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STF Aurora Sky Station

Almost at the top of Mt. Nuolja in Abisko National Park is where you will find STF Aurora Sky Station. During the dark nights of winter, you can come here to experience the vastness of the frozen arctic landscape, see the endless starry sky, and hopefully get a glimpse of the northern lights. You are transported up by our chairlift, slowly and silently it brings you up, gliding above the treetops and the sparkling snow, towards STF Aurora Sky Station at 900 meters elevation. To stay warm during the 30-minute chairlift ride, all guests are provided with warm overalls and warm boots that are included in the price of the STF Aurora Sky Station Night Visit.

Once you reach STF Aurora Sky Station our staff will be there wating for you, eager to make this a night to remember. Inside of the station you are welcomed by a warm fire, and comfortable couches to lounge in, there is also a café and a small souvenir shop. On the outside there is a big viewing terrace with a magnificent view of the Abisko valley, lake Torneträsk and the famous Čuonjávággi, also known as Lapporten.

Book a visit at  STF Aurora Sky Station

What are the northern lights?

When it is dark in the Arctic and Antarctic reaches of our planet you can sometimes witness an enchanting light, often green, sometimes in hues of blue or red, on the night sky. This beautiful light is fickle and ever changing, and can appear as drapes, arches, or a faint glow. This light phenomenon, when it appears in the northern hemisphere, is known as the northern light, or Aurora Borealis if you prefer the Latin name.

Northern lights appear when charged particles from the sun hit our atmosphere at an altitude of 100-400 km. These particles are drawn towards our planet’s magnetic poles, along what is known as the auroral oval, an oval that is affected by changes in the earths magnetic field. When these charged particles come into our atmosphere, they collide with oxygen and nitrogen particles, and transfer energy to them. When the oxygen or nitrogen particles reach and excited state, they need to release this energy, and do so by shooting out photons, which is light, this is the light that we call the Aurora Borealis. The naked eye can only observe this light when the sky is dark, but this process can happen any time of the year. Here in Abisko we have a night sky that is dark enough to see the northern light from the end of August, until the end of March.

Read more and watch a video about the northern lights Abisko on our page about the  northern lights .

Why should you come to Abisko to see the northern light?

In Abisko the prerequisites to see the northern lights are some of the best in the world. Abisko is located in a rain shadow created by the surrounding mountains and lake Torneträsk, which means that weather conditions for watching the sky are often optimal. This local weather phenomenon is called “the blue hole of Abisko” and you can often witness this when surrounding areas have a thick cloud cover, but Abisko has a clear sky. On top of all that, Abisko is situated under the natural position of the auroral oval, which means you do not need a high Kp-index to see the northern lights in Abisko (the higher the Kp-index, the further south the auroral oval travels).

Another thing you need to maximize you chances of seeing the Aurora, is darkness, and in Abisko the nights are very long during the winter. From the end of November, until early January, we do not see the sun at all. This means that during these months, you have many hours during which you can see the northern lights. Something else that is important is to get away from streetlights and other light pollution that make it harder to see the night sky. Abisko is a tiny town, deep in the Swedish mountains, about 100 km away from the nearest large town with a lot of light pollution. So, when you are here, all you have to do is to walk a couple of hundred meters away from the hotel to get away from all the light pollution.

In 2015, Lonely Planet named seeing the northern lights in Abisko the world’s most illuminating experience, which is something that we are very proud of.

STF Aurora Sky Station Night Visit

During the northern light season, STF Aurora Sky Stations is open every night for the Night Visit. At 9.00 p.m. the chairlift starts running to take you up to STF Aurora Sky Station, where you will be greeted by your guide and the hunt for the northern light starts. Up at STF Aurora Sky Station you will find a lookout tower, and a large viewing terrace, from which you can view the starry sky, and hopefully see the Aurora Borealis. Inside the STF Aurora Sky Station you will find a cosy café with a great atmosphere, here you can warm up by the fire and enjoy a Swedish “fika” with a warm drink and some snacks. In here you will also find a northern light exhibition, where you can learn more about the northern lights.

If you want a deeper understanding of the northern lights, and learn some old myths about them, you should join one of the northern light presentations held by the guide in the café during the evening.

It’s up to you when you want to wrap up the evening, just let the staff know when you are ready to return down with the chairlift. STF Aurora Sky Station is open until 1.00 a.m.

Some things to think about when visiting STF Aurora Sky Station

• Dress warm! Even if you get warm overalls for the tour, we recommend that you bring warm clothes to wear under. It is always better to have to many layers, and have the option to remove some, than being cold and not having any layers to put on. You do not want to miss the aurora because you were to cold to go outside! We recommend bringing a warm hat, warm gloves/mittens, a warm base layer, and some extra warm layers on top of that. Do not let the cold ruin your experience!
• Do not rely on your phone camera for pictures! Even though phone cameras are getting better and better, and the best can now capture the northern light on a picture, you will never get a good picture with a phone camera. If you want to take good pictures of the northern lights you should bring a proper camera, where you can adjust the aperture, shutter time and ISO, and you want to pair that with a light sensitive lens. Since you will probably be using a shutter speed of 5-20 seconds, you also need a tripod for your camera, otherwise you will get blurry pictures. Remember to bring extra batteries as well, they drain quickly in the arctic temperatures.
• Avoid white light! When viewing the northern light, you want your night vision to be as good as possible. The process of getting your eyes adjusted to the darkness takes 20-30 minutes, if you are exposed to any white light, from a head torch, flashlight, or phone screen, that clock resets. However, a red light does not affect your night vision, so to ensure the best experience for yourself and other guests, do not use white lights, only red!

Experience the midnight sun at Mt. Nuolja

The 25 th  of May is the day when it happens, the sun does not set below the horizon and the polar day officially starts. From this day until the middle of July, the sun does not set, instead it moves horizontally along the northern horizon during the night, creating a very long “golden hour”. This means that summer in Abisko, is just one very long day.

From the day Abisko Turiststation opens for the summer, until the last day of the midnight sun, the chairlift will be open during the evening so that you can get a ride up the mountain and experience the midnight sun with an incredible view of the Abisko Alps, lake Torneträsk and Lapporten.

During the same period, we offer guided midnight sun hikes every evening. If you join this tour the guide will lead you to the top of Mt. Nuolja at 1164 meters elevation, a 2 km hike with a 264 meter elevation gain from the STF Aurora Sky Station. From the top of the mountain you get a panoramic view of the surroundings, Björkliden to the west, lake Torneträsk and if the weather allows it, the midnight sun to the north, Lapporten to the east and the Abisko Alps to the south. To celebrate this accomplishment the guide will offer some non-alcoholic bubbly and some snacks.

Shortly after midnights it is time to walk back to STF Aurora Sky Station where you will get the chance to warm up and buy some snacks, warm drinks, or souvenirs before returning down the mountain.

You decide when you want to wrap up the evening, just let our staff know when you are ready to get on the chairlift. STF Aurora Sky Station is open until 1.30 a.m. during the midnight sun season.

Visit STF Aurora Sky Station during the day

During the high season in the summer, and during the skiing season, the chairlift also runs during the day. If you want to ride up, you just buy a ticket in the valley station. There are many reasons for a visit to STF Aurora Sky Station during the day, you can go there just to enjoy the magnificent view from the terrace, to start a hiking- or skiing tour above the tree line, or just to enjoy a “fika” in the STF Aurora Sky Station café, with probably the best view in Sweden.

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Abisko – stf aurora sky station night visit.

The world's most illuminating experience

from SEK1,025.00

Description

Turn off your lights and let the chairlift transport you up to STF Aurora Sky Station, 900 meters above sea level. With some luck you might see a sudden flare of green light, and before you know it the northern lights are dancing in the sky right above you. With a magnificent view of Abisko, and a hot beverage from the café, this is the perfect place to wait for the northern lights to appear.

By the link below you will find important information about the event https://www.swedishtouristassociation.com/auroraskystationnightvisit

Please note: For all excursions and activities not provided directly by Visit Abisko as the primary provider, Visit Abisko, acts only as the selling agent for the relevant local supplier/s. Your contract is thus with them directly as principle, including any applicable terms and conditions they may have re cancellation charges and matters of liability. It is the responsibility of those purchasing the product and participating in any event excursion or activity to ensure they are adequately covered by their respective insurance company. Please read your terms and conditions of your insurance carefully as exclusions may apply. Where cover is not offered for your chosen event, excursions or activity we strongly recommend purchasing additional cover. * Payments will be made in SEK. All other currencies are displayed as a approximate indication only.

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Aurora Sky Station Night Visit

The world’s most illuminating experience

Turn off your lights and let the chairlift transport you one step closer to space, up to Mt. Nuolja. Slowly you glide up to STF Aurora Sky Station, 900 meters above sea level. The mighty mountains in front of you, a starry sky above you and the silence surrounding you gives you a sense of eternity. The nature itself breathes in anticipation. With some luck you might see a sudden flare of green light, and before you know it the northern lights are dancing in the sky right above you, and you are caught in a meeting between earth and space.

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Malmvägen 9B

SE-981 30 Kiruna

The Abisko Aurora Sky Station Visit

For those happy with more basic accommodation but located in a prime aurora viewing spot, then the popular Abisko Aurora Sky Station might be a great choice.

With this trip you get to travel up to the STF Turiststation in Abisko. Nestled in the Abisko National Park with stunning views all around, this location is perfect for aurora hunters.

• Chasing the aurora in one of the best places in Europe
• Staying at a property within Abisko National Park
• Getting to experience the famous Aurora Sky Station

What’s included

• 3 nights accommodation at the STF Turistation in a Standard Room on a full board basis
• Excursions: Aurora Sky Station Visit, The Ultimate Aurora Photography Experience, Morning Abisko Hike, and Snowmobiling (2hrs)
• Transfers to/from Kiruna Airport

A note on flights

While flights are not included in the holiday price, our team will happily provide a quote and arrange them for you. Simply ask one of our Travel Experts for details of the available options.

Day by Day Itinerary

Upon arrival into Kiruna you will be met by your taxi who will transfer you up to your accommodation. The travel time is roughly around 1.5 hours. Upon arrival you will check-in and have a restful evening, enjoyijng a three-course dinner and the opportunity to step outside and try and spot the aurora.

After breakfast you will head out on a morning hike to explore and get to know your surroundings. This is the perfect opportunity to learn a bit more about your location. You will return back to your property for lunch and then gear up for an evening visiting to the famous Aurora Sky Station. Here, you will have your dinner before walking up to the base of the Aurora Sky Station where a chair lift will whisk you up to the top of the mountain where you will be perfectly positioned for looking out for the aurora while enjoying a hot drink.

Once you have had breakfast you will head out on a 2-hour snowmobile safari exploring the National Park from a different perspective. When you are back you can enjoy lunch and some relaxation before your next big aurora adventure.

After dinner head out on your Ultimate Aurora Photography tour – an evening that provides a great opportunity to see and photograph the aurora borealis in the wilderness of Abisko National Park.

Abisko is situated in a low precipitation zone and has the lowest levels of rain and snow in Lapland. What this means is lots of clear nights for aurora watching.

Walk right out the lodge front door and a snowmobile transfer will take you to an exclusive location with commanding views over the mountains and the lake, both of which provide wonderful backdrops for aurora photos! You will have two guides, one to instruct you and the other to look after you and make drinks. We have a yurt set up with a fire so you can warm up if necessary.

You will be supplied with cameras pre-set for Aurora photography and spend the evening in Abisko National Park. Whether you are a pro or never taken a picture in your life you have a great chance of going home after your Northern Lights holiday with some beautiful aurora photographs and memories that will last a lifetime!

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

You will be transferred back to Kiruna Airport for your afternoon flight, however, your trip does not have to end here – there are plenty of place that we can add to enhance your experience in Swedish Lapland. Why not try the Arctic Gourment Cabin, the famous Icehotel, or the Máttaráhkká Northern Lights Lodge.

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See what our clients say

We had the most fabulous time and everything worked like clockwork. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and extremely competent. The food was excellent and the experiences, especially Husky Homes, were brilliant. We saw the aurora lights at the mountain top in Abisko where the photography tour will be an enduring memory of a wonderful time. I would very much recommend Weekend a la Carte as a proficient tour operator.

Superb holiday to Iceland, well organised, advice regarding trips informative and far exceeded our expectations (Glaciers and ice Cave) run by South Coast. Hotel Ranga is a lovely hotel, perfect to see Northern Lights (which we did see on our 3rd night), very comfortable, food excellent, staff helpful and informative. SouthCoast Adventure tour company were excellent, guides knowledgeable, and clearly very experienced.

Cannot thank this company enough. Our break to Iceland was the second time we’ve let them organise everything for us and once again they didn’t disappoint. Everything ran seamlessly and the organised tours were wonderful. This company knows what they are doing. If you want to experience the geysers, the volcano, the northern lights and all the other exciting things that Iceland has to offer then this is the company to use.

A fantastic short break which fulfilled all expectations. Well organised with a polished delivery, we could not have asked for more. The accommodation was perfect for us and the guides knowledgeable and helpful. Every day was packed with adventure, each lasting longer than scheduled but we were never rushed; the guides took pride in showing and explaining their beautiful country. We would certainly use Weekend a la carte again and recommend them to others.

We had five fantastic days in beautiful Iceland, as we had never been before Aurora Nights helped with everything and made the holiday so easy and stress free. We stayed at Hotel Ranga which was amazing, we very much enjoyed the tours and the guides were brilliant, very knowledgable and friendly. We will certainly be returning to Iceland and wouldn’t hesitate to book through Aurora Nights again, special thanks to Abigail as her experience and reccommendations made the trip even better.

We had a fantastic 4 nights that included glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, the aurora borealis and more! Lovely hotels, especially Hotel Ranga. We filled every moment and felt thoroughly invigorated on our return.

Thank you for arranging a fabulous holiday, we had a really enjoyable time and would love to return in the future. Hotel Ranga is a lovely place to stay and the owner greeted guests in the restaurant, which was an unexpected welcoming touch. We didn’t see the Northern Lights due to the weather and the trip to the Eyjafjallajokull glacier and volcano was substituted by an excursion to Thorsmork, also due to the weather, which we thoroughly enjoyed; the brochure description doesn’t do it justice. We found Iceland and the people there really charismatic. Although the wind and snow cut short the amount of travelling we could do, we still covered a reasonable amount of what we wanted to see and our appetites are whetted for a return, perhaps in Spring or Summer. We found a couple of great places to eat near the Hotel in Reykjavik. Messin does tasty fish dishes and the Icelandic Street Food restaurant was excellent, offering simple but hearty soups with refills included in the price – great value.

Fantastic service, with every detail taken care of and communicated to your agencies and hotels. Would definitely recommend and will be using again.

5 MAGICAL ABISKO NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS FOR WINTER 2024/25: THE ULTIMATE REVIEW & GUIDE!

LOOKING TO BOOK THE BEST ABISKO NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS FOR THIS WINTER 2024/2025?

Abisko is a tiny village snuggled in the very heart of northern Swedish Lapland. More specifically, it is located within Abisko National Park – a vast, untouched Arctic landscape surrounded by mighty snow capped mountains and not much else!

Its extremely remote location, approximately 200km above the Arctic Circle, and notoriously clear skies makes it one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, and is what really places this tiny settlement on a global map!

Plus – the Solar Cycle set to burst with the strongest activity of Northern Lights for 11 years this Winter 2024 / 2025, there has never been a better time to see the Aurora in Abisko!

Through extensive research, we have found FIVE of the most highly rated Abisko Northern Lights tours to do when visiting Swedish Lapland, which we believe suit all travel preferences.

We first list the Top 3 tours & experiences originating from Abisko itself, before then giving you the Best 2 northern lights tour options from nearby Kiruna that travel into Abisko National Park just for the evening tour:

EDITOR’S TOP PICKS

Don’t have time to read the full post? See our top tour picks below:

⭐ The Longest Northern Lights Tour in Abisko with Dinner (Northern Lights guided tour FROM Abisko) – 6 hours

⭐ STF Aurora Sky Station Night Visit (Northern Lights self-guided experience FROM Abisko)

Or, keep reading below to jump into each tour itinerary or experience in detail, including 2024/25 prices and top highlights of each tour to see which is the best one for you:

5 MAGICAL ABISKO NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS & EXPERIENCES

1. “ The Longest Northern Lights Tour in Abisko with Dinner ” – From Abisko (guided) 📍

Tour operator: Lights of Vikings.

Top highlights: Rated with “Badge of Excellence” on Viator with a staggering 535/541 5* reviews! One of the best official Abisko Northern Lights tours that starts from Abisko village itself,

Duration: Approx. 6 hours.

Tour type: Very small group, up to 6/8 people maximum.

Price: From £174 GBP / $220 USD per person.

Availability: Until 16th March 2024 for 2023/24 season. Reopens for 2024/25 bookings from December 2024.

Departure point: Select from the most convenient pick-up / drop off point in Abisko village during the booking process.

Exclusions: Not recommended for pregnant travellers or travellers with heart / back problems.

Click to book this ‘ The Longest Northern Lights Tour in Abisko with Dinner ‘! 🌌

2. “ The Ultimate Aurora Photo Adventure ” – From Abisko (guided) 📍

Tour operator: Lights Over Lapland.

Top highlights: Lights of Lapland are renowned for utilising three different methods to hunt for the Northern Lights: either by foot, 4×4 van, or a snowmobile-drawn sleigh solely based on the forecasted activity that evening, keeping the tour super interesting! Small group tour for a super intimate adventure chasing the Northern Lights! Warm drinks during the tour included.

Duration: Approx. 4 hours.

Tour type: Very small group, up to 8 people maximum.

Price: Approx. £118 GBP / $150 USD per adult.

Availability: Until 24th March 2024 for 2023/24 season. Reopens for 2024/25 bookings from December 2024.

Departure point: Meeting point at STF Abisko Turiststation or request Abisko hotel pick-up / drop-off at no additional cost when booking.

Click to book this ‘ The Ultimate Aurora Photo Adventure ‘ tour! 🌌

3. “ STF Aurora Sky Station Night Visit ” – From Abisko (self-guided) 📍

A self-guided ‘ Night Visit ‘ experience up to the non-profit STF Aurora Sky Station is one of the best ways to see the Northern Lights on your own in Abisko during the Winter months.

Between 9pm – 1am daily, take the 30 minute (2km) open chairlift ride through the silence of night up to the Aurora Sky Station, sat 900 metres above sea level hidden in the Abisko National Park mountains.

It is a very small building consisting of an on-site restaurant, lookout tower, exhibition area and a large outdoor terrace. Spend your time as you please as you wait for the Northern Lights to appear in the notoriously clear starry night skies here.

It is recommended to book your online tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Top highlights: The ‘Night Visit’ experience package includes: Chairlift access up and down, full thermal overalls and warm boots and a guided tour at the top of STF Aurora Sky Station.

‘ Night Visit’ Prices: 1025 SEK per adult (approx. £77 GBP / $98 USD).

‘Night Visit’ Daily Opening Times: Chairlift access for the ‘Night Visit’ experience is available 9pm – 1am each evening. The last chairlift ride down is at 1am.

Availability: Until 17th March 2024 for 2023/24 season. Reopens for 2024/25 bookings mid November 2024.

Departure point: Visit Abisko direct for all transport / transfer options to make your own way there from Abisko village or Kiruna.

4. Northern Lights Tour from Kiruna to Abisko with Dinner (Extended Time) – From Kiruna (guided) 📍

Top highlights: Rated with “Badge of Excellence” on Viator with a staggering 228/233 5* reviews! Head to Abisko National Park, the best place in the world with notorious clear skies. Enjoy a delightful dinner before fully chasing the Northern Lights. The tour is not limited by distance or time, the team go all out to find the best Aurora for you. Once found, watch the Aurora dance above you as you warm up next to a roaring campfire and indulge in chocolates, Swedish cookies and soothing hot drinks. All professional photography taken on the tour is included.

Departure point: Inner Kiruna city hotel pick up and drop off included. This includes one of our recommended hotels, Camp Ripan , located just outside of the city. See Viator post or contact them directly for full options.

Duration: Extended Time: 6-7 hours.

Price: Approx. £195 GBP / $240 USD per adult.

Tour type: Very small intimate group, up to 6 people maximum!

Click to book this ‘Northern Lights Tour from Kiruna to Abisko with Dinner’! 🌌

5. Aurora Borealis Tour Kiruna – Abisko with local Street Food – From Kiruna (guided) 📍

Tour operator: Kiruna Private Guides.

Top highlights: With a mind-blowing 40/40 5* reviews and rated with “Badge of Excellence” on Viator, this Northern Lights tour is one of the best in Kiruna!

Start this intimate, personalised group tour with a delicious street food dinner (included) in a tipi before heading out towards Abisko National Park, a hotspot for the Aurora, to search for the best Northern Lights!

Departure point: Stejk Street Food in Kiruna or hotel pick-up and drop off is offered.

Duration: Approx. 6 to 7 hours.

Price: Approx. £215 GBP / $269 USD per adult.

Tour type: Very small intimate group, up to 8 people maximum!

Click to book this ‘ Aurora Borealis Tour Kiruna – Abisko with local Street Food ‘ tour! 🌌🥡

Other Kiruna-related blog posts you might like:

• Northern Lights in Kiruna.
• Ice Hotel in Kurina.
• Kiruna snowmobiling tours.

WHERE TO STAY IN ABISKO

Of course, if you opt for one of our 3 guided tours from Kiruna (that take you into Abisko National Park for the evening and back again), there is no need to stay overnight in Abisko.

However, we recommend to stay at least one night in Abisko village (or just outside) if you wanted to do our recommended ‘Night Visit’ experience at the STF Aurora Sky Station, or for our recommended Abisko Northern Lights tour, “ The Longest Northern Lights Tour in Abisko with Dinner” , which originates from Abisko.

If you decide staying would suit your travel itinerary best, see our top places to stay in and around Abisko village below:

⭐ Abisko Mountain Lodge (directly in Abisko village, cosy & highly rated)

⭐ Abisko Guesthouse & Activities (directly in Abisko village, budget-friendly)

⭐ STF Abisko Turiststation (for extremely close access to Aurora Sky Station)

ABISKO SWEDEN WINTER PACKING LIST

Great things to bring & wear for seeing the northern lights outside in abisko:.

• A GoPro / high quality camera to capture amazing Northern Lights footage of your own!
• Powered battery pack (and cable) for your smart phone and GoPro.
• Layers of breathable socks, including a pair of thick thermal socks.
• Layers and layers!!! There is a strong recommendation of at least 3 layers when you are outside at all times. This involves a base layer (polyester or silk to not absorb sweat), a middle insulating layer like a thick fleece and an outer layer, ideally waterproof to block out wind, rain and snow. Ideally the outer coat will also have a hood.
• Accessories to keep you warm, especially things like thermal gloves, bobble hats and ear muffs! Pack a few pairs of gloves in case they get wet. Ideally your glove ‘top layer’ will be waterproof.
• Snood (neck warmer). If its windy, the cold chill on your face can take your breath away!

HOW TO GET TO ABISKO IN SWEDEN

As luck would have it, Abisko village and Abisko National Park are just a 1 hour drive, bus or train ride from the larger nearby town of Kiruna.

Kiruna has its own airport (KRN) which welcomes 1 to 2 daily internal flights from Stockholm Arlanda International airport (ARN) everyday, making it extremely for all visitors travelling to Swedish Lapland:

Stockholm Arlanda International (ARN) to Kiruna (KRN) : Flight duration: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes hours direct. Airlines: Norwegian and SAS Scandinavian Airlines. Check SkyScanner for the best deals on your dates.

ABISKO NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS: “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S

What makes abisko the best place to see the northern lights this winter 2024 / 2025.

Abisko is aat perfectly in what is known as the “Auroral Oval above northern Sweden, making Abisko one of best areas in the World to see the Northern Lights!

Not only that, Abisko has its own special “Blue Hole” micro-climate, which causes it to experience mostly cloud-free nights compared to even nearby surrounding areas, such as the nearby town of Kiruna, in the Arctic Circle.

With the Solar Cycle set to burst with the strongest activity of Northern Lights for 11 years this Winter 2024 / 2025, there has never been a better time to see the Aurora in Abisko!

HOW LONG SHOULD I STAY IN ABISKO?

The main draw to stay overnight at Abisko is to do the self-guided ‘ Night Visit ‘ experience at the infamous STF Aurora Sky Station, located just outside of Abisko. Though relatively quiet, there are also a few day activities you can do in the day in Abisko, such as mountain hikes or ice climbing.

On this basis, we recommend a staying 1-2 nights is a good amount of time to stay in Abisko.

ABISKO SWEDEN WINTER CLIMATE

During the colder winter months of September to March, the weather in Abisko transforms into a mesmerising winter wonderland.

September ushers in the transition, with temperatures ranging from about 34°F to 46°F (1°C to 8°C), and daylight hours beginning to noticeably decrease.

As winter progresses, October sees a drop in temperatures to 24°F to 37°F (-4°C to 3°C), and by November, snowfall becomes more consistent, covering the landscape in a pristine white blanket.

December, the heart of winter, experiences temperatures ranging from -8°F to 11°F (-22°C to -12°C), with limited daylight hours creating the perfect conditions for witnessing the enchanting Northern Lights.

January and February maintain the winter chill, with temperatures hovering around -13°F to 5°F (-25°C to -15°C).

March marks the beginning of the thaw, with temperatures rising slightly to 5°F to 18°F (-15°C to -8°C) and promises longer days.

CONCLUSION: ABISKO NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS

In conclusion, a visit to Abisko National Park in northern Sweden is absolutely one of your best chances to witness the Northern Lights this Winter!

You can either stay 1 or 2 nights in Abisko village itself to take our recommended Abisko-based northern lights evening tours, or to do the self-guided ‘ Night Visit ‘ experience at the infamous STF Aurora Sky Station, located just outside of Abisko.

Abisko’s tiny size and minimal light pollution also means staying here would maximise your chances of seeing the Northern Lights overnight – even without a guided tour!

If you wanted to stay in Abisko, our top hotel choice would be the high-rated and super cosy Abisko Mountain Lodge .

On the other hand, there are also tour options that actually originate and pick-up / drop off from Kiruna, the main town of Swedish Lapland 1 hour away, that will take you into Abisko National Park for the evening to search for the lights.

This is a good option for those who want to remain close to the main epicentre and activity of Swedish Lapland in Kiruna, but have a quick taste of visiting the idyllic Abisko National Park during their time here.

We hope this has been super helpful for you, and most importantly that you have the most incredible time spotting the dazzling Northern Lights in Abisko, Sweden this Winter!

This blog post was written by… Jordie Flain! Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com, Travel Itinerary Creator & Wildlife Enthusiast

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Jordie Flain is the owner and author of The Flains Travel, a travel blog with emphasis on ethical wildlife experiences, "seen to be believed" natural beauty and "real magic" phenomena, such as the northern lights. Jordie crafts every itinerary and post to perfection for travellers to follow and get the very most out of their time in a destination.

Northern lights tours in Abisko (plus DIY options!)

The spectacular northern lights can be seen across northern Sweden in winter, but Abisko is widely regarded as the best place to view them in the country. Some go further and say it’s the best place in the entire world. 

One reason for Abisko being singled out as  the  place to see the northern lights is its isolation, with the nearest big city,  Kiruna , around 90km away. 

The surrounding countryside is also part of a protected nature reserve, which means there’s very little light pollution once you step away from the main areas of human habitation.

But the primary explanation for Abisko’s excellent reputation among aurora spotters is the relative lack of clouds. 

The tall mountains around here tend to keep the worst of the rainclouds at bay, making clear, cold nights more likely in Abisko than in other parts of Swedish Lapland. 

Should I stay in Abisko? The pros and cons of taking a tour Our favourite tours Do-it-yourself options What about the Aurora Sky Station? Staying in the Abisko Turistation 

Should I stay in Abisko to see the northern lights?

Because it’s such a good destination for viewing the lights, trips to this little Arctic outpost are gaining in popularity. 

On any given day you can expect to see folks from as far afield as India, China and Australia arriving in the hope of seeing the lights.

If you can find accommodation, our recommendation is definitely to stay in Abisko.

And since cloudy nights are possible – and even if it  is  clear, there’s no guarantee that there will be any action in the sky – we think it’s worth staying for at least a few nights to maximise your chances of seeing the lights.

That said, Abisko is a small place and accommodation options are limited, so staying in Kiruna, which has good transport links to Abisko, is a reasonable alternative.

Our top 3 northern lights tours from Abisko

• We love this snowshoe adventure , where you can silently glide across the pristine snow in search of the northern lights.
• We also like this photo tour by foot, 4×4 van or a snowmobile-drawn sleigh, which also provides professional cameras for you to use.
• But our top northern lights tour from Abisko is this trip up to the top of Mount Ednamvárri by snowmobile for a great vantage point over the mountain range.

Do I really need to take a tour?

You can either see the lights independently or you can take a tour, and there pros and cons of both options. 

Obviously seeing the lights independently can be cheaper – though not necessarily, if you have to rent a car – but taking a tour can be fascinating and great fun.

So, what are the pros and cons of taking a tour versus the DIY option?

• Tours generally cost more than doing it yourself.
• Tours may lack a certain flexibility. 
• Tours are more fun, especially if you’re travelling solo.
• You don’t need your own transport with a tour.
• Guides are extremely knowledgeable and can tell you all about the science behind the spectacular lights.
• Guides can take you to the best places to see the northern lights.
• You can combine a tour with a range of other fun activities, such as snowshoeing and riding a snowmobile.

6 of the best northern lights tours from Abisko

So here are some of our favourites northern lights tours in Abisko – and why we like them.

Take a classic northern lights tour

This good value northern lights tour picks you up from your hotel and takes you into the Abisko National Park in search of the northern lights.

We particularly like the knowledgeable guides, who have years of experience in choosing the best viewing spots.

And if you’re lucky, you may get to see the lights reflected in the clear waters of Lake Torneträsk. 

Price : 800 SEK; US$75

Search for the northern lights by snowshoe

We love the fact that you can combine two amazing Arctic experiences in one with this snowshoe and aurora tour .

Snowshoeing is an atmospheric way of exploring the national park, as you glide silently across the snow while looking out for the lights above. This tour includes a pick-up from Abisko accommodation.

Price : 995 SEK; US$94

See the northern lights from a mountain top

Enjoy the aurora from the top of a mountain while eating dinner round a campfire by a tipi. Our favourite thing about this trip is that you get to ride up to the top of Mount Ednamvárri  by snowmobile, where you’ll get views over the mountains and, ideally, of the northern lights!

Price : 2495 SEK; US$325

Take the best pics of the northern lights

Run by a professional photographer, this tour will help you get the best images of the aurora. The guide will help you set up your gear and give you hints about how to get the best shots.

And if your pics don’t work out, they will send you their own photos and videos. We love that you can set your insta page alight with some fab photos of the lights!

Price : 1650 SEK; US$156

See the northern lights in autumn

We love the fact that even if it’s not the depths of winter, you can still have a good chance of seeing the lights with this autumn northern lights tour .

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Abisko at about 8pm in the evening and head off into the Abisko National Park to search for the lights as it gets ever darker.

Look out the northern lights from Kiruna

What we like about this tour is that you can go northern lights hunting in Abisko, even if you’re not staying there.

This tour picks you up from a choice of seven locations in Kiruna in a heated mini-bus and takes you round the national park to some of the best places for viewing the aurora.

Price : 1770 SEK; US$160

DIY options for seeing the lights on a budget 

And if your budget won’t stretch to a tour, can you see the lights on your own? Well, the answer is definitely yes. 

Since Abisko is so remote, there’s very little light pollution and you can often see the lights from the town itself. 

Our favourite place for watching the northern lights for free is in Abisko Östra, down by the lakeside. You can simply walk down to the water’s edge and wait for the show to begin.

Wrap up warm, though – if it’s a clear night, temperatures plummet pretty quickly after dark. 

If you have your own transport you can easily drive out into the national park for good views of the lights. Or head along the shores of Lake Torneträsk and look out for the lights over the water.

Is the Aurora Sky Station worth it? 

One way to view the lights independently without taking a tour is to visit the Aurora Sky Station –though this certainly isn’t a budget option.

Some 900 metres above sea level on Mount Nuolja, the Sky Station has a large terrace and a lookout tower with great views, as well as an exhibition that explains all about the aurora itself.

It’s accessed by a chair lift, and expert guides give regular presentations on the lights throughout the evening.

The Sky Station claims to provide some of the world’s best views of the northern lights, and most visitors rave about the experience – even on nights when the lights don’t appear. 

However, there’s no denying that a trip here is expensive. It costs SEK 1025 per person to visit (which includes the chair lift), and you may well find that you can get good views of the lights in Abisko itself without having to pay for the experience!

Abisko Turistation 

If you do stay in Abisko, we recommend Abisko Turistation . Run by the STF (Swedish Tourist Association), this sprawling place is in the best possible location, with its very own train station.

It also has a restaurant and shop and sleeps 377 people in a range of accommodation including a hotel, hostel and cabins.

It’s the STF’s northernmost hostel complex and marks the beginning of the 467km long-distance Kungsleden trail that wends its way through some of Sweden’s wildest, most remote countryside. See our guide for more on hiking this amazing trail.

And even if you’re not staying there it’s worth a visit, because it’s the best base for tours, tourist information, trail maps, local knowledge, equipment rental and more. 

It can organise loads of activities, including skiing , ice-climbing , a trip to wood-fired sauna by the lake and, of course, hikes out to view the northern lights.

See also : Seeing the northern lights in Sweden The best northern lights tours in Rovaniemi, Finland   Wild northern lights tours in Tromsø

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Northern Lights In Abisko: Self-Guided Or Joining A Tour?

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: April 6, 2023

Are you going to Abisko for the Northern Lights?

Abisko in Sweden is an excellent choice because the odds of spotting this incredible natural phenomenon are indeed in your favor in this small town. This is because of the unique location of Abisko.

The town is protected by the Scandinavian Alps from the dominant western winds. Clouds usually gather at the other side of the mountain and dissipate as soon as they cross the mountain range.

Residents of Abisko call this meteorological phenomenon the blue hole because there’s often a patch of blue sky while all surrounding towns experience a grey cloudy day.

Do you want to take advantage of the blue hole to see the northern lights? Here we share everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

In A Hurry? Here Is The Most Important Information About Seeing The Northern Lights In Abisko

• The best time to see the Northern Lights in Abisko is during the winter from mid-September until early March.
• Use an Aurora app ( Google Play  –  Apple Store ) and check the Abisko Northern Lights webcams ( webcam 1 and webcam 2 ) to see what the chances are of seeing them.
• Self-guided: Perfect if you are on a budget and have a car. Here is everything you need to know about renting a car in Sweden in winter.
• Take the chair lift up to the Abisko Aurora Sky Station
• Join a guided tour: There are several tours to choose from. There are regular Abisko Aurora tours, you could join a Northern Lights photography tour , or a Northern Lights Snowmobile tour .

What are the Northern Lights?

The original inhabitants of Lapland didn’t quite know what happened when all of a sudden dancing green shadows appeared in the sky. They attributed the phenomenon to the gods and were afraid of it.

Thanks to extensive research there’s now an explanation for the Aurora Borealis.

It originates in the sun, where gas molecules escape and collide with each other.

The protons and electrons that are the results of such a collision can sometimes escape from the magnetic field of the sun.

If they do they are likely picked up by the solar winds and blown towards the earth.

They travel about 3 days to reach our planet and as they get closer they will be pulled towards the northern and southern poles by the earth’s magnetic field.

This explains that this phenomenon can only be seen in the North and South Poles.

The Northern Lights are known as Aurora Borealis in the north, and Aurora Australis in the south.

It’s then, when they enter the earth’s atmosphere, that they produce the auroral colors as we see them.

The most common aurora color is green, it’s the result of oxygen particles that are located around 60 miles above our planet.

However, the aurora can also come in other colors. They’re a lot less common though and if you actually see them you should consider yourself very lucky.

If you search the internet you may find pictures of red, blue, and purple colors witnessed in the sky.

Variations in colors are produced by particles at other altitudes or composed of another mass such as nitrogen.

What Is The Best Time To See The Northern Lights In Abisko

The winter season is typically a good period to see the Northern Lights because of the long nights and short days.

In Abisko they usually can be seen starting in September to early April.

Most people tend to plan their visit around Christmas or in January, February, or March.

Here’s what you can expect in the various months.

September – Oktober – November

Early September is not a good time to see the Northern Lights as there is no real darkness during the night.

The twilight makes it hard, if not impossible to see the aurora.

It’s only from mid-September that there are real sunsets and sunrises. Still, nights are short and you will need to pull an all-nighter if you want to have a chance to see the lights in the wee hours.

Oktober and November are better. Starting from October there are almost 7 hours of complete darkness and by the end of November, this has become more than 12 hours.

Oktober and November are great months during which you can see the aurora as well as the autumn colors.

The lakes aren’t yet completely frozen and this can make for some stunning photographs with the reflection of the aurora in the placid waters.

December – January

A visit during December can be an extraordinary experience because you will never see the sun.

It does get a little bright between 10 AM and 2 PM but there’s no sunrise and sunset.

At around 2 PM the sky turns magically blue, a natural phenomenon that the residents call the “blue hour”.

December might be perfect to see the Northern Lights but the short days mean that you cannot really do anything else.

Days start to lengthen again in January which makes this month slightly better if you want to include some other activities in your trip.

February – March

We would recommend planning your visit in February or early March because the days are already somewhat longer but there is still a long period of darkness.

This allows for some activities during the day and good opportunities for Northern Lights hunting during the evening and night.

What Else There Is To Know About The Best Time To See The Northern Lights

Scientific research has shown that aurora activity is usually at its best around midnight.

We did see it earlier during the evening and we share some tips on apps you can use that show the aurora forecast for the current and the upcoming days.

Another discovery that researchers have made is that the activity is cyclic with peaks every 11 years. According to their research 2024 should be a splendid year for aurora hunters.

There’s no need to wait till 2024 though.

We had wonderful auroras during February 2022 and, although not guaranteed, chances of spotting the Northern Lights in Abisko are always good.

Tip: Do provide three days at least, so that your happiness does not depend on that one day. Despite the blue hole, we did experience several cloudy days during our stay.

Abisko Northern Lights Forecast

We already explained how the Northern Lights are a result of the solar wind that carries gas molecules to earth. When the solar wind is very active this is called a Geomagnetic storm.

The more active the solar wind is, the more particles collide with our planet’s magnetic field, and the better your chances to see a truly spectacular aurora.

The Geomagnetic activity is represented in the KP Index, a scale from 0 to 9. A higher number means a more active aurora, it also means that it will be visible further from the earth’s poles.

In general, to see the Northern Lights in Abisko, the KP Index should be at least 3.

The good news is that you can find the KP Index forecasts on several sites on the internet as well as some apps for your phone.

The Aurora App

We used the Aurora app. ( Google Play  –  Apple Store )

In the app, you can see the current KP index for your location along with the viewing opportunity and the cloud cover. It also shows the KP index for the coming hours and days.

At the bottom of the page, you find some graphs about solar wind. It shows the speed (the higher the better), and the density (the number of particles per cubic centimeter, more particles are better).

The bottom 2 graphs show the BZ and BT values.

The BZ value shows the direction of the solar wind, the more negative this value is the better. The BT value is the solar wind strength, a higher figure shows more strength and is better.

As a summary, for good chances of seeing the Northern Lights, you want:

• A high KP-index
• No, or very few clouds,
• A high solar wind speed
• A high solar wind density
• A negative BZ-value
• A high BT-value

There are forecasts about the KP index and the cloud cover. You can also calculate your own forecasts based on the solar wind data.

All this data is coming from the ACE satellite which is 1.5 million kilometers away from our planet.

If you know the distance of the satellite from our planet, and the solar wind speed, you can calculate when the wind will reach the planet. Here’s an example where the solar wind speed is 500 km/sec:

1500000 (satellite distance) /500 (speed) / 60 (seconds in a minute) = 50 minutes

If the solar wind travels at 500 kilometers/second the wind will reach our planet in 50 minutes.

Lastly, the app also shows some satellite images of the sun where you can see solar flares.

Looking at the graphs you will see that the wind speed as well as the other aspects fluctuate wildly and vary from hour to hour.

Long-term forecasts are therefore not very reliable. To have the best chances of spotting the aurora you will need to check the app regularly to see if the conditions have changed.

Abisko Northern Lights Webcams

Seeing the Northern Lights is a matter of patience.

And since it is often high on the bucket list, many don’t mind spending a few hours outside staring at the sky.

Nights can be cold though, and the cold will eventually drive even the bravest inside to warm up.

When you’re cozying up indoors, warming up by the fireplace, or drinking a hot chocolate, the Aurora apps can help you find out when it’s a good time to get outside again.

Another good reference is the 2 aurora webcams that Abisko counts.

If you don’t quite make sense of the data in the app, you can view the real-time images from the webcams.

Check the images of the Abisko Northern Lights webcams here:

How To See The Northern Lights In Abisko

There are many ways to admire the Northern Lights in Abisko. Here we give you an overview.

Self-Guided

Of course, the obvious way is to get out and about on your own.

While you can suffer from light pollution in Kiruna, that is much less in Abisko.

If conditions are good, seeing the Northern Lights can be as easy as walking out of your hotel or guest house.

However, the best experience and the most beautiful pictures are taken in a slightly more remote place, away from civilization and surrounded by nature.

A walk or a short car ride can lead you to a beautiful spot where you can enjoy this beautiful phenomenon undisturbed.

If you want to take home memories of your experience, you should bring a good camera and a tripod.

So you don’t really need more than a camera, a tripod, and a little luck to return home with beautiful pictures of the aurora.

If you don’t have a tripod, have a look at our selection here. In this post we mention the best tripods for hiking but they are also great  for shooting the Northern Lights.

However, we recommend that you also take a look at the alternatives below. They can only improve your experience.

The Abisko Aurora Sky Station

The Aurora Sky Station is perched atop Mt. Nuolja. A chairlift takes you to a viewing platform 900 meters above sea level.

The ride to the top offers incredible panoramic views any time of the year and while you may not be able to see those distant views after dark, the 20-minute ride under the starry sky at night is a truly unique experience.

In addition to the large outdoor viewing platform, the Sky Station also has a lookout tower and an exhibition where you can learn more about the aurora.

A guided tour of the exhibition, including a presentation about the Northern Lights, is included with your visit.

While you won’t necessarily see the aurora any better from the Sky Station than from anywhere else in the park the complete package with the chairlift ride and the exhibition including the informative session from the knowledgeable guides can be a reason to visit the Aurora Sky Station.

You can pimp your experience even more by adding a four-course dinner to your visit.

Opinions about the diner differ and some find it overpriced.

In any case, it is a unique setting and if you are lucky enough to see the Northern Lights while you enjoy your dinner with your loved one, it will truly be an evening to remember.

Joining an Abisko Northern Lights tour

Another option to chase the Northern Lights is to join an Abisko Aurora tour.

Tours come in all kinds of styles.

Here’s what you can expect from the various tours, further down we will discuss the tours we did in more detail.

The “Regular” Abisko Aurora Tour

This tour can be great for those who don’t have a car or don’t want to worry about driving themselves.

The tour pick you up at your hotel and will head to a nice Aurora spotting location. In some cases, you might go to various locations over the course of the tour.

There’s usually a cabin or tent at the spotting location where you can warm up, waiting for the Northern Lights to appear.

To ease the wait, some snacks and drinks are usually provided as well.

The guide can tell you more about the park, the Northern Lights, and the Sami.

Check prices and availability: Northern Lights Tour Abisko

The Abisko Northern Lights Photography Tour

This tou r is for you if you want good pictures of the Northern Lights but you don’t have the right equipment. Or maybe you already have a camera but you don’t have too much experience with the more advanced options.

The mobile phone has gradually dethroned the classic photo camera.

It’s a lot smaller, easier to carry, and the quality of the pictures is almost the same. But there are some areas where photo cameras are still superb.

With traditional cameras, there are more settings that you can fine-tune and that is exactly what you need for those stunning pictures of the northern lights.

You need the right shutter speed, aperture settings, and ISO to capture the green dancing shadows of the northern lights, something that you cannot do with a mobile phone.

During a photo tour, you will be provided with a tripod and a camera that is preset with the correct settings.

The guide will also be happy to help those with their own gear with the settings of their camera.

Check prices and availability: Northern Lights Photography Tour

A Northern Lights Snowmobile Tour

It is also possible to combine 2 epic activities in 1 tour.

With the snowmobiles, you will drive to some scenic spots to spot the Northern Lights.

En route, you may come across wildlife such as moose and reindeer.

It’s never 100% sure whether you will see the aurora but with this tour, you’re certain that you will experience driving a roaring snowmobile.

Each participant has his own snowmobile or you can choose to share one and take turns driving.

Participants who don’t want to drive themselves can also join in a sled pulled by a snowmobile.

Check prices and availability: Northern Lights Snowmobile Tour

Ice fishing Underneath The Northern Lights

Note that this tour isn’t bookable at the moment.

We already said that chasing the Northern Lights is sometimes not as active as it may sound. At times it is just a waiting game.

So instead of just waiting for the dancing lights to appear why not partake in a typical local activity such as ice fishing?

It’s an ideal combination, while you wait for the aurora to appear you can become a pro at ice fishing and learn all the tricks of the trade.

Note that this Northern Lights ice fishing tour leaves from Kiruna and will take you to the Torneriver where you can catch Grayling, Perch, Trout, and more.

Check prices and availability: Northern Lights Ice Fishing Tour

For a more detailed guide about the best Northern Lights Tours in Abisko, click here. 

Is A Northern Light Tour In Abisko Worth It?

A tour is certainly worth it, it can improve the experience of your Northern Lights adventure, as long as you pick the tour that suits you.

A regular Northern Lights tour is maybe not what you need if you have a car and don’t mind going out on your own. Some tours take you to places that you can’t reach with your own car but you will be able to find scenic places of your own.

Our Northern Lights photography tour , on the other hand, was a great experience. Even as someone comfortable with using my camera in manual modus I found the trip worthwhile. The guides have much more experience photographing the northern light in the various weather conditions. They can help you set up your camera in advance. This way you avoid having to spend a lot of time testing different configurations.

The aurora may only appear for a few minutes and you may not get a second chance. This means you want your first pictures to be as good as your last ones.

A snowmobile or ice fishing tour gives you the assurance that even if you don’t see the northern lights, you will still have a good time. Most people only spend a few days in Lapland and chasing the Northern Lights on a snowmobile is one way to make the most of your limited time.

How Much Does It Cost To See The Northern Lights In Abisko

Tours range anywhere from 110€ to 180€ per person depending on the type of tour and the time of the year.

If you don’t want to spend that much on a tour, here’s how to see the Northern Lights in Abisko on a budget.

Start by installing the Aurora app that we mentioned earlier in this article and familiarize yourself with the information about the KP-index and the Solar Winds. Activate the alert service so that you get alerts when there are good chances of seeing the Aurora.

When you arrive in Abisko ask the hotel or the guest house for a nice scenic spot within walking or driving distance. They’re familiar with the region so they should be able to point you in the right direction.

Lastly, leave plenty of time in your agenda, and track the app closely, so that you’re ready when the aurora appears in the sky.

Detailed And Honest Review Of Our Abisko Northern Lights Tours

The ultimate northern lights photography adventure in abisko national park.

We took this 4-hour Northern Lights photography tour on a snowy day.

As a result, we left with low expectations. We ended up not seeing the aurora but still liked the tour.

We spend most of the time in a heated tent together with our chatty guide who told us a lot about the National Park, the Sami, and the Northern Lights.

The camera gear we got was in good condition and the guide was clearly knowledgeable about the camera settings and how to optimally use your camera in cold weather conditions.

Because the cloud cover did not disappear we ended up doing some photography tricks such as light writing. It’s not the same as a photo of the Northern Lights, but it’s still a nice memory of our trip.

This tour comes highly recommended!

The Longest Northern Lights Tour In Abisko With Dinner

With over 390 5-star reviews and just a few 4-star reviews (and nothing below that), I can honestly say this Northern Lights tour delivers on what it promises.

The good reviews were the reason we booked this tour.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get lucky on this tour either.

The skies were clear this day but there was not enough solar activity. We enjoyed our reindeer meal and the informative stories about the Sami.

After our meal, we drove in 2 mini-vans to a cabin near a frozen lake hoping for the best. However, the northern lights did not cooperate that day, so we had to go back to our hotel empty-handed.

Our Favorite Northern Lights Tour

From the 2 tours, we did we liked the Northern Lights photography tour the most.

In our experience, the guide made a lot of difference.

The whole experience was much more interactive with our guide regularly checking up on everybody and telling a whole bunch of interesting stories about the region and the aurora.

She also took the initiative to make some light writing pictures, although it is just a consolation prize compared to the real thing, we thought it was a great gesture nevertheless.

The photography tour is shorter than the dinner tour but the actual time you spend outside, chasing or waiting for the aurora, is almost the same.

There are numerous places in Abisko and Kiruna where you can enjoy great reindeer meat.

You can enjoy a great reindeer meal at the Abisko Mountain Lodge or the TuristStation, or reindeer street food at Stejk in Kiruna.

FAQ You May Have About Seeing The Northern Lights In Abisko

How likely are the northern lights in abisko.

Nothing is certain except death and taxes. You may have heard this expression before and this also applies to seeing the Northern Lights in Abisko.

Thanks to the blue hole there is a greater chance of seeing the aurora in Abisko but it is not a given.

They often say that if you spend 3 days in Abisko you have an 80% chance of seeing the aurora but we have spoken with people who stayed for 7 days and had cloudy skies during their entire stay.

We ourselves did not see the aurora in Abisko, but already earlier during our trip in Kiruna.

If we hadn’t seen it already we might have put in more effort, stayed up later, and checked the app more often, during our stay in Abisko, but we were pleased with what we had seen in Kiruna.

The 3-day/80% rule is a guideline that you can use to plan your trip but you will have to take the weather as it comes.

Is Abisko The Best Place To See The Northern Lights

We haven’t seen the Northern Lights in Abisko but rather in Kiruna.

However, who am I to argue with a weather pattern that has proven itself over and over again.

There are several pictures showing the blue hole and just because we weren’t lucky the week we were there doesn’t mean that the blue hole is a scam.

All Northern Lights tours from Kiruna go to Abisko for a reason.

Abisko or Kiruna for Northern Lights

Abisko is the better option for several reasons. Less light pollution in Abisko makes it easier to see the Northern Lights on your own, certainly without a car.

If you join a Northern Lights tour in Kiruna it will take you to Abisko to benefit from the blue hole.

This makes the tour longer and more expensive. The two-hour round-trip means you will hit the sack an hour later, making your trip more tiring than it needs to be.

Abisko or Tromsø for Northern Lights

Tromsø is located a little further north. This makes it a little easier to see the northern lights. The aurora can be seen with a KP index as low as 1, still, if you want a nice spectacle overhead, you will need a KP index of 3 or more. The same as in Abisko.

On the other hand, Tromsø has more light pollution.

To see the aurora you will need to head further out of town.

You will need a car or join a guided tour where in Abisko a short walk is enough to find a deserted place without any light pollution.

Tromsø, being closer to the sea, is also the one with the most unpredictable weather.

The changing weather patterns can be a good and a bad thing.

The cloud cover can suddenly disappear in a matter of minutes, but it can come back just as quickly as it disappeared.

Is Abisko Expensive

Abisko is a small village with few accommodations and restaurants. It is therefore not cheap, but we also did not feel that we were being exploited here as a tourist.

The biggest budget will go to the overnight stay.

You have to book this well in advance, ideally around a year before your travel date. We stayed in the Abisko Turiststation and loved it. Here you can find more info on where to stay in Abisko.

The tours are not more expensive than those you find in Kiruna. Northern lights tours are even a little cheaper.

Restaurants are not cheap either but the food you get is delicious and in our experience absolutely worth the price.

Since there is only 1 supermarket in Abisko, we recommend that you buy some snacks in advance. There are several supermarkets in Kiruna and they have much more choices.

Is Abisko Worth Visiting

There is the Northern Lights, the many fun winter activities, and the beautiful national park.

Moreover, visiting the remote little town of Abisko is an experience in itself. It’s one of the smallest settlements we have ever been to. Being able to walk outside, right in nature, gives an incredibly free feeling.

Abisko is a place that should not be missed on your travel itinerary. Not only because of the Northern Lights, but also because of the many fun winter activities in Abisko .

Thanks to the blue hole, there is a good chance that you will see the aurora here.

But even if you are unlucky and are stuck in Abisko with bad weather, you will still have a good time. You can go cross-country skiing, explore the snowshoe trails, ride a dog sled, or discover the region on a snowmobile.

Enjoy your winter trip to Swedish Lapland, just make sure to book your hotel well in advance.

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Abisko and Kiruna Aurora Nights

Winter Holiday (5 days / 4 nights)

This package is ideally designed for the ones who are dreaming of seeing the magical Northern Lights! You will spend 5 days in Kiruna and Abisko, Swedish Lapland. Both located within the Auroral Oval offering a high chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

Request now.

Abisko and Kiruna Aurora nights

This package is ideally designed for the ones who are dreaming of seeing the magical Northern Lights. You will spend 5 days in Kiruna and Abisko , both located within the Aurora Oval . Offering a high chance of seeing the Northern lights during your stay. By arrival in Kiruna, you have already landed 150km above the Arctic Circle . From here you will travel even more north, to the small mountain village of Abisko. One of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Don’t miss out this exclusive Aurora Night package, including aurora chasing and the most iconic Arctic winter activities.

Aurora Nights

Almost every night you will spent time outdoors trying to catch a glimpse of the magical Northern Lights. You will hunt the Aurora Borealis over the frozen landscape with a team of friendly huskies. Immerse yourself in the silence of the polar night in a warm outdoor jacuzzi and visit the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko. One of the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights. Optional we can add on the last evening a thrilling Northern Lights snowmobile safari if you want to get the maximum out of your Aurora nights holiday in Swedish Lapland.

Winter activities

It’s not only the Northern Lights which makes Swedish Lapland an interesting destination. During day time you will bring a visit to the renowned ICEHOTEL , the world’s first hotel made by ice. You will also have the chance to learn more about the Sámi culture and meet and feed reindeers on a traditional Sámi meeting place. This Abisko and Kiruna Aurora package also offers flexibility to customize your holiday further with adding activities like Snowshoe walking, Ice Fishing, Moose Safari and Reindeer Sledding.

15 November – 31 March

4 Nights accommodation, including:

• 2 nights in Camp Ripan, private timber chalet
• 2 nights in STF Abisko Mountain Station, superior twin room
• Daily breakfast buffet and 2x dinner
• Aurora Spa entrance
• ICEHOTEL entrance incl. drink at Icebar
• Northern Lights tour by dog sled
• Night visit Aurora Sky Station
• Price excluding flights
• Flexible arrival and departure dates
• Prices per person, based on 2 persons sharing a room
• Subject to hotel seasonal price changes and availability
• Exclusive 4 course dinner at the Aurora Sky Station
• Snowmobile safari
• Moose and wilderness safari
• Snowshoe walking
• Ice – fishing
• Sámi culture – Reindeer encounter
• Northern Light Safari by car

Abisko and Kiruna Aurora nights | 5 days / 4 nights

Arrival Day

Welcome to Swedish Lapland! On arrival to Kiruna Airport, you land 150km north from the Arctic Circle into the northernmost part of Sweden. A short transfer will bring you to the family owned hotel Camp Ripan, close to the heart of Kiruna city. Here you will stay in a comfortable private timber chalet. The hotel’s rewarded Aurora Spa invites you to wander between heat and cold. Relax indoors and enjoy the winter white landscape through panorama windows, or feel the cool caress of the polar winter across your cheek while enveloped by the comfort of the outdoor warm pool. If you are lucky, the colorful dance of the Northern Lights will entertain you!

Day 2 –  A Fun Day in Kiruna

After a good night sleep and enjoying a rich Scandinavian breakfast buffet, a private taxi transfer will take you to world’s first ICEHOTEL. You may visit the ICEHOTEL Art Exhibition where you can see the fantastic sculptures and the ice rooms in peace on your own. A non-alcoholic drink at the ICEBAR is included in your visit. Before heading back to the hotel, you may check the souvenir shop. If you are interested in learning more about the indigenous Sámi culture and their reindeers. We have selected several optional tours where you can choose from.

During the evening you go hunting for the magical Northern Lights by dog sled! By arriving at the Husky Kennel, you can relax and take place on warm reindeer skins on a sled and enjoy the dark polar night! The team of friendly huskies will pull you through the sparkling winter wonderland.  Immerse yourself in the dark wintry nights of Lapland and escape the city lights with the enthusiast huskies. Along the route a stop will be made to enjoy a warm outdoor dinner and a hot drink by the campfire. Meanwhile, the guide will provide you with more information about the Northern Lights. An experience which will give you memories for a lifetime!

Day 3 – Abisko and Aurora Sky Station

Today you will continue northward to the small mountain village of Abisko. Situated within a bowl of mountains, Abisko is well known as the “Blue Hole” (a patch of permanently clear sky) because of its little cloudy and snowy weather. In addition to its location on the Auroral Oval, Abisko becomes the best place in Europe for observing the magical natural phenomenon Northern Lights. A transfer will take you to the Kiruna train station, followed by a 1,5-hour scenic train ride towards Abisko. In the evening you will take the chairlift up to the Aurora Sky Station, 900 meters above sea level, which is listed in the Lonely Planet’s top 10 places of the world for Northern Lights viewing. After arriving, you have an opportunity to learn more about the Northern Lights by participating in a guided tour.  The last chairlift ride down leaves at 01:00.

Day 4 – Abisko National Park 

In the morning you may take it easy after having a late night in the Aurora Sky Station. If you plan to wake up early then there are many optional tours to choose from to explore the Abisko National Park in your preferred way. What about taking part in a scenic snowmobile tour driving high up in the mountain areas.  Ice fishing or snowshoe walking into the unspoiled winter wonderland? We can recommend visiting the Naturum visitor center for the Abisko National Park to learn more about the region.

After dinner, you may choose for a relaxed last evening in the hotel, or spend one more evening outdoors chasing the Northern Lights by joining an optional snowmobile Northern Lights safari.

Day 5 – Departure Day

After daily enjoying new experiences it’s time to travel home. Depending on your flight schedule, maybe you have some time left to relax in this Northernmost part of Swedish Lapland. If you have an early flight, then it is time to get ready and check out of your hotel room. A transfer will be arranged for you from Abisko to Kiruna Airport. You can look back on your amazing 5 days visit to Swedish Lapland!

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Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

• Lapland Adventure - Aurora Sky Station & ICEHOTEL

(6 days / 5 nights)

• Travel Style
• Partially Guided

Take in the northern lights & icy wonders of Lapland

This winter break in Swedish Lapland is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. You’ll enjoy overnights and free time in both the town of Kiruna and the mountain resort village of Abisko, one of the world’s best places for northern lights sightings. Get a burst of adrenaline on guided snowmobiling and dog sledding excursions, indulge in gourmet local cuisine at the Aurora Sky Station and spend a night at the famous ICEHOTEL.

6 days / 5 nights

Price p.p. from

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 2991 EUR

— why book with nordic visitor.

• Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
• Quality & value for your money
• Specialists in travel to Lapland
• Great customer reviews 
• Carbon offsetting included

Tour Highlights

• Enjoy a memorable time in the true Arctic north
• Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Abisko National Park
• Spend the night at the magical ICEHOTEL and ICEHOTEL 365
• Discover the history and culture of Swedish Lapland
• Speed through the frozen wilderness on a snowmobile
• Feel the wind on your cheeks on a sleigh pulled by huskies
• Explore the eclectic city of Kiruna and see its changing landscape
• Head into the snowy mountains at the Aurora Sky Station
• Warm up in a traditional sauna like they do in the Arctic
• Have a chance to glimpse the colourful northern lights in the night sky

Travel style

Partially guided i, active i , dog sled i , ice/snow hotel i , northern lights i , snowmobiling i, attractions.

Just a few of the majestic sights you’ll take in during your trip.

The Icehotel

Northern Lights in Lapland

Snowmobiling

Dog sledding, abisko national park, aurora sky station.

A day-by-day plan to guide your northern adventure.

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN KIRUNA & SNOWMOBILE NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR

Welcome to magical Kiruna in Swedish Lapland! A driver will meet you at Kiruna Airport to take you to your accommodation. Then head out to explore the snowy city before tonight’s adventure.

In the evening, bundle up for a guided snowmobile excursion out into the wilderness. This is a thrilling way to experience Arctic nature and gives you a chance to spot the northern lights glowing in the night sky. On this adventure, you’ll enjoy a rustic dinner of traditional local food in a wooden hut around a fireplace before your guide takes you back to Kiruna.

Spend the night in Kiruna.

Day 2: HUSKY SLEDDING & NORTHERN LIGHTS AT THE AURORA SKY STATION

This morning, more adventures await as you’ll join a guided dog-sledding excursion. When you arrive at the husky farm you’ll hear the excited huskies waiting for their chance to run through the snow-covered forest trail. Following a brief lesson at the kennel, you’ll drive your own sleigh, pulled by a team of energetic huskies, through the woods and over the snowy plains. There will be 2 people sharing each sleigh, taking turns mushing. After a thrilling ride, warm up with a hot drink and a light lunch in front of a campfire.

In the early evening, you board a minibus to Abisko, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) from Kiruna. You’ll stay here for 2 nights and you’re sure to have an unforgettable time immersed in the natural beauty of this national park. When you arrive, your night begins with a chairlift ride up the mountainside to the Aurora Sky Station, which offers unspoilt views of the stars above. At the restaurant, indulge in a delicious, Nordic-inspired, 3-course dinner, followed by a guided tour to learn about the spectacular northern lights and how best to see them. Afterwards, take a short 900-metre (half-a-mile) walk to your hotel.

Spend the night in Abisko.

Day 3: ABISKO NATIONAL PARK AT YOUR LEISURE

Take advantage of a free day in Abisko National Park, one of the oldest and most pristine national parks in Sweden. Here you can choose from a variety of guided activities (pre-booking recommended) or rent some skis or snowshoes from STF Abisko Turiststation to head out on your own. However you choose to enjoy the great outdoors today, don’t forget to take advantage of the hotel sauna afterwards.

Tonight, if the sky is clear, keep an eye out for the northern lights again. This is one of the best locations in Sweden to see the auroras after all!

Day 4: TRAIN JOURNEY & FREE DAY IN KIRUNA

Take the train back to Kiruna this morning to spend the day at your leisure. At the train station in Kiruna you will be met by a driver who will take you to your hotel. Then you could explore the city. The old town was founded in 1900 next to a mine. In 2014, the buildings started being moved so the mine could expand. Discover the new city hall, Kristallen (“the crystal”), and the old church, one of Sweden’s largest wooden buildings. You can even book a guided tour of the mine.

For some evening thrills, book a guided snowshoe hike or a husky evening ride to try spotting the northern lights one more time.

Day 5: SAMI REINDEER FARM & THE MAGICAL ICEHOTEL

Today, you’ll leave Kiruna and head out to the famous ICEHOTEL. It is the largest hotel built of snow and ice in the world and was the first of its kind ever made! On arrival, you’ll take a self-guided tour of the spectacular structure. View spellbinding ice rooms and ice suites as well as a chic ice bar, an ice church, and other unique creations.

In the afternoon, join a tour to a traditional Sámi reindeer farm in Jukkasjärvi. This is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Lapland’s nature, history and culture, and learn about how the S á mi people have lived here for centuries. You’ll also get the chance to ride a reindeer-pulled sleigh through the woods.  

Return to the ICEHOTEL (or ICEHOTEL 365*) to spend the night in your very own ice room.

*The ICEHOTEL opens in mid-December. Until then, accommodation and tours will be at the ICEHOTEL 365, open all year. For more information read our essential tour information below.

Day 6: DEPARTURE FROM KIRUNA

Today is your last day in Swedish Lapland! Start the morning with a hearty breakfast in the ICEHOTEL’s restaurant and warm up in the sauna to prepare for today’s trip back home. Later, a driver will take you to Kiruna Airport in time for your departure flight.

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Northern Lights Dogsledding Tour

Northern lights snowshoe tour, dinner reservation - ice menu, private jukkasjärvi sauna ritual.

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

• Transfer from Kiruna Airport to accommodation
• Accommodation (Comfort Plus/Superior) for 2 nights
• Accommodation (Comfort Plus/Superior) at STF Abisko Turiststation for 2 nights
• Accommodation in an ice room at the ICEHOTEL or ICEHOTEL 365 for 1 night
• Daily Breakfast
• Northern lights snowmobile excursion in Kiruna, includes dinner
• Dog sledding excursion in Kiruna, includes lunch
• Transfer by mini-coach to Abisko
• 3-course dinner & northern lights excursion at Aurora Sky Station in Abisko
• Train from Abisko to Kiruna
• Transfer from Kiruna train station to ICEHOTEL
• Visit to the ICEHOTEL & ICEHOTEL 365
• Visit to a Sámi reindeer farm, includes refreshments
• Transfer to Kiruna Airport on departure
• Loan of additional outerwear & safety gear
• Carbon offsetting the package
• Detailed personal itinerary
• Nordic Visitor’s Lapland Travel Guide
• 24/7 helpline
• Taxes & service fees

Not included

• Flights to/from Sweden & Kiruna
• Personal travel insurance
• Meals & drinks (unless otherwise stated)
• Drinks during dinner at Aurora Sky Station
• Any services not listed above as “Included”

Optional Extras

Photographic evidence of just how stunning Lapland is.

Aurora Sky Station in Lapland

Snowmobiling at sunset ©Kiruna Guidetur

Icehotel Entrance in Lapland

Art suite at the ICEHOTEL ©ICEHOTEL | Lukas Petko | Asaf Kliger

+6 more from this tour

Reindeer in Lapland

Northern Lights over the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko - ©Chad Blakley

Sculptures in the ICEHOTEL ©ICEHOTEL | Tjåsa Gusfors & Ulrika Tallving | Asaf Kliger

Snowmobiling in Lapland

The King Kong Suite at The Icehotel in Kiruna

Kiruna Church in Swedish Lapland

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

Nordic Visitor thought of everything

I can't say enough about Nordic Visitor. They really thought of everything and handled even real time unexpected issues promptly. We would have definitely not had such a good experience had I tried to plan this all on our own!

Natasha, United States

Lapland adventure - aurora sky station & icehotel, december 2023, excursions were fantastic.

Excursions were fantastic, including evening and afternoon snowmobile trips, daytime dog sledding and the ICEHOTEL tour. Guides were all very friendly and knowledgeable and spoke good English.

Richard, United States

Lapland adventure - aurora sky station & icehotel, march 2023, trip of a lifetime, deborah, united states, everything was great.

Overall, everything was great and we had a great experience and time. The itinerary info was spot on and worked out perfectly.

Tyler, United States

Lapland adventure - aurora sky station & icehotel, february 2023, trip of a lifetime.

We absolutely loved our experience with Nordic Visitor! From our first inquiry to our last goodbye, we had exceptional service and attention. It quite literally was everything we asked for and more! Our travel consultant worked diligently to accommodate our every wish, was always in communication with us, and was simply amazing! This was a trip of a lifetime!

Ranae, United States

Good experience.

Overall a good experience for making memories.

Hannah, United Kingdom

Accommodation.

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

Standard rooms in good quality and comfortable three-star hotels. Accommodation options in this category are...

Standard rooms in four-star hotels in combination with Deluxe or Superior rooms in three-star hotels or the highest quality proper..

Price per person from

Tour Information

We recommend that you read carefully through the following section about travelling to Kiruna, Swedish Lapland. It includes some important information about what the tour includes, accommodation, and more about your thrilling activities.

Please note that this package is subject to availability. Please wait to book your flights until after we have confirmed your reservation. If the accommodation in Kiruna or at the ICEHOTEL is fully booked on your preferred travel dates, your travel consultant will be in touch with information about the next available dates.

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR MULTI-DAY TOURS On a multi-day tour, Nordic Visitor books your accommodation and excursions for a self-guided travel experience. That means you’ll enjoy some free time to explore on your own as well as planned, guided day tours.

Each activity is run by a different tour operator, so you’ll get to meet a few local guides throughout your trip.

You can rest assured that Nordic Visitor only works with a small number of handpicked suppliers that meet our high standards. The activities you’ll participate in are all extremely well rated so you’re sure to have a memorable time.

During your tour, we’re with you every step of the way. Plus, you’ll always be able to reach us on your trip by calling our 24/7 helpline.

ACCOMMODATION On your multi-day tour, you’ll stay in accommodation that’s been hand-picked by our Lapland travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels and guesthouses in Kiruna based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience.

During the booking process, you can choose from single, double or triple rooms. Please note that in Lapland room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America.

Included in this package is a 1-night stay in an ice room at the ICEHOTEL for arrivals after mid-December. For arrivals prior to then, your accommodation will be at one of the Arctic Suites at the ICEHOTEL 365. (Read more information about the ICEHOTEL below)

MINIMUM AGE,FITNESS LEVEL AND ADVENTURE PACKAGES Please note that tours to the Aurora Sky Station are only available to those aged over 16 years old.

You should have moderate to good physical fitness to take part comfortably in this tour. This is because packages set in the Arctic are considered adventure travel due to the specific conditions you’ll experience. Arctic travel can sometimes involve extreme weather conditions as well as vigorous activity and animals (like huskies and reindeer) on many excursions.

TRANSFERS TO/FROM ACTIVITIES Please note that transfers between your hotel and tour meeting locations are not included. You will need to check your vouchers and itinerary information carefully. It is your responsibility to be on time to meet tour guides at meeting locations. Thankfully, Kiruna is a charming, small, and very walkable city.

AURORA SKY STATION The chairlift at the Aurora Sky Station is like what you might experience at a ski resort, so please dress in your warmest clothing and expect the seat to rock a bit in the breeze. Please also note that there is some walking required when reaching the top. To and from the Aurora Sky Station is a 900-metre (half-a-mile) path.

In case of bad weather, you will go to the Aurora Lodge at the STF Abisko Turiststation instead of Aurora Sky Station. There you’ll enjoy an alternative northern lights programme with exhibits and films. Please note that there is no refund in this case.

ICEHOTEL AND ICEHOTEL 365 Included in your package is a stay at the ICEHOTEL or ICEHOTEL 365. You will have entrance to a traditional Swedish sauna as well as the chance to explore the ICEHOTEL and ICEHOTEL 365. You’ll be able to see an assortment of ice rooms and ice suites as well as the chic Icebar, ice church and other creative works of ice and snow.

ICE ROOMS (included mid-December to April at the ICEHOTEL for Comfort Plus): a standard room with ice décor and a bed made of ice. The bed you sleep on has a thick mattress that rests on a wooden base. You’ll sleep in a thermal sleeping bag on top of cosy reindeer hides.

ART SUITES (included November to mid-December at the ICEHOTEL 365 for both Comfort Plus and Superior, mid-December to April at the ICEHOTEL for Superior only): the art suites are unique rooms filled with hard-carved ice art designed by international artists. The bed you sleep on has a thick mattress that rests on a wooden base. You’ll sleep in a thermal sleeping bag on top of cosy reindeer hides.

Please note that the ICEHOTEL opens in mid-December. Until then, all guided tours and accommodation will be at the ICEHOTEL 365, which is open throughout the year.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO SLEEP IN THE ICEHOTEL? The temperature inside the hotel hovers at a constant of -5 to -7°C (23 to 17° F). The hotel will provide you with expedition-style sleeping bags which are tested for extreme temperatures, so you’ll be fine with just thermals, hat, warm socks and a mid-layer jumper. The beds in the cold rooms have a bedframe made of ice, slatted bed base with mattress, reindeer skins and pillows.

You’ll be given access to your room at 6 PM, but the heated service building is staffed and open 24 hours. This is where you’ll store your belongings, collect your sleeping bag and use the bathroom, shower and sauna. There are no bathrooms or storage in the ice rooms or art suites.

During the day the ICEHOTEL is open to the public. Day visitors and guests have access to see all the rooms, except reserved deluxe suites. This means overnight guests get their rooms at 6 PM.

DOGSLEDDING TOUR The dog sledding tour on this package is a 20 to 30-kilometre (12 to 19-mile) husky safari.

Each sled is shared by 2 people, meaning you’ll take turns sitting and mushing. When controlling the sled, you’ll need to stand, kick and sometimes run to assist the dogs, depending on the terrain.

Those who prefer not to drive their own sled and would like a more relaxed pace can ask their travel consultant for an alternative option.

Children under the age of 16 will be travelling safely with the tour guide on a large sled.

If you weigh over 120 kilos (264 pounds), please inform us so the tour operator can adjust the sleigh arrangements.

SNOWMOBILE TOUR Please note for all snowmobile tours, each snowmobile is shared by 2 guests taking turns driving. The driver of the snowmobile has to be at least 18 years old and hold a driver’s licence valid in Sweden on the tour. Under Swedish law, you cannot drive a snowmobile under the influence of alcohol.

There is a height restriction for children. Children measuring under 140 centimetres (4.5 feet) will be seated in a sleigh pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. Children over 140 cm are allowed to sit on the snowmobile behind an adult.

SAFETY AND WEATHER CONDITIONS Please note that sightseeing and tours are dependent on weather and road conditions and might need to be altered if they are not favourable. If something unexpected occurs, you can call our 24-hour helpline to speak directly with Nordic Visitor staff.

As you’re visiting Lapland in winter, there will be snow and ice on the ground. This can sometimes make it difficult to walk. Please note that there are no luggage handling services available in Lapland. You must be able and prepared to carry your own luggage in snowy conditions.

NORTHERN LIGHTS & DAYLIGHT HOURS The northern lights are a natural phenomenon, which means that sightings cannot be guaranteed. Evening excursions will operate according to the tour schedule, even in unfavourable viewing conditions. Your guide will do their utmost to determine the best possible location for sightings and make this an enjoyable experience for you.

Please be advised that because of its northerly location close to and inside the Arctic Circle, Swedish Lapland has limited daylight in winter. For a few weeks of the year Kiruna enters a polar night, meaning the sun doesn’t rise at all. This makes Kiruna a very atmospheric and unique place to visit between November and February. In March, daylight hours increase steadily from about 5 at the beginning to 15 at the end.

TRAVELLING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN As it is a top family travel destination, generally our Lapland packages are child friendly. That said, many activities (e.g., snowmobile and dog sled tours) have an age limit of 4 years old.

On snowmobile excursions, height restrictions also apply. Children measuring under 140 centimetres (4.5 feet) will usually be seated in a sleigh pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. Children over 140 cm are allowed to sit on the snowmobile behind an adult, when paying the adult price.

TRAVELLING WHILE PREGNANT If you are pregnant we do not recommend taking part in dog sledding and snowmobiling excursions due to safety concerns. Please let us know in advance and we can offer alternative options.

ADD-ONS & OPTIONAL UPGRADES You can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades. You are also welcome to combine this tour with any of our Scandinavian packages.

If you have something specific in mind, get in touch with your travel consultant and they’ll create your dream trip.

AFTER BOOKING WITH NORDIC VISITOR After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip.

We aim to complete bookings within a few weeks. During this time we take care of booking your accommodation, activities, and transport, confirming all parts of your journey. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip.

CARBON OFFSETTING YOUR TOUR Nordic Visitor is working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours. Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund.

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Aurora Sky Station virtual tour in Abisko

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Aurora Sky Station, 360 VR (Abisko, Sweden)

This exciting virtual tour of the Aurora Sky Station is an immersive experience that allows you to ride Sweden’s longest chairlift to the top of an incredible Arctic Mountain top: Mt. Noulja. After an invigorating ride to a landing zone below the summit you get off the chair lift and get to explore the incredible landscape surrounding the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko National Park. You will enjoy views of Lake Torneträsk below and and the world famous Lapporten in the distance. As a climactic ending you will get to enjoy a ride down the chairlift that gives you a real sense of vertigo when using a high quality pair of VR goggles.

SEE IT FOR YOURSELF

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I put Abisko's 'cloud-busting weapon' to the test during a Sweden northern lights adventure and was not disappointed

Abisko's 'Blue Hole' makes it the perfect place for northern lights enthusiasts.

As we near solar maximum — a period of heightened solar activity within the sun's 11-year solar cycle — the question on everyone's lips is "Where should I go to see the northern lights "?

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are caused by energetic particles from the sun . When they hit Earth our magnetic field funnels them toward the poles (we have southern lights, or aurora australis, in the southern hemisphere too). All you need to see them is the right conditions, patience and a little bit of luck. 

While there is no guarantee that you will see the northern lights on any given trip, one place where the likelihood of seeing them might be slightly higher than the rest is Abisko National Park, Sweden. Nestled 121 miles (195 kilometers) within the Arctic Circle, Abisko sits inside the aurora oval, the area surrounding the north and south poles where auroras are usually visible. 

Now it's all well and good finding a nice northern location, primed and ready for an aurora show, but as any skywatcher will tell you, the one thing that can put a damper on viewing efforts is … yes you guessed it, a long-time enemy of astronomers … clouds .

But luckily for aurora chasers heading to Abisko National Park, it's not only perfectly located under the aurora oval but it also possesses a secret cloud-busting weapon known as the "Blue Hole".

Related: Aurora myths, legends and misconceptions

The Blue Hole of Absiko is a meteorological phenomenon that owes its existence to the jet stream and prevailing winds that blow in from the Arctic Ocean in a westerly direction. The reliability of these stable westerly winds means that for the majority of the aurora season, the wind blows in the same direction over Abisko, creating a prevailing weather pattern known as a microclimate. 

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When the prevailing winds from the Arctic Ocean meet the tall mountains just over Sweden's border with Norway, moist air is blocked by the mountains creating a rain shadow above Abisko. This effectively tears a 10-20 square kilometer "Blue Hole" in the clouds above Abisko and provides a window to the stars even on the cloudiest of nights. 

But does the Blue Hole live up to the hype? I went to find out for myself. 

Putting Abisko's Blue Hole to the test

Bundled up in more layers than we could count, our tour group shuffled along to the base of Mount Nuolja where a five-course meal at the Aurora Sky Station and a night of skywatching were awaiting us at the summit. To get there? A 20-minute chairlift ride that offered breathtaking views of the dramatic Arctic landscape. 

It was a cold, crisp night, illuminated by the full moon peeking through gaps in the cloud. Lake Torneträsk — the sixth-largest body of water in Sweden — stretched as far as the eye can see, flanked by steep mountains that glow white under the moonlight. 

After taking in the stunning view, our tour group funneled ourselves into the Aurora Sky Station where, after the long process of climbing out of our warm overalls, we were able to finally sit down to a delightful five-course " Northern Light Dinner " centered around local produce and traditional flavors. 

"Oh no, the weather forecast says 100% cloud," cried one of our aurora-chasing group members during dinner. The group was a little disheartened by the forecast but I chose to put my trust in Abisko's Blue Hole and hoped that the skies would clear in time for a northern lights show. 

After dinner was topped off with a delicious lingonberry parfait, we sat down to an informative and entertaining presentation about the northern lights led by Viktor van Beelen, our Swedish Tourist Association (STF) tour leader. 

Fueled up on delicious food and northern lights knowledge we were ready to embark on a night of aurora hunting. 

But did the clouds clear and will the northern lights put on a show for us tonight? 

Yes and YES. 

Yet again, the Blue Hole prevailed and shifted enough cloud cover to give us a crisp view of the night sky. All we needed to do was sit and wait. 

After about an hour, something started to stir. A hazy green river of light began to flow across the night sky , undeterred by the beaming full moon. Activity waxed and waned. The auroral glow completely disappeared at times, only to return to a different part of the sky. Our entire group was transfixed, not sure which way to look.

Then suddenly the sky erupted into a rich cacophony of dancing green ribbons. The green hue that had previously only been visible in photographs was suddenly so bright and vibrant that it was now so clearly visible to the naked eye. The movement was so fast that the lights appeared to dance across the sky. At one point they appeared so close I felt as though I could reach out and touch them. 

Luckily for me, this wasn't my first time seeing the northern lights in Abisko, I'd been fortunate enough to catch them on all three nights during my trip — with thanks, in large part, to the Blue Hole.

During my first night in Abisko, I met up with Oliver Wright , who works as a senior photographer and guide with the tourism company Lights over Lapland . We headed out to a spot close to STF Abisko Turiststation, which was convenient for me as it was where I was staying for the duration of the trip.

Wright explained Abisko's Blue Hole and gave me some helpful northern lights photography tips that I couldn't wait to try. We were primed and ready. After a couple of hours, we were just about ready to call it a night and admit defeat when the sky began to dance. The dynamic but fleeting northern lights display was over within just a few minutes. Its beauty was second to none and a great introduction to what was to come. 

On the second night, I joined a group of aurora hunting enthusiasts on Lights over Lapland's " Ultimate Aurora Photo Adventure " tour led by talented photographer and guides Miquel Such and Julien Pröpper . We began our journey in a 6-person sled being pulled by a snowmobile. As we journeyed through Abisko's National Park gazing up at tree branches so frozen they glistened in the moonlight, it felt like we were racing through a fairytale.

We set up our cameras in a large clearing in the forest that offered both beautiful mountain views and a cozy yurt containing a roaring fire, the perfect place to warm up and enjoy some hot lingonberry juice. Our guides Such and Pröpper shared their knowledge and love for Abisko with us and told tales of some of their wildest northern lights experiences. 

On this night we didn't have to rely on Abisko's Blue Hole to work its magic as the sky was completely clear. We were treated to multiple sporadic displays throughout the evening. Some were so fast that there simply was no time to faff around with your camera as you'd have missed the spectacle above. In a way, it was nice to just stand back, watch, and let your eyes take in every last drop of the ethereal display. 

That being said, I did of course capture a heap of amazing photographs from that night. It was also a strange feeling to experience moon-cast shadows at night but not during the day as the sun doesn't rise above the horizon during the polar night . 

Where to stay  

During the three nights of my Abisko adventure, I stayed at STF Abisko Turiststation , in the heart of Abisko National Park. STF Abisko Turiststation's main building is a hub of activity with a delightful restaurant, bistro, and of course — sauna! It also serves as a convenient meeting point for anyone booked on excursions from the Abisko area. I stayed in one of their rooms in the main building, but there is also a hostel and various cabins next door to suit every budget and need. 

STF Abisko Turiststation is perfectly situated for anyone wanting to explore Abisko National Park and the surrounding region. The Kungsleden — the King's Trail — one of the world's most famous hiking trails more than 280 miles (450 km) long is easily accessible from the Turiststation as is STF Aurora Sky Station, Lake Torneträsk and Mount Nuolja.

What to do during the day  

While most nights are spent chasing elusive auroras, there are also ample activities to keep you occupied throughout the day. 

During my second morning, I took part in an invigorating snowshoe hike through Abisko National Park, led by STF guide Viktor van Beelen who also led our Northern Lights Dinner trip up Mount Nuolja. During our two-hour walk, van Beelen told us about Abisko's wildlife and pointed out a range of different animal tracks in the snow. We even saw a snow hare! (Well, when I say "saw", I could just about make some movement of something small, somewhere in the distance.) A little later, for a fleeting second, we spotted a ptarmigan take flight and then disappear among the snow-capped birch trees.  

Wherever I turned during the hike, the beautiful Lapporten valley's characteristic U-shaped silhouette was never far away. Lapporten is an important part of Sami culture — the Sami are indigenous to the Sápmi region which stretches across northern parts of Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia's Kola Peninsula. The "gateway" to the south provides the Sami people and their reindeer with passage through the mountains. It is also known as the "Goose Valley" as geese use the convenient gap in the mountains during their migration. 

There were daily excursions available to book at STF Abisko Turiststation from cross-country skiing to ice fishing, ice climbing and various hikes. So you were never left twiddling your thumbs! With many hiking trails nearby, it is also so easy to get out and explore Abisko National Park on your own. When a little downtime is required there are so many cozy nooks to sit and relax at STF Abisko Turiststation. The sauna is also the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring. 

Kiruna is just over an hour away by car or train for those wanting to venture a little further afield. The bustling Arctic town is "on the move" quite literally. Billed as the world's most radical relocation project, Kiruna is moving to a new home due to subsidence from the local iron ore mine — the largest iron ore mine in the world producing 80% of the EU's supply . The town is being moved about two miles down the road (3 km), including the entire 600-tonne church which is due to move in 2026.

For space buffs, About 28 miles (45 km) north of Kiruna is the Esrange Space Center which is owned and operated by the Swedish Space Corporation and has a small visitor center at the main gates. In operation since 1966, Esrange is an incredibly versatile space center, used by the international scientific community for launching sounding rockets, microgravity research as well as high altitude balloon experiments for astronomy and atmospheric research. Esrange also performs drop tests of space and aerial vehicles, rocket engine and fuel tests as well as housing one of the world's largest civilian ground stations. Esrange is leading the way in the "European Space Race" as it prepares new launch pads to support orbital launch vehicles and reusable rocket tests.

Editor's note: This article was made possible by travel provided by Swedish Lapland and Visit Sweden .

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].

Daisy Dobrijevic joined Space.com in February 2022 having previously worked for our sister publication All About Space magazine as a staff writer. Before joining us, Daisy completed an editorial internship with the BBC Sky at Night Magazine and worked at the National Space Centre in Leicester, U.K., where she enjoyed communicating space science to the public. In 2021, Daisy completed a PhD in plant physiology and also holds a Master's in Environmental Science, she is currently based in Nottingham, U.K. Daisy is passionate about all things space, with a penchant for solar activity and space weather. She has a strong interest in astrotourism and loves nothing more than a good northern lights chase! 

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Aurora Tourism in Iceland: You Can Seek, but You May Not Find

The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights — especially this year, which is a peak time for solar activity. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found.

In Reykjavík, Iceland, aurora borealis tourism is a booming business. Hopeful tourists board buses to head out into the night in search of the northern lights. Credit... Sigga Ella for The New York Times

Supported by

By Amelia Nierenberg

Amelia Nierenberg spent four nights searching for the northern lights in Iceland.

• March 25, 2024

From the outside, it may seem like the northern lights dance across Iceland’s skies each night. On Icelandair ads, planes fly across shimmering curtains in the sky. On social media, travelers gaze at the green bands above them . The lights are even on some recycling bins in Reykjavík, the capital: “Keep Iceland Clean.”

In the past decade or so, an aurora borealis industrial complex has boomed in Iceland. Many rent a car and go out on their own, but there are northern lights big bus tours and northern lights minibus tours and northern lights Super Jeep tours . There are private guides and boat cruises . There’s an observatory base camp . There’s even a museum .

But the lights can be elusive.

“Tourists sometimes expect, like, ‘At what time do you turn them on?’” said Björn Saevar Einarsson, a forecaster at Iceland’s meteorological office , chuckling. “Like we have a switch in the back room.”

This year, the letdowns are especially intense.

The northern lights, which are also called the aurora borealis, are most visible when there are solar flares, which are big eruptions on the sun that send charged particles toward Earth. This year, the sun is approaching the peak of its 11-year cycle of activity , which some assume means that the displays could peak, too.

But the enhanced solar activity doesn’t necessarily mean the northern lights will be brighter or more frequent, scientists wearily explain. Instead, they mostly mean that the lights can be seen farther south than usual: In recent months, they have been visible in Arizona , Missouri and southern England .

That doesn’t mean much for Iceland.

In fact, Icelanders and scientists said, this winter is nothing special. Sometimes, the lights are there. Sometimes, they aren’t. Just like always.

Hunting the lights

But nothing special, with the northern lights, is still very special. And so tourists keep coming .

Last month, I joined the fray. For four nights, I looked for telltale sky shimmers in and around Reykjavík.

I booked my tickets riding high — this was the best year yet, right? But as I learned more, and as my flight neared, my hopes ebbed. Scientists and tour leaders gently told me that the skies were cloudy and the solar activity seemed quiet.

“Just to let you know the forecast doesn’t look too good” Inga Dís Richter, the chief commercial officer at Icelandia , a tourism agency, wrote in an email two days before I planned to take a minibus trip with Reykjavik Excursions , one of its tour operators.

“But,” she added, “this can change.”

To find the lights, guides and travelers often rely on aurora forecasts, which overlay cloud cover and solar activity. They check them constantly, like a bride with an outdoor wedding in mid-April.

Some of the forecasts are free, like the aurora forecast run by Iceland’s meteorological office or Iceland at Night , which includes space weather. (Some are not — Aurora Forecast , which costs $12.99 a year, sends alerts.) Many people also turn to Facebook pages , where enthusiasts hungrily swap sightings.

Luck, though, is everything.

“There’s only one thing less predictable with the northern lights, and that’s the Arctic weather,” said John Mason, a global expert on the northern lights. “An aurora forecast is barely worth the paper that it’s written on.”

The guides work hard to explain the science, and set expectations. Most companies offer a free rebooking option if the lights do not show.

On my first night of aurora stalking, despite Ms. Richter’s warnings, I joined an expectant group on the Reykjavík Excursions minibus. For $88, I got a seat on the 19-person bus, which left the city’s central bus station at 9:30 p.m.

Over the next three to four hours, we would drive through the Icelandic night together. I’d either see something astonishing with these strangers — the sky, banded with light — or shiver with them shoulder-to-shoulder, awkward in the cold.

As we pulled onto the road, Gudjon Gunnarsson, the guide, set the mood early. “We are going hunting for the lights,” he said, emphasizing the word “hunting,” “similar to going out fishing in a lake.”

He drove for about 45 minutes, letting Reykjavík’s glow fade behind us. The city has about 140,000 people, and no real skyscrapers, so there’s limited light pollution. Although the northern lights can appear over the city, it’s best to see them in total darkness.

Then he paused and consulted with another guide.

“It is too cloudy here,” he told his flock. “So we will keep driving.”

But as we kept driving, clouds turned to a dense fog, so thick that the moon all but disappeared.

Mr. Gunnarsson turned off the main highway about an hour after we left Reykjavík. He parked in a parking lot. Or maybe it was a side street? The darkness was so deep that I could only make out the moonlight on the ocean, and only then after my eyes adjusted.

We disembarked and stood dutifully beside him, staring up at the sky. Then, one woman pointed toward Reykjavík. Were those the lights? (No. That was light pollution.)

Christof Reinhard, 65, who owns a medical laser company and was visiting with his family from Paris, mused that our search was a little bit like a safari. Sure, the desert is amazing, but it’s much better with lions. Or, maybe, was this more like a whale watch?

“Instead of a boat,” he said, “you have a bus.”

Mr. Gunnarsson watched the group stomp their feet and bend into the wind. Fifteen minutes. Then, half an hour. The clouds hung thick above. “There’s nothing happening here, as you can see,” he finally said to relieved chuckles. “It’s one of those nights where you just have to give up.”

Tourists can get mad, Mr. Gunnarsson and other guides said. It’s rare, but it does happen.

“It’s the trip that has our worst reviews,” said Eric Larimer, the digital marketing manager for Gray Line Iceland , a day tour and airport transport company.

A wake-up call for the aurora

For some, the joy is in the search, even if there is no find. A few focus on astronomy, often opting to stay at Hotel Rangá , which is just off the main ring road (Route 1) near Iceland’s south coast.

The hotel looks unassuming — low-slung and wooden — but it’s one of the most famous in Iceland. (The Kardashians stayed there . So did the Real Housewives of Orange County .) A standard room costs more than $300, depending on the season.

But Rangá doesn’t just cater to celebrities. It also draws astronomy buffs, enticed by its “aurora wake-up call” service and its observatory, which has state-of-the-art telescopes.

“One thing is to sell them,” said Fridrik Pálsson, the hotel’s owner, speaking of the northern lights. “Another thing is to deliver them.”

About 20 years ago, before the northern lights industry took off, he delegated the night security guard to monitor the sky. The guard pokes his head out every few minutes to look for the telltale flicker. If he sees the lights, he alerts the guests.

The service aims to address one of the main issues with hunting for the northern lights: They are usually only visible on winter nights, when it is very cold, very windy and very late.

“To be a good northern lights observer, you need the constitution of an insomniac polar bear,” Dr. Mason said.

My room phone, alas, stayed silent. But I did dream about the lights — great Wonka colors swirling, strangely, behind the Chrysler Building.

Mr. Pálsson built the observatory, too. Even if the lights didn’t show up, he figured, the stars are still magnificent — and, for city dwellers, also rare. The hotel contracts astronomers to work the telescopes and explain the stars to guests.On my second night in Iceland, as twilight slipped below happy-hour skies, I crunched across the snow to the observatory with Saevar Helgi Bragason, an Icelandic science communicator who leads the astronomy program.

He bent into a toddler-size telescope, focusing it on the moon’s craters. They looked clearer than the hotel, just a short walk away. It was too early for the lights, he said. And that evening seemed too cloudy (on Earth) and too quiet (on the sun).

Mr. Bragason joked that the lights can get in his way — they create a mist over the stars he really wants to see. But tourists often come specifically to see them. And sometimes, he said, as they wait impatiently, they can miss the real wonder.

“You’re left with these beautiful skies above you,” he said. “Basically, literally, another universe opens up.”

Creating a lights season

Hotel Rangá was a pioneer in Iceland’s northern lights tourism industry: About two decades ago, people came to Iceland for the long summer days, and left as daylight slipped farther south.

“I found it rather stupid in the beginning,” admitted Mr. Pálsson, the owner of Rangá, speaking of northern lights tourism.

But spreading tourism throughout the year made sense. Partly, that was an environmental concern. The tourists would crowd the country’s extraordinary natural sites over just a few months. It was also economic. When the visitors left Iceland, tourism jobs would ebb with the sunlight.

So the northern lights, which are reliably visible from September to March, became the backbone of the country’s winter branding, said Sveinn Birkir Björnsson, the marketing and communications director at Business Iceland , which promotes the country.

“To be able to sell this product of cold and darkness, you have to have something to offer,” he said.

Now, even though June, July and August are the busiest months, tourism has evened out over the seasons. In 2023, there were about 1.1 million international visitors to Iceland during the aurora months, based on departures from Keflavík Airport, according to data from Iceland’s tourist board . From April to August, there were about 1.1 million, too.

About a decade earlier , when tourism overall to Iceland was lower, there were about 336,000 departures from the main airport in colder months, and about 446,000 in the spring and summer.

The winter travelers are drawn by the lights — and the hot springs, glaciers and icy waterfalls. It’s also cheaper than the summer season.

Some try to visit volcanoes , but the country recently warned tourists to avoid the lava flows — Iceland is living in an unusually active period of seismic activity . In January, lava flowed into a small town and last week a volcano erupted with just 40 minutes’ notice near the Blue Lagoon thermal springs, one of the country’s biggest attractions.

The final attempts

Near midnight on my last night, a Sunday, I drove to the Grótta Lighthouse , a popular spot on the outskirts of Reykjavík.

A few die-hard experts had warned me off — many tourists go there because it’s darker than most of Reykjavík, but then don’t think to turn off their headlights. It was also raining, greatly diminishing my chances of seeing the lights.

But I only had three hours before I had to leave to make my predawn flight. I felt a little desperate, a little dazed. I parked, and approached two people who were sitting in the rain on a wet wall, looking at the water in the darkness. I climbed over seaweed, and introduced myself. What would it mean to them, I asked, if the lights suddenly appeared?

“It’d be a little bit like the cherry on top,” said Catherine Norburn, 29, who was visiting from England.

She and her husband were set to fly out the next morning. They had not yet seen the lights.

“We don’t have high hopes,” said her husband, Reece Norburn, 29, “but it’s now or never.”

We didn’t see the lights. And I didn’t see them later, even after pulling off the highway halfway between Reykjavík and the airport at 3:30 a.m., half convinced by a shimmery cloud.

But I did spend more time looking up at the sky. And it’s a marvel.

In New York City, where I live, the night sky blooms orange-mauve. In Iceland, the nighttime darkness is just that — darkness. Clouds roll, breaking the deep blue. Stars actually shine. Northern lights or no northern lights, it was still cosmically beautiful.

Amelia Nierenberg writes the Asia Pacific Morning Briefing , a global newsletter. More about Amelia Nierenberg

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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The cost of draught lager has gone up nearly 30% since January 2019, according to the Office for National Statistics. Read this and more in the Money blog, your place for personal finance news. Leave a comment on stories we've covered, or a question for our experts, in the form below.

Thursday 4 April 2024 19:25, UK

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Tens of thousands of people are facing crippling tax demands from HMRC for taxes their employers failed to pay. 

It's a campaign that has driven people to the brink of bankruptcy and devastated families.

At least 23 victims have taken - or attempted to take - their own lives.

For the first time, two people who tried to end their lives have shared their story with Sky News.

The following article contains references to suicide that readers may find distressing.

We've all found ourselves stuck on a delayed train and wished we'd chosen any other route to get home. You might even be on one right now.

Well, thanks to a new study you can at least take note of routes you might want to avoid.

It has listed the worst offending companies on the UK's rail network by looking at official data from the Office of Rail and Road between January 2021 and September 2023.

It looked at trains that were cancelled or delayed by 15 minutes or more during that time period.

The research found Avanti West Coast had 15.36% of its services delayed or cancelled. 

The study's second worst offender, with 12.32% of all trains either cancelled or seriously late, is Grand Central Rail . 

And  CrossCountry was the third least reliable operator, with 12.26% of trains arriving 15 minutes or more late, or being cancelled altogether. 

Axel Hernborg, founder of Tripplo , which conducted the study, said: " It's no secret that the UK's rail network is a far shout from those within mainland Europe in terms of efficiency and reliability, and these findings simply underscore that."

Look at the table below for the full list of the 10 least reliable train operators, as ranked by the travel website. The column on the right shows the number of minutes customers lost in delays.

By Faith Ridler, news reporter

At the start of the year, I set myself what felt like an impossible challenge - to make enough cash to finally go on my dream holiday to Japan – all through side hustles.

After a few false starts – and a lot of cat sitting – I discovered Vinted, a second-hand selling app which had the very convenient side effect of helping me declutter my very tiny London flat.

I set up my account at the very end of January, listing a few items that were spilling out of my wardrobe – jackets, dresses and shoes I hadn’t worn once since purchasing them.

I also listed some craft supplies that had become a hobby graveyard on my cluttered desk during COVID lockdowns.

To my surprise, pretty much everything sold.

And to date, I've made the hefty sum of around £1,500. 

This was more than enough for my flight to Japan, a new suitcase, and a hotel for my arrival in Tokyo this summer.

Here are the tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way…

Do your research

The biggest piece of advice I could give you if you’re thinking about selling on Vinted is to make sure you know the value of what you're selling.

I was surprised to find through my own selling experience that some brands hold their value much better than others. 

For example, a dress I bought for £40 from a brand called Louche sold (after some weeks) for only £4.

On the other hand, a Lucy & Yak T-shirt I bought for £30 sold used for £20.

You may ask, how do I know what something is worth?

The best way to investigate this is to check what other people are doing on the app. That way, you don’t list things too cheaply and end up losing out.

Other items I found hold their value are Nintendo Switch games, some of which I sold on for face value after completing a playthrough myself.

An important note – make sure you check which items you can sell through Vinted before listing. If you have listings deleted too often, you can get your account banned. You can find this information through the app itself.

No printer? InPost lockers are your friend

A key element of Vinted selling is physically posting the items, which can become a bit of a headache if you don’t know the ins and outs of the app.

I fell victim to the many shipping options at the start of my selling journey – until a kind friend mentioned you can actually switch off methods not available in your area in the Postage tab of Settings.

My advice would be to have a good look at what you can offer for delivery, and make sure those are the only options available for people buying items through your page.

If – like me – you don’t have a printer, you can turn off every option but InPost lockers.

These are postal lockers you simply need to scan a QR code to open and leave the parcel inside.

No label, no problem.

Learn how to haggle

This was something that shocked me about the app.

Although you set a price for your items, almost everybody will try to haggle the price down.

You can ask for people not to send offers in the description of the items, but I’ve had very limited success with that method.

What I find works best is to list the item for slightly more than you would accept, and just let people haggle down. You're still earning the best price, and the buyer goes away with a "deal".

Everybody wins.

Taxes and Vinted

When it comes to earning money through any method, you always have to consider the tax ramifications.

However, as Vinted explains clearly on its website , if the money you make on the app over a year is less than what you paid for the items initially, you pay no tax.

It adds: "The only time that an individual item might be taxable is when you sell it for more than £6,000 and there is a profit from the sale.

"Even then, you can use your capital gain tax-free allowance (which is £3,000) to reduce this profit."

Essentially, if, like me, you're simply decluttering your way to Japan, you're very unlikely to find yourself crossing paths with HMRC.

Trade groups have warned of higher food prices and empty supermarket shelves because of new post-Brexit border fees being introduced this month.

A maximum charge of £145 will apply on imports of plant and animal products, such as cheese and fish, entering the UK through the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel from 30 April.

The fees are intended to cover the cost of operating new border control posts required after Brexit, and will not apply to goods brought into the UK for personal use, the government said.

But importers warned the new charges could lead to higher prices for consumers.

Read more here ...

Ted Baker is the latest in a string of high-street giants to call in administrators in recent years. 

But how does it affect you? 

Let's use Ted Baker as an example. 

Purchases and returns

You can still purchase online or walk into a Ted Baker shop and buy items, but you could run into trouble returning them. 

If the retailer stops trading, it may not be able to get your money back to you.

If that is the case, you would have to file a claim with Teneo (Ted Baker's administrator) to join a list of creditors owed money by Ted Baker – and even then there's no guarantee you'd get your money back.

You could also file a claim with your debit or credit card provider - but again, no guarantees. 

TL;DR: If you have one - use it as soon as possible. 

Teneo has made no changes to the way gift cards can be used at Ted Baker, but as is the case with all administrators, it can change the terms and conditions at will. 

As above, if you lose out on cash because of a company going into administration, you can raise it with the administrators themselves. 

Credits and debits

As we mentioned earlier, you can file a claim with your debit or credit card provider to recover lost funds - but how exactly does that work?

• Credit card:  If you bought any single item costing between £100-£30,000 and paid on a credit card, the card firm is liable if something goes wrong. If any purchase was less than £100, you may still be able to get your money back via chargeback
• Debit card:  Under chargeback, your bank can try to get your money back from Ted Baker's bank. However, be aware that this is not a legal requirement and it can later be disputed and recalled back to Ted Baker's bank

A US state is considering a bill giving employees the right not to respond to calls, emails and texts from their bosses outside of paid work hours.

The so-called "right to disconnect" would allow California's labour commission to fine employers for interrupting personal time, reports our partner network NBC News.

The bill makes exceptions for emergencies, scheduling and collective bargaining.

The state's Chamber of Commerce called the proposed legislation a step backwards for flexibility.

However, Professor Amira Barger told NBC the changes would help tackle an "epidemic of burnout" and were a "necessary adaptation" for the future of work.

The planned £15bn mega-merger of UK mobile networks Vodafone and Three is to face an in-depth investigation by the competition watchdog.

The Competition and Markets Authority confirmed it will launch a so-called Phase 2 probe after both firms told the regulator they would not be offering measures to ease its concerns ahead of the deadline, 2 April.

The CMA said last month that the tie-up could have a "substantial" impact on competition, warning it may lead to higher prices and reduced quality.

Read more in our full story .

School strikes over teachers' pay and funding could be staged in September, the leader of a teaching union has warned.

Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), the largest education union in the UK, did not rule out launching a ballot on walkouts for the autumn term.

Teachers at the NEU’s annual conference in Bournemouth will vote today on whether the union should "build capacity" to deliver national industrial action.

Ofgem is considering plans for rules on the use of artificial intelligence in the energy industry amid fears the technology could risk "tacit collusion", reports  The Times.

Algorithms that make pricing decisions for companies would make it more difficult to identify who is accountable when it comes to competition issues, the regulator said.

Customers also need to be protected from higher-risk AI used to help balance supply and demand that could cause power outages if they fail.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

The FTSE 100 is up more than 0.4% this morning, after a rise in the price of gold boosted precious metal mining firms.

Also up is British fintech Cab Payments. Its shares have shot up 11% in early trading.

It comes after the firm secured a payment provider licence in the Netherlands, paving the way for it to expand in the country.

Meanwhile, the cost of oil continues to slowly creep up in the wake of investor concerns over the Middle East and Ukraine's attacks on Russian refineries.

A barrel of Brent crude is currently trading at just over $89 (£70).

The currency markets remain stable, with £1 buying you $1.26 US or €1.17, with the rates almost unchanged from yesterday.

Google is considering charging for premium AI-powered features, the Financial Times reports.

It would be the first time the tech giant put any core products behind a paywall, as it seeks to gain ground in the fast-moving AI space

The FT cited sources familiar with Google's plans as saying it could incorporate a generative AI-powered search engine in its subscription services, which already provide access to its new Gemini AI assistant in Gmail and Docs.

Google's traditional search engine would remain free of charge and ads would continue to appear alongside search results even for subscribers.

"We're not working on or considering an ad-free search experience. As we've done many times before, we'll continue to build new premium capabilities and services to enhance our subscription offerings across Google," the company told Reuters.

Google, which invented the foundational technology for today's AI boom, is locked in battle with two industry players that have captured the business world's attention - ChatGPT's creator OpenAI and its backer Microsoft.

Every Thursday we look at a different savings option, explain the pros and cons, and reveal the best deals on the market (see table below for that).  This week we're talking about the top interest-paying current accounts. Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes  writes...

From time to time there are plenty of incentives available to attempt to encourage people to switch their current accounts - but switching is not always necessary. There are also some current accounts that offer competitive interest rates, even if there's not a switching incentive. 

While not as prevalent as they have been in the recent past, interest-paying current accounts can offer some very competitive interest rates – especially bearing in mind that most current accounts offer no interest at all. In fact, according to the Bank of England, there is £253bn currently held in these non-interest bearing accounts.

These accounts are usually more complicated than a traditional savings account and there are a number of hoops to jump through and potential hazards to avoid, in order to get the returns on offer. 

Potential traps to look out for are: low maximum balances, introductory rates, monthly fees, a requirement to set up direct debits, a minimum amount to pay in each month and a minimum amount to maintain in the account.

All of these factors need to be taken into account when choosing an account and if you feel that you may fall foul of the rules, take a look at one of the alternatives that will suit your circumstances better. 

Setting up standing orders is an easy way to ensure you deposit and withdraw the qualifying amounts each month and can be effective in managing multiple current accounts. It may take a while to set it all up, but the rates on offer could make it worthwhile. It is also worth remembering that many of these accounts can be opened without having to switch your main current account. 

A final point to bear in mind is that some of these accounts give you access to exclusive savings accounts, which often pay competitive rates - especially true with regular savings accounts.

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Northern Light dinner

Northern Light Dinner with an incomparable atmosphere.

At 900 meters elevation we serve a Northern Light dinner with a taste of Lapland and Nordic cuisine. We offer selected wine packages, beer or non-alcoholic drinks to complement your dinner. Everything is transported there in the same manner as you are, with a 2 km long chairlift ride through the silence to STF Aurora Sky Station up on Mt. Nuolja. With a fire crackling in the hearth, a magnificent view of Abisko and a good chance to experience the Northern lights this is a night to remember.

18 Nov 2023 – 17 March 2024

The chairlift up to Aurora Sky Station leaves at 18.00, be sure to be there.

The last chairlift ride down leaves at 01:00

Do you want to hike from STF Abisko Turiststation up to the lift for STF Aurora Sky Station together with our guide? The guide for the night will meet you up at the reception at STF Abisko Turiststation at 17:30.

The package includes: Dinner with local produce and traditional flavours, chairlift ticket, Arctic style overalls, warm boots and guided tour at STF Aurora Sky Station.

To book Northern light dinner

Contact Visit Abisko to book transfer to Aurora skystation

Please note:

When booking any of our Northern Lights adventures at STF Aurora Sky Station, we cannot guarantee that you will see the Northern Lights.

Due to adverse weather conditions; strong winds, very low temperature, blizzards, etc STF Aurora Sky Station may be closed at short notice for safety reasons. Statistics from previous seasons show that STF Aurora Sky Station is open 90% of the time scheduled and that the Northern Lights have been visible on 70% of the nights when STF Aurora Sky Station was open.

Aurora Lounge – alternative program Nothing can replace viewing the Northern Lights from STF Aurora Sky Station, but when weather conditions make it impossible, we offer our guests an alternative program.

NB: No part of the amount paid for a visit to STF Aurora Sky Station will be refunded if a decision is taken to replace your intended visit by the Aurora Lounge Program.

Cancellations can be made up to 7 days (168 hours) before arrival. After this time, no reimbursements of amounts paid will be made.

If you have any special dietary needs such as vegetarian or gluten free meals, you must let us know at the time of your booking . Please note; our vegetarian meals will not be as closely connected to a local Arctic menu as local meat is more prevalent in northern cuisine.