you stay, your hotel can help you book these activities. You can also find great options on Get Your Guide:

• Abisko: Ice Climbing for All Levels with Certified Guide
• From Abisko: Dog Sledding Excursion to Kiruna with Fika
• Kiruna: Guided Snowmobile Tour and Northern Lights Hunt
• Kiruna: Self-drive Husky Morning Tour

Get ready for an unforgettable winter adventure in Abisko!

Arctic Adventure: Abisko to Narvik by Train ❄️

Go on a day trip to Norway! Taking the train from Abisko to Narvik was one of the highlights of my trip to the Arctic Circle. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking! I saw snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and even caught some autumn colors in the fjords.

Things to know:

• The train journey is part of the iconic Ofoten Line, one of the most scenic train routes in the world.
  • When I went in October, it was around $15 roundtrip from Abisko to Narvik and took a 1.5 hours one way.
• The train transports iron ore from the Kiruna mines in Sweden to the Narvik port in Norway .
• Be prepared for delays! The train line is prone to breakdowns, especially in winter.
  • We got stuck in Norway overnight after the train broke down on the way back.
    • The train company (VY) covered the hotel expense and next morning train ticket
  • Several people missed their flight due to this delay, so add in buffer times or insurance for major travel plans.
• There is a more expensive tourist “Arctic Train” in Narvik, while the train may be more comfortable, it runs on the same tracks as the passenger train and cost at least 3x the amount.
• Used the VY website to buy the train tickets

How to get to Abisko Sweden:

Reaching Abisko in Swedish Lapland is an adventure in itself, with a few transportation options to choose from:

Fly to Kiruna, Sweden or Narvik, Norway: The closest airports to Abisko are in Kiruna, Sweden, and Narvik, Norway. From Kiruna, you can take a train or arrange a private transfer to Abisko. Narvik also has train connections to Abisko, but private transfers aren’t typically available from there.

Transfers and Taxis:
If you’re flying into Kiruna, private transfers, such as those offered by Kiruna Buss, are available starting at around 999 SEK per person. Keep in mind that many private transfer companies, including Visit Abisko (549 SEK per person), primarily operate during peak seasons. While taxis are an option, they can be costly (around 2,500 SEK); however, splitting the fare with three or more people can make it more budget-friendly.

Take the Sleeper Train from Stockholm: A sleeper train connects Stockholm to Abisko, offering an affordable and scenic way to travel. However, this route is known for occasional delays, so it’s best to allow extra time if you have a connecting flight or tight schedule.

Drive to Abisko: For the adventurous, driving to Abisko is another option. The drive from Stockholm takes about 15 hours, while Kiruna is just an hour away by car. Winter conditions make these roads icy and challenging, so this option is best for experienced winter drivers. I watched one of the guest STRUGGLE getting out of the hotel parking lot, so take extra care if you choose to drive.

Our Journey from Stockholm to Abisko (and an Unexpected Night in Narvik, Norway!)

Our adventure kicked off with a flight from Stockholm to Kiruna, followed by a gorgeous train ride through the snowy landscapes to Abisko. Everything was going smoothly until we decided to take a day trip to Narvik, Norway. On the way back, the train broke down, and we found ourselves stranded overnight in Norway with no taxis or transfer options in sight! A few travelers were even missed their flights due to the delay.

When it was finally time to head back to Kiruna for our own flight, we hit another roadblock: the train schedule didn’t match our flight time. So, we ended up booking a ride with Kiruna Buss to make it to the airport as none of the other transfer companies were running at the time. Lesson learned—the Arctic Circle has limited transport options, especially during the off-season, so a bit of flexibility (and patience!) goes a long way.

Where to Stay in Northern Sweden:

There are multiple places to stay in the region to catch the Northern Lights. Kiruna is a popular spot with their famous ice hotel. Which sound amazing on paper, but I’ve heard that it’s really cold (being of ice duh) and that for older people the bathroom situation can be a bit tricky.

STF Abisko Turiststation

I stayed at STF Abisko Turiststation and loved it! They offer a variety of accommodations, including dorms, private rooms, and even cabins, to suit every budget and need. There’s an on-site restaurant and convenience store, so you don’t have to worry about going hungry.

We stayed in a private room in the hotel section and used the hostel’s kitchen to cook all our meals for the days we were there. The hotel breakfast was included and it was a really nice buffet. We ate large breakfasts and had simple meals for lunch and dinner.

The hotel also has plenty of common areas, including a cozy library that guests are welcome to use throughout their stay. The rooms are very simple, but the hotel offers a great value for the price.

One of the best things about staying at STF Abisko Turiststation is that you can simply walk a few meters away from the building and see the lights right there! There are also trails around the location that can take you further into the national park, and you can access the Abisko lake as well. I went to a viewpoint on the first night and then after that just hung out near the hotel so I could go in and out to warm up and drink some warm tea in between Northern Lights sightings.

Bonus Tip: The Aurora Sky Station has a live camera that’s pointed in the direction of the lake, so you can also just watch the feed online and pop out when you see activity.

Other Abisko Accommodations:

• Abisko Mountain Lodge: This luxurious hotel offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great option for those who want to splurge on their accommodations.
  Abisko net Hostel & Huskies: This hostel offers a variety of accommodation options, including dorms, private rooms, and cabins. It’s also a great place to book dogsledding and Northern Lights tours.

Kiruna Accommodation:

• Paradise Lapland, Northern Light Camp: Live the dream in a cozy glass igloo or cabin, surrounded by stunning scenery. Explore the area with activities like snowshoeing and dog sledding.
• Aurora River Camp Glass igloos & cabins: Cozy up in a glass igloo or cabin by the Torne River. Enjoy breathtaking views and winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Abisko: A Must-Visit Destination for Northern Lights

Abisko was a dream come true for a Northern Lights hunter like me. I loved the stunning scenery, the friendly people, and the unforgettable experience of seeing the aurora borealis dance across the night sky. If you’re looking for a magical and unforgettable adventure, I highly recommend visiting Abisko.

So, what are you waiting for? Add Abisko to your travel bucket list and get ready to experience the magic of the Northern Lights. And don’t forget to check out my other Scandinavian travel blogs for more inspiration!