How To See The Northern Lights Solo In Abisko

Who hasn’t dreamed of seeing the magnificent and magical Northern Lights? This atmospheric and natural phenomenon is a unique experience that will literally leave you speechless – if you’re lucky enough to witness it, that is. But if seeing them is a feat in itself, it can also be expensive, especially if you’re on your own and have no means of transport. Until now! Welcome to Abisko: one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights!

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Abisko in a few words

Located in Swedish Lapland, where it’s really cold and wild, Abisko is like a haven of peace far from any noisy, dynamic city, much to the delight of travelers and adventurers.

Sounds like you? Then pack your warmest clothes, your hiking gear and let’s head off to the end of the world, or at least the end of Sweden, to visit the wonderful town of Abisko together!

The Best Things to Do in Abisko

It’s obviously the ideal destination for watching the Northern Lights, but Abisko has much more to offer those seeking peace, adventure and wonder! Let’s dive into the best things to do in this charming little town!

1. See the Northern Lights

As Abisko is the BEST place in Sweden to see the Northern Lights (or aurora borealis), I can’t begin this post without talking about this magical experience. And you know the best thing about Abisko? You don’t have to book a tour or rent a car to enjoy the vibrant, dancing lights!

Grab your camera, muffler and whatever else you need to keep warm while you patiently wait for the show, and walk a few minutes to Lake Torneträsk, the ideal place to observe this superb phenomenon.

Pro tip: don’t waste your money going to the Aurora Sky Station (~$90-100) as you’ll get better views of the aurora borealis right on the lake!

2. Enjoy the beauty of Lake Torneträsk

Whichever accommodation you choose, Lake Torneträsk is never too far away for you to admire its beauty and tranquility. With a length of 70 km and a splendid winter panorama of the surrounding mountains, you’ll have no excuse not to visit.

Wondering how to enjoy the landscape in winter? Have you ever walked on a frozen lake? If not, now’s your chance! Enjoy the scenery and have fun exploring the surroundings in a unique way!

3. Relax in the sauna

How do you end a day spent in sub-zero temperatures? With a warm, comfortable sauna, of course! And do you know what? If you’ve booked accommodation in Abisko, chances are the place already has one, which you can use for free! I don’t know about you, but as someone who doesn’t like the cold, it’s my favorite thing to do!

So get ready to sweat a bit as you enter this splendid world of warmth and relaxation!

By the way, you might even make some friends in the sauna (being in a birthday suit breaks down barriers)!

4. Hike in Abisko National Park

A trip to Abisko isn’t complete until you’ve visited its famous national park! Located to the west of the town, trails usually start from the Abisko Turiststation (train station) and take you into the Swedish wilderness.

Follow the famous and magnificent canyon, pass through the tunnel painted by a Sami artist (Sweden’s indigenous people), and wander through forests and snow-covered landscapes on this fantastic day-long adventure!

Whether you’re staying in Abisko for a few days or longer, be sure to include this national park in your itinerary!

> There are many hiking trails to choose from, but don’t forget that some of them are closed in winter! If you’d like more information and a map of the various routes, here is the link!

5. Book a dog sledding tour

If you want to discover the Nordic landscapes from a different perspective while having fun, this is the activity for you! You can choose to sit back and enjoy the ride, or drive the sled yourself and feel the excitement of the adventure!

During the break, take the time to get to know your furry friends, the huskies, without whom the ride would not have been possible, and enjoy a hot drink before getting back on the sled.

If you’d like to book this activity, please note that it will cost you SEK 1,800 (~$165) for a 2-hour ride. But hey, you only live once, right?!?

What to bring for a winter trip to Abisko

Want to make the most of your stay in Abisko? Here are a few essentials to pack for your trip to the Nordic town!

• A good camera:
  Not being a professional photographer, I only took my phone with me and took photos of the northern lights with it. And with the right settings (ISO, shutter speed and focus), you can probably take some great photos too!

• A tripod:
  Whether you decide to bring a camera or your phone, it’s a MUST! Taking photos at night is much more difficult than during the day, as you’ll be taking long-exposure shots and so need to be patient and not have shaky hands (especially in the cold). That’s why a tripod is essential to keep your camera steady and take great pictures!

• Warm clothes and winter shoes:
  These are even more important if you’re traveling to Abisko in winter. No one wants to get frostbite or sick when traveling abroad! Choose fleece, wool and even polyester. No cotton! When it comes to hiking boots, try to invest in insulated, waterproof boots to keep your toes warm.

• Merino wool socks:
  I know what you’re thinking: “with wool, I’ll have to keep from scratching all day and I’ll end up throwing away these uncomfortable socks”, but worry no longer, because that won’t be the case. Buying merino wool socks will bring warmth, breathability and comfort to your feet without the itchy feeling.

• Reusable water bottle:
  Water quality is second to none in Sweden. So grab your favorite water bottle and enjoy the pure water of the Arctic Circle!

Where to eat and shop

There aren’t really many dining options around Abisko, so if you’re not on a tight budget, you can try the food served at the Brasserie Fjällköket, popular in the area.

But if, like me, it’s a bit too expensive for you and you’ve already spent money on activities or coming here, your best bet is to go to the local supermarket and cook your own food! It’s also a great way to get to know the other travelers staying in your accommodation.

Speaking of which, here are the best places to stay in Abisko, at affordable prices.

Where to sleep

For me, there are only 2 options:

• Abisko Guesthouse & Activities: located just 3mn from Abisko Östra station and 6mn from the majestic lake, the place is comfortable, nicely decorated and with friendly staff who will make you feel right at home. Oh, and let’s not forget the free sauna! Count on $55 per night!

• Abisko net Hostel & Huskies: I’d say it has all the above with one small detail that might intimidate the shyest among us: the shared bathroom doesn’t really have privacy, so you have to be comfortable with showering with other people. This time, expect to pay $34 per night!

How to get to Abisko

To get to the lovely town of Abisko, travelers usually choose one of two solutions:

• By taking a flight from Stockholm to Kiruna (one-way):
  It takes 1.5 hours, plus an hour’s train or bus transfer. The total will cost you around $110-150, depending on how long you plan ahead!

• By taking the train from Stockholm (one-way):
  If you want to watch the sunrise over snow-covered landscapes and experience sleeping on a train, this is probably your best option. The only drawback is that it will take you an average of 16 hours to reach your destination.
  As for the cost of the trip, you should expect to pay between $70 and $110 (you can save money if you book a single seat rather than a berth). Having tried this option myself, I can say that the seats are quite comfortable and the train is usually far from full, so you’re likely to have a row of seats all to yourself!

> Here’s the link to book your train tickets: SJ website!

Best time to go

If you want to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, the best time to come is in winter (late September to March).

Otherwise, I’d say you can come to Abisko all year round, as the town is an ideal place to get close to nature and enjoy its many wonders!

Tips

• Let your eyes get used to the darkness before experiencing the Northern Lights
• Check the weather forecast in advance
• Be patient
• Get away from light pollution
• Enjoy the moment with your own eyes, not just your camera
• Don’t fall asleep, even if you’re tired after a day of exploring
• Book your train tickets early (months in advance)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are the northern lights really as bright and colorful as they appear in the photos?
  
  It all depends on the intensity of the aurora’s activity on that particular day, but also on your own eyesight. People may see them differently: yellower, greyer or paler green. In general, bright colors are rarer, and it’s really your camera and its long-exposure settings that capture the bright colors.

• What are my chances of seeing the northern lights?
  
  This is the kind of event that depends on luck, as the weather can change rapidly, so it can be difficult to plan ahead. That’s why it’s best to come in winter to maximize your chances. Seeing the aurora requires a lot of patience and hope.

• What’s the best application for monitoring aurora activity?
  
  My Aurora Forecast gives you all the probabilities in real time, as well as the Kp index and other information to make sure you don’t miss this extraordinary phenomenon. It also broadcasts satellite and webcam images to let you know when to get out your boots and run outside!

In a nutshell

Abisko, if not for its Northern Lights, should be on your bucket list for its wild landscapes and wonderful winter experiences. Its remote location is the ideal setting for travelers seeking peace and serenity in Sweden!

Want to discover the best things to do in Sweden’s capital, Stockholm? This is the place!

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