Taking a Northern Lights Trip to Abisko

A Northern Lights trip to Sweden is an unforgettable experience: the stark winter landscape, the exciting outdoor activities and, of course, the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. The small village of Abisko in the far north of Sweden, not far from the border with Norway, is a perfect place for such an adventure. Local climactic conditions ensure clearer skies than in other areas, while the range of activities available will be sure to fill visitors’ days with excitement and wonder.

Seeing the Aurora Borealis

The primary purpose of a Northern Lights trip to Abisko is, of course, to see the aurora borealis, and Abisko is one of the finest locations in Sweden for this purpose. It is 250 km within the Arctic Circle, placing it underneath the northern auroral oval: the place where the Earth’s magnetic poles draw the solar winds that create the Northern Lights. This is essential but not unique to Abisko. What makes Abisko so special is that it is in a precipitation shadow: an area where rainfall is significantly lower than in surrounding areas. The shadow is created by the specific structure of the high mountains separating Abisko from the Norwegian coast. Precipitation rising from the North Sea cannot cross the mountains, falling to their west and leaving Abisko’s skies far clearer than even nearby destinations such as Björkliden. It is this that makes Abisko the ideal site for a Northern Lights trip in Sweden.

When the sky is clear, the aurora borealis is visible from anywhere in Abisko, but an especially memorable experience is to go to the Aurora Sky Station. It is located on Mt. Nuolja and is accessible by a chairlift. Once at the station, visitors can either enjoy a simple night visit or, at an additional cost, combine their aurora watching with a delicious four-course meal. It is a truly memorable experience.

The nights are cold in Abisko, so it is important to wear heavy, Arctic-rated clothing. Visitors should ensure they are equipped with adequate Arctic boots and thermal wear.

Outdoor Activities

During the day, visitors to Abisko can enjoy the frozen winter landscape with a number of exciting outdoor activities. Many will want to go husky sledding or ride a snowmobile around the frozen lakes, rivers and taiga forest — it is strongly recommended that these activities are booked in advance to ensure availability. Adequate guidance and training will be provided for a safe and enjoyable experience. Fishing enthusiasts can try ice fishing on Torneträsk Lake. Sitting on the lake, looking out at the Arctic expanse and high mountains — and, with any luck, catching a fish — is a spectacular experience. Other options include ice climbing up a frozen waterfall, visiting the original Ice Hotel (when you transfer back from Abisko to Kiruna for the flight home), meeting some of the indigenous Sami people or taking a day-trip into Norway. No one on a Northern Lights trip to Abisko will be short of thrilling ways to spend their time.

Kevin Collins is director of Aurora Nights, a company offering a select range of once in a lifetime holidays to see the Northern Lights. For the best Northern Lights trip, Iceland and Swedish Lapland offer an excellent chance to encounter the aurora borealis. Aurora Nights is part of Weekend a la Carte, a family-run company with vast in-depth knowledge based on their extensive travels to the region of the Aurora Borealis and passionate about giving superb client service.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.