Abisko, Norrbotten

Natural Phenomenon

Northern Lights in Abisko

The northern lights season in Abisko, from September to March: the weather in the Torneträsk valley, the Aurora Sky Station and observation spots in the village.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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A look at the place

Northern Lights in Abisko in pictures

These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.

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Green aurora above the Aurora Sky Station and the snow‑covered mountains of Abisko.

Visitors on the Aurora Sky Station balcony beneath the aurora.

Lake Torneträsk in summer, with the Lapporten valley in the background.

The cable car beside Abisko’s snow‑covered slope.

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About Northern Lights in Abisko

Abisko, in Swedish Lapland, about 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, is a small village on the shore of Lake Torneträsk, next to the national park of the same name. It lies under the ring where the northern lights appear most often and is one of Scandinavia’s best-known places to see them.

The reputation comes from the weather. The mountains on the border with Norway hold back some of the moisture coming from the Atlantic, and the sky over the valley usually has fewer clouds than the coast. That break in the clouds has earned the nickname “Abisko’s blue hole.” It helps, but it does not prevent cloudy nights.

The season usually runs from early September to the end of March. In September and October the unfrozen lake can reflect the aurora; from December to February the nights are longer, colder and snowy; in March the days begin to lengthen. From late May to mid-July is the midnight sun, and the aurora does not appear.

The Aurora Sky Station, on Mount Nuolja at about 900 meters altitude, is the best-known observation point, with views of the lake and the Lapporten valley. You reach it by a chairlift. In the village, the lakeshore near the tourist station and the Torneträsk pier are common viewing spots, away from lights. Sky Station sessions and guided tours change dates and rules: check before you go.

Abisko has few accommodations, which often fill up in season. The village is on the train line that connects Kiruna to Narvik and on the E10 road. Winter cold is severe: thermal clothing, boots and gloves make a difference on a night outdoors.

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Northern lights in northern Europe

Learn more about the northern and southern lights

It depends on the Sun and clear skies: the aurora is not guaranteed.

Before you go

Practical information

Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

The months when it usually happens. It depends on the weather and on nature: it is not guaranteed.

How much time to set aside

A whole night of watching; to increase your chances, two to four nights in the village.

Season

Season from early September to the end of March, between late afternoon and the early hours. September and March combine dark nights with less severe cold.

How to get there

By train on the Kiruna–Narvik line, with a stop at Abisko Turiststation, or by car on the E10, about an hour and a half from Kiruna.

Tip

Book accommodation early. The Sky Station chairlift is exposed and windy: go with full snow gear. Seeing the aurora depends on the Sun and the sky.

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Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Northern Lights in Abisko

What is Abisko’s “blue hole”?:

It’s the nickname for a break in the clouds that often forms over the valley because the mountains on the Norwegian border hold back some of the moisture. It helps, but cloudy nights still occur.

What is the best time to see the northern lights in Abisko?

The season usually runs from early September to the end of March. In summer, during the midnight sun, the aurora does not appear.

Is it worth going up to the Aurora Sky Station?

Usually yes: it’s on Mount Nuolja, away from lights, with views of Lake Torneträsk. Dates and sessions change; check before you go.

How do I get to Abisko?

By train on the line linking Kiruna to Narvik, or by car on the E10, about an hour and a half from Kiruna.

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