Chasing the Northern Lights in Abisko

Venture into the heart of Swedish Lapland, where the Arctic night sky dances with the ethereal glow of the Aurora Borealis. Abisko National Park, a realm of pristine wilderness, offers an unparalleled stage for witnessing this celestial phenomenon.

Imagine standing beneath a canopy of stars, the crisp Arctic air filling your lungs, as vibrant curtains of green, pink, and purple shimmer across the heavens. This is Abisko, a sanctuary where the Northern Lights reign supreme, beckoning travelers from across the globe to experience their captivating allure.

Abisko's Aurora Advantage

Nestled in the mountainous expanse of Swedish Lapland, Abisko National Park boasts a unique combination of geographical and meteorological factors that make it one of the world's premier aurora viewing destinations. Unlike many other locations where cloud cover can obscure the spectacle, Abisko benefits from a distinctive microclimate.

The park's location within a rain shadow, created by the surrounding mountains and the vast Lake Torneträsk, results in remarkably clear skies. This phenomenon, known as the 'blue hole' of Abisko, often sees the park bathed in starlight while neighboring areas remain shrouded in cloud. The absence of significant light pollution further enhances visibility, allowing the faintest auroral displays to shine brilliantly.

The prime time for witnessing the Northern Lights in Abisko stretches from September to April, when the nights are long and dark. During these months, the Arctic landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow-laden forests, frozen lakes, and towering peaks providing a breathtaking backdrop for the celestial display. Picture yourself surrounded by this pristine wilderness, the anticipation building as you await the aurora's grand entrance.

Imagine the crunch of snow beneath your boots as you walk away from the Abisko Turiststation, the only sounds being the wind whispering through the bare birch trees and the distant howl of a husky. The air is bitingly cold, but the excitement of the aurora hunt keeps you warm. You scan the sky, a vast expanse of inky blackness punctuated by a million stars. Then, a faint green arc appears on the horizon, slowly growing in intensity and dancing across the heavens. It's a moment that will forever be etched in your memory.

Ascend to the Aurora Sky Station

For an elevated perspective and an immersive aurora experience, venture to the Aurora Sky Station atop Mount Nuolja. This unique facility, perched 900 meters above sea level, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and a dedicated space for aurora observation. The journey to the Sky Station is an adventure in itself, beginning with a scenic chairlift ride up the mountainside.

As you ascend, the world below shrinks away, revealing a breathtaking panorama of snow-covered valleys, frozen lakes, and jagged peaks. The anticipation builds with each passing moment, knowing that you are heading towards one of the best vantage points in the world for witnessing the Northern Lights. The chairlift ride itself is an experience, the silence broken only by the gentle whir of the mechanism and the wind rushing past your ears. The crisp, clean air fills your lungs, invigorating your senses and preparing you for the spectacle that awaits.

Upon reaching the Aurora Sky Station, you'll find a range of facilities designed to enhance your aurora viewing experience. Warm up inside the observation tower, which offers comfortable seating and large windows for unobstructed views. Delve into the fascinating world of the aurora at the Northern Lights exhibition, where you can learn about the science behind this natural phenomenon and explore ancient myths and legends associated with the lights.

The Sky Station also features a café where you can enjoy hot drinks and snacks while waiting for the aurora to appear, as well as a souvenir shop where you can purchase mementos of your Arctic adventure. Knowledgeable guides are on hand to provide insights, answer questions, and offer photography tips to help you capture the perfect aurora shot. For those seeking a deeper understanding, guided tours are available, offering a comprehensive exploration of the Northern Lights and the Arctic environment.

Mush! Dog Sledding Under the Lights

For an unforgettable and exhilarating experience, imagine gliding through the snowy landscapes of Abisko National Park on a dog sled, the crisp Arctic air stinging your face, as the Northern Lights dance above you. Dog sledding offers a unique and intimate way to connect with the Arctic wilderness, and the possibility of witnessing the aurora while mushing through the snow adds an extra layer of magic to the adventure.

Numerous tour operators in Abisko offer dog sledding excursions, catering to a range of experience levels and preferences. Choose from daytime tours that allow you to appreciate the stunning scenery of the park, or opt for a nighttime adventure that maximizes your chances of seeing the aurora. Some tours even offer the opportunity to drive your own husky team, providing a hands-on and immersive experience.

As the dogs eagerly pull you through the snow, the rhythmic sound of their paws and the sled runners creates a symphony of the Arctic. The crisp, cold air fills your lungs, and the vast, open landscape stretches out before you, illuminated by the starlight and, hopefully, the shimmering aurora. The feeling of gliding through the snow, powered by these incredible animals, is both exhilarating and humbling. You feel a deep connection with nature, a sense of freedom and adventure that is hard to replicate elsewhere.

Snowshoeing into the Arctic Night

Step away from the crowds and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Arctic wilderness on a snowshoeing adventure in search of the Northern Lights. Snowshoeing offers a peaceful and intimate way to explore the landscapes of Abisko National Park, allowing you to venture into areas that are inaccessible by other means. As you trek through the snow-covered forests and across frozen lakes, the silence of the Arctic night envelops you, creating a sense of solitude and connection with nature.

Guided snowshoeing tours are readily available in Abisko, providing you with the necessary equipment and expertise to navigate the winter landscape safely. These tours often include warm beverages to keep you comfortable in the cold, as well as knowledgeable guides who can share insights about the local flora, fauna, and the science behind the aurora. Some tours focus specifically on finding the Northern Lights, taking you to optimal viewing locations away from any light pollution.

Imagine crunching through the snow, the only light coming from the stars above and the moon reflecting off the pristine white landscape. The air is still and silent, and you feel a sense of peace and tranquility wash over you. As you venture deeper into the wilderness, the possibility of seeing the aurora becomes ever more real. And then, it happens. A faint green glow appears in the sky, slowly growing in intensity and dancing across the heavens. It's a moment of pure magic, a reward for your adventurous spirit and a testament to the beauty of the Arctic.

Kiruna: Gateway to Lapland Adventures

Just a short distance from the natural wonders of Abisko lies Kiruna, the northernmost town in Sweden and a vibrant hub for Arctic adventures. This unique city offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the region, as well as convenient access to Abisko National Park and other nearby attractions. However, Kiruna is a city in transition, undergoing a dramatic relocation due to the expansion of the iron ore mine that has sustained it for over a century.

The story of Kiruna is intertwined with the story of the mine. Founded in 1900, the town grew rapidly as workers flocked to the area to extract the rich iron ore deposits. The mine became the lifeblood of the community, providing jobs and driving economic growth. However, as the mine expanded deeper and wider, it began to threaten the stability of the town itself. In 2004, it was determined that the ground beneath Kiruna was subsiding, and that the town would eventually have to be moved.

The relocation of Kiruna is a massive undertaking, involving the dismantling and rebuilding of entire neighborhoods, as well as the relocation of historic buildings and landmarks. Despite the challenges, the people of Kiruna are embracing the opportunity to create a new and sustainable city for the future. While in Kiruna, visit the iconic Kiruna Church, a unique wooden structure that resembles a Sami hut. Also, explore the new city hall, 'Kristallen', a modern architectural masterpiece that symbolizes the town's resilience and its commitment to innovation.

A Night at the Icehotel

For a truly extraordinary experience, venture beyond Kiruna to the nearby village of Jukkasjärvi, home to the world-famous Icehotel. This unique hotel, constructed entirely of ice and snow, is rebuilt each year with a new design and theme. Staying at the Icehotel is an unforgettable adventure, a chance to immerse yourself in a world of frozen artistry and experience the magic of the Arctic winter.

Each year, artists from around the world gather in Jukkasjärvi to create the Icehotel, sculpting intricate designs into the ice and snow. The hotel features a variety of rooms, from simple ice rooms to elaborate art suites, each offering a unique and awe-inspiring experience. Despite the icy surroundings, the Icehotel provides surprisingly comfortable accommodations. Guests sleep in thermal sleeping bags on reindeer hides, ensuring a warm and restful night's sleep.

The Icehotel also offers a range of facilities, including the ICEBAR, where drinks are served in glasses made of ice, and an ice church, where couples can exchange vows in a truly unforgettable setting. Combine your visit to the Icehotel with Northern Lights viewing in Abisko for the ultimate Arctic adventure, a seamless blend of art, nature, and unforgettable experiences.

Photographing the Elusive Aurora

Capturing the beauty of the Northern Lights on camera can be a rewarding challenge. With the right equipment and techniques, you can create stunning images that will preserve your aurora memories for a lifetime. The key to successful aurora photography is to use a camera that allows you to manually control the settings, as well as a sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady during long exposures.

When photographing the Northern Lights, use a wide-angle lens to capture as much of the sky as possible. Set your camera to manual mode and use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower) to let in as much light as possible. Adjust the ISO to between 800 and 3200, depending on the brightness of the aurora. Use a shutter speed of between 4 and 30 seconds, depending on the speed and intensity of the aurora's movements. It's also important to dress warmly, as you will be standing outside in the cold for extended periods of time. Patience is key, as the aurora can be unpredictable, but the rewards are well worth the wait.

Getting to Abisko: Your Travel Options

Reaching Abisko National Park is easier than you might think, with several convenient transportation options available. The most common way to get to Abisko is to fly to Kiruna Airport, which is served by daily flights from Stockholm. From Kiruna Airport, you can take a bus or train to Abisko.

The bus journey from Kiruna Airport to Abisko takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. The train journey from Kiruna to Abisko is a scenic route that takes you through the heart of Lapland. There are two train stations in Abisko: Abisko Östra and Abisko Turiststation. If you are staying at the STF Abisko Turiststation, disembark at Abisko Turiststation. Alternatively, you can rent a car at Kiruna Airport and drive to Abisko, which takes approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes.

Where to Stay: Abisko Accommodations

Abisko National Park and its surrounding area offer a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From cozy hotels and hostels to rustic cabins and guesthouses, you'll find the perfect base for your Arctic adventure. The STF Abisko Turiststation is a popular choice, offering a variety of rooms, a restaurant, and easy access to the park's attractions. Other options include the Abisko Mountain Lodge, Abisko Guesthouse, and Abisko Net Hostel & Huskies.

For those seeking a more secluded experience, consider renting a cabin in the surrounding wilderness. These cabins offer a chance to immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of the Arctic landscape, while still enjoying comfortable amenities. No matter where you choose to stay, be sure to book in advance, especially during the peak aurora season.

Insider Tips for Aurora Chasing

To maximize your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights in Abisko, consider these insider tips. Check local weather patterns and aurora forecasts to identify optimal viewing conditions. While the Aurora Sky Station is a popular spot, explore other locations within the park for a more secluded experience. Lake Torneträsk can offer great reflections of the aurora in clear weather.

Engage with the local Sami culture to learn about their connection to the Northern Lights. The Sami are the indigenous people of Lapland, and they have a rich history and mythology associated with the aurora. Some Sami believed that the lights were the souls of the dead and that they had magical effects. Learning about their traditions can add a deeper dimension to your aurora experience. Dress warmly in layers to stay comfortable in the Arctic cold, and be patient, as the aurora can be unpredictable. The magic of the Northern Lights is worth the wait, a celestial dance that will leave you breathless and forever in awe of the Arctic.

Abisko National Park offers a truly magical setting for experiencing the Northern Lights. With its unique microclimate, minimal light pollution, and a range of activities and accommodations, Abisko is the perfect destination for aurora chasers seeking an unforgettable Arctic adventure.