Before you go

Your trip to Abisko.

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

Abisko – Norrbotten Destination Kiruna and Lapland

How to get there

Aeroporto de Kiruna (KRN) Kiruna · 100 km
Estação Abisko Turiststation 3 km
Estação Abisko Östra 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before booking. From Kiruna, the train takes about 1h20 to Abisko Turiststation and Abisko Östra stations; by car it is about 95 km on the E10. The overnight train from Stockholm also stops in Abisko. The nearest airport is Kiruna.

How many days

Two or three nights to have good chances of seeing the aurora in winter. In summer, two or three days are enough for the canyon, Lapporten, the Aurora Sky Station and the first section of the Kungsleden.

When to go

From September to March the aurora is usually seen on clear nights; from December to March there is snow, skiing and snowshoeing. From late May to mid-July there is usually the midnight sun, and from late June to September trails are generally snow-free.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The train stops at the village's two stations, and the park, the cable car and the trails start on foot. A car is useful for going into Norway or driving along the Torneträsk shore.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Abisko

Morning
Abiskojåkka Canyon
Start with the short canyon trail, next to the tourist station.
Afternoon
Torneträsk and Lapporten
Walk to the shore of lake Torneträsk to see Lapporten and have lunch in the village.
Late afternoon
Aurora Sky Station
Take the chairlift up to Mount Nuolja during the season.
Evening
Aurora or midnight sun
In winter, wait for the aurora up high; in summer, see the midnight sun.

2 days in Abisko

Day 1

Morning
Canyon
Abiskojåkka canyon trail.
Afternoon
Lapporten
Torneträsk shore and Lapporten viewpoints.
Late afternoon
Rest
Rest before night: the aurora usually appears later.
Evening
Aurora Sky Station
Night at the Aurora Sky Station during the winter season.

Day 2

Morning
Kungsleden
In summer, hike the first section of the Kungsleden; in winter, ski or snowshoe with a guide.
Afternoon
Abiskojaure
Follow the trail to lake Abiskojaure and return, or take a dog-sled ride.
Late afternoon
Village
Return to the village and have dinner at the tourist station.
Evening
Another attempt
Another night of aurora, by the lake, away from lights.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is Abisko better than Kiruna for seeing the aurora?

Abisko tends to have clear skies more often because it is in a dry area, and it has little artificial light. That's why many people choose to stay there for a few nights.

Where to sleep in Abisko?

At the mountain tourist station, in hostels and cabins near the park. Accommodation is limited: book in advance in winter.

Does Abisko have restaurants and a shop?

Few. The tourist station has a restaurant, and the village has a small shop. Bring what you need for snacks and trails.

Can you go from Abisko to Norway?

Yes. The train goes to Narvik on the Norwegian coast in about 1h30, and the E10 road also crosses the border.

Back to Abisko