Find the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights

Plan your northern lights trip with expert travel advice, real-time aurora forecasts and destination guides. Whether you’re chasing the aurora borealis across Scandinavia, Iceland or the Canadian wilderness, we’ll help you find the best time and place to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

Canada

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Tórshavn

Finland

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

Lerwick

Svalbard

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

See also

Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora

Abisko

Home / Sweden / Abisko

Abisko has a reputation as the "Aurora Capital of the World" it sits directly under the "Aurora Oval", the region where the northern lights are most active. The village is blessed with a unique microclimate that creates exceptionally clear skies, minimizing cloud cover and maximizing your chances of seeing the lights. Abisko also has strict light pollution regulations, helping to ensure that the night sky is truly dark, enhancing the brilliance of the aurora.

Abisko is also home to the Aurora Sky Station this incredible viewing platform offers panoramic views of the sky and is a prime spot to catch the show.

Aurora season is between late September and early April, with the peak viewing in February and March.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Abisko. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

17%

There is a 17% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Abisko area (forecast for 11 April 2026 at 7:58pm UTC)

HPI 21 GW

The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.

Density 2.67 p/cm3

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimetre (p/cm3).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm3.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 595.8 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Light Levels

Moon

Waning crescent 42%

Sunrise 5:09am

Sunset 8:21pm

Weather Forecast for Abisko

Clouds

2°C Feels like -1°C

High
7°C
Low
0°C

  • Chance of precipitation 0%

  • Cloud cover 60%

  • South-Easterly winds 3 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Abisko

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Abisko.

  • Free cancellation

    Aurora Borealis Dogsled Tour

    5.0 (4)

    3 hours From £310.33

    Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Aurora Borealis Dogsled Tour. Our dog sledding tours offer a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility as you glide through the pristine Arctic landscape. Guests rave about the professionalism of our guides, who not only ensure safety but also share fascinating insights about the region and its traditions. Interact with our team of well-cared-for, eager sled dogs—often described as the heart and soul of the experience. Reviewers frequently highlight the seamless logistics, personal touch, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights or soaking in a polar sunrise, our tours provide once-in-a-lifetime memories for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Experience why so many travelers call their time with us “life-changing”!

  • Free cancellation

    Afternoon Snowmobile Tour

    5.0 (3)

    3 hours 30 minutes From £138.93

    From the moment you sit on the snowmobile, you’re not just starting an adventure — you’re stepping into the Arctic as it truly is. The crisp air, the silence of untouched winter, and the vast horizon ahead set the stage for something unforgettable. This is more than a ride. It’s a guided journey led by someone who knows the land, its stories, and its rhythms. We travel through forests heavy with snow, across frozen lakes, and into valleys where the light feels softer, cleaner, almost magical. With high-quality Arctic clothing and traditional Swedish fika provided, all the practical details are taken care of for you. Simply come with an open mind and a sense of adventure, and we’ll handle the rest. It’s an unforgettable experience that stays with you long after your journey ends. This is a shared snowmobile tour where two people ride on one snowmobile—one as the driver and one as the passenger, with the possibility to switch during the tour. The price shown is per person.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Private Transfer Kiruna - Abisko/Bjorkliden or Abisko/Bjorkliden - Kiruna

    No reviews

    1 hour 30 minutes From £190.00

    Your English & Swedish speaking driver will meet You in Kiruna Airport holding a sign with Your name written on it. It takes around 1.5 hr spectacular drive to reach Abisko. Drop off includes Abisko & Bjorkliden Area properties. If You need a departure transfer then Your driver will meet You at the lobby of Your hotel and drop You to the airport. You can also order a transfer if You're moving from Kiruna area to Abisko area during Your Swedish Lapland stay.

  • Free cancellation

    Arctic Afternoon Eco Experience (14:00-17:00- driving the sled)

    5.0 (17)

    3 hours From £242.51

    Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Snowdog The Arctic Adventure Co., ranked No.1 on TripAdvisor in Kiruna. Our dog sledding tours offer a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility as you glide through the pristine Arctic landscape. Guests rave about the professionalism of our guides, who not only ensure safety but also share fascinating insights about the region and its traditions. Interact with our team of well-cared-for, eager sled dogs—often described as the heart and soul of the experience. Reviewers frequently highlight the seamless logistics, personal touch, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights or soaking in a polar sunrise, our tours provide once-in-a-lifetime memories for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Experience why so many travelers call their time with us “life-changing”!

  • Free cancellation

    Feed Reindeer and Hunt for Northern Lights in Arctic

    4.0 (2)

    5 hours From £163.59

    Delve into the heart of the Arctic with a unique adventure that combines reindeer feeding and hunting for the mesmerizing Northern Lights. A scenic minibus ride from Kiruna transports you to Övre-Soppero, a Sámi village surrounded by breathtaking winter landscapes. Here, interact with reindeer and learn about their survival in the harsh tundra, while also contributing to their well-being during tough months. This immersive experience offers a blend of Sámi culture and the magical allure of the Aurora Borealis, making it truly unforgettable.

  • Free cancellation

    From Kiruna: Narvik City and Fjord Day Trip

    5.0 (6)

    8 - 9 hours From £176.74

    Embark on a breathtaking journey from Kiruna, Sweden, to Narvik, Norway, exploring stunning landscapes, picturesque viewpoints, and the charming city of Narvik. This day trip blends natural beauty with cultural experiences, offering peaceful valleys, frozen lakes, and snow-covered mountains. Along the way, we’ll stop for photos and to enjoy the quiet Arctic scenery. Crossing into Norway, the landscapes grow even more dramatic, with towering peaks and deep fjords. The highlight is Narvik Fjord, a striking body of water framed by cliffs and snowy hillsides. Several viewpoints let you breathe in the fresh air and take in unforgettable sights. This relaxing journey offers Arctic wilderness, scenic stops, and stunning views—a perfect way to experience the beauty of two countries in one day.

Places to check out around Abisko

Other places in Sweden

Björkliden•​Kiruna

See also

Home•​Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora