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

Dark skies and breathtaking wilderness, one of the best places to experience the northern lights in all their glory.

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Dramatic landscapes with pristine dark skies, an exceptional place to witness the northern lights with a truly unique setting.

Tórshavn

Finland

Enjoy stunning aurora displays from cozy glass igloos or snowy forests in the magical northern wilderness.

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

The remote wilderness and minimal light pollution offer a breathtaking, serene setting to witness the northern lights in their purest form.

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Breathtaking landscapes and long winter nights provide a spectacular backdrop for witnessing the aurora in a truly unforgettable setting.

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Stunning fjords and snowy peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop to the northern lights in one of the best locations to witness this natural spectacle.

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

A remote location and dark skies offer opportunities to witness the northern lights over rugged coastlines and peaceful seascapes.

Lerwick

Svalbard

Polar nights in the high arctic offer exceptional chances to witness the northern lights dancing across pristine, icy landscapes.

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Clear winter nights and pristine wilderness create an ideal place to experience the aurora in a magical Arctic setting.

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Alaska’s vast wilderness and clear, dark skies create perfect conditions for experiencing the northern lights in a breathtaking natural setting.

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

22%

There is a 22% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Abisko area (forecast for 26 May 2026 at 8:39pm UTC)

Kp 1.00

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

  • 0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
  • 3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
  • 6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
  • 8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.
HPI 28 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.

Bz -5 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced aurora activity.

Bt 8 nT

Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.

Density 3.49 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 446.1 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

Waxing gibbous 76%

Sunrise N/A

Sunset N/A

Moonrise 6:24pm

Moonset 1:39am

Weather Forecast for Abisko

Rain

5°C Feels like 4°C

High
9°C
Low
5°C

  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 81%

  • North-Westerly winds 5 km/h gusts of 7 km/h

  • Rain 1 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Abisko

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

  • Free cancellation

    Abisko and Björkliden Day Trip From Kiruna with Lunch

    5.0 (13)

    6 - 7 hours From £151.34

    Explore the stunning landscapes of Abisko National Park on this 6-hour guided day trip from Kiruna. Experience breathtaking views as you visit the impressive river canyon and the picturesque Silver Waterfall, often partially frozen and perfect for memorable photos. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the cozy village of Björkliden, surrounded by majestic mountain scenery. This adventure offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories in one of Sweden's most beautiful regions. - Duration: 6 hours - Visit to Abisko National Park and the scenic Silver Waterfall - Lunch included at a local hotel in Björkliden - Pick-up available from Kiruna hotels

  • Free cancellation

    Sunrise Zen Husky Tour (10:00 to 13:00 - sitting on the sled)

    5.0 (121)

    3 hours From £188.15

    If you are interested in dogs, you will love being here at Snowdog. We have an amazing bunch of super friendly canines. Oh, of course, we have a big bunch of superhero puppies you may wish to meet? We will tell you about Lapland, dog sledding and of course the resident Hero's - our dogs.

  • Free cancellation

    Guided Northern Lights Tour at Kiruna

    3.6 (28)

    4 hours From £142.34

    Kiruna is located in an ideal position in Lapland to view the northern lights. During winter we have long dark nights and even 6 weeks without a sunrise! The first step to chasing the aurora is to get away from the city light pollution and that's exactly what we do on this tour. Our skilled guides will study the aurora and weather forecast to find the best locations based on their prior knowledge of the area, and then off we go! In our minivan, we will drive up to 125km away from the city if necessary to chase the aurora out in the arctic wilderness. There are many different locations we can visit depending on the forecast, one of which is the beautiful Abisko National Park area. Of course, it is up to mother nature where the chase will take us, but our guides will do their best to help you search for this incredible natural phenomenon

  • Free cancellation

    Aurora Borealis Dogsled Tour

    5.0 (4)

    3 hours From £308.82

    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

    From Kiruna: Narvik City and Fjord Day Trip

    5.0 (6)

    8 - 9 hours From £175.88

    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.

  • Private tour

    Meet 70 Huskies and Enjoy a short ATV Tour with the Huskies

    5.0 (18)

    3 hours From £139.07

    We have an array of world-class Alaskan huskies. With a gene pool that stretches across the pond. You will be delighted to experience their strength, beauty, and charismatic personalities. Their boundless energy and love shine with excitement every time they have a new group of visitors—a super friendly bunch of canines always eager for a bit of fun and action cuddles!

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