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.
Credit: Timmy Siik
Credit: Niklas Sagrén
Credit: Mathias Celis
Credit: Mathias Celis
Credit: Niklas Sagrén
Credit: Peter van der Meulen
Credit: Lucas Santos
There is a 18% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Abisko area (forecast for 2 August 2025 at 11:02pm UTC)
The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.
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 auroral activity.
Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimeter (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.
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.
14°C Feels like 13°C
Waxing gibbous
4.6 (25)
3 hours From £227.76
The sled can be driven by one of our guides. Located just outside Kiruna close to the world famous ICEHOTEL. Along the route, we will take a break and enjoy a traditional Swedish Fika and a hot drink. We travel in small groups to ensure an exclusive experience. There will be time to take photos along the way.
5.0 (2)
3 hours From £254.71
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”!
5.0 (438)
4 - 6 hours From £155.70
After we pick you up from your hotel in Kiruna, we will start to chase the northern lights that depends on each night according to the weather conditions. We can drive to Abisko, Kiruna’s boreal forest or wherever we can find clear sky to see Aurora Borealis. Lights of Vikings have a really high success rate in finding clear sky which is one of the most important criteria to see the Northern Lights. Our concept is famous for driving long distances if necessary! Wherever we go during the tour, we will tell you many stories about the northern lights and Vikings. After finding clear sky, we’ll admire the northern lights and we will take pictures which we’ll send to you within 3 days after the tour. If you bring your own camera, we will help you set it up to get the best shots. As the northern lights dance in the sky we will serve hot drinks and make a camp fire for you to keep warm. After the northern lights tour, we will drive you back to Kiruna.
4.9 (16)
3 hours From £142.48
Join our local guides on a visit to the Icehotel and the village of Jukkasjärvi. In our small groups we will visit the original Icehotel, the oldest church in northernmost Sweden and we will meet the reindeer at Nutti Sami siida. Our Sami guide tells you more about the Icehotel, Kiruna's history and the Sami people, while you get to see some of the most visited attractions in Kiruna.
4.7 (15)
4 hours From £158.40
Borrow a camera equipment and a tripod from us and follow our professional Sami photo guides to find the best spots to photograph the aurora. Our guides are born in the area and have been out in the forest since childhood. With our local knowledge we choose the best spots for northern light for the night. There are always chances to see the aurora - even in bad weather there is many different spots with better weather if you know where to go.
5.0 (3)
3 hours From £234.81
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with 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”!
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Abisko Gränsförsvarsmuseum is a Museum at Abisko Turiststation, 981 07 Abisko, Sverige
Abisko Gränsförsvarsmuseum är ett samarbetsprojekt mellan Försvarsmuseum Boden och Svenska Turistföreningen. Syftet är att lyfta fram och tydliggöra beredskapstiden och det kalla kriget i de svenska fjällen.