Kiruna: Abisko Northern Lights Tour with Dinner

Discovering the Northern Lights in Abisko: An In-Depth Review of the Kiruna Northern Lights Tour with Dinner

If you’re dreaming of catching the Northern Lights in Sweden’s Arctic north, a tour from Kiruna to Abisko offers one of the most promising chances. This guided experience combines the thrill of Aurora hunting with a cozy dinner, cultural stories, and expert photography assistance. While you can’t guarantee a sighting—nature’s timing is unpredictable—the carefully planned route and knowledgeable guides increase your odds. I’ve come across glowing reviews that highlight the genuine warmth of guides like Erika and the value of the included food and cultural insights, making this a solid choice for those looking to combine adventure with comfort.

What I particularly appreciate about this tour is its focus on Authenticity and practical comfort. The local guides are praised for their friendliness and expertise, with some travelers mentioning how Erika’s storytelling about Sami culture added depth to the experience. The three-course dinner stands out as an unexpected perk—it’s not just a snack but a thoughtfully prepared meal that balances quality and local flavor. Plus, with photography assistance and provided tripods, this tour recognizes that capturing the Aurora isn’t just about luck—it’s about having the right support.

A small caveat worth considering is the weather dependency inherent in Aurora tours. As some reviews mention, the Northern Lights are elusive and dependent on clear skies. If you’re unlucky, you might spend some time in Abisko without seeing the Aurora, but even then, the journey, stories, and meal make for a memorable evening. This tour’s flexibility—either staying in Abisko or chasing the lights on the way back—means you’re not just passively waiting but actively increasing your chances.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic Local Guides: Expect knowledgeable, friendly guides like Erika who weave Sami culture and natural history into the experience.
• Quality Dinner: A well-presented three-course meal that adds value and comfort to the evening.
• Photos Made Easy: Tripods and assistance mean you’ll have a better shot at capturing the Northern Lights, even if you’re not a pro photographer.
• Flexible Aurora Viewing: Depending on weather and aurora activity, you’ll either stay in Abisko or chase the lights en route back, boosting your chances.
• Small Group: Limited to just 8 participants, ensuring a personalized, intimate atmosphere.
• Transport and Timing: Pickup from Kiruna at 4:45 pm or 5:00 pm from Camp Ripan, with about 5.5 hours of total experience, making it a manageable evening outing.

Entering the Arctic Night: The Itinerary

This tour is designed to make the most of Sweden’s high Arctic environment, blending cultural insights with the thrill of Aurora hunting. It begins with pickup from your accommodation or meeting point in Kiruna around 4:45-5:00 pm. The drive to Abisko, about 1.5 hours away, is scenic, passing through the stark but beautiful Swedish Arctic landscape. Along the way, your guide will likely share stories about Sami traditions and local history, setting the stage for the cultural aspect of your evening.

Once in Abisko, the small village is renowned for its excellent Aurora viewing conditions due to its clear skies and sheltered location. Here, you’ll settle into a cozy spot—either in the village itself or nearby—where a carefully prepared three-course dinner awaits. The meal is a highlight, with travelers mentioning that it’s more than just standard fare; some reviews praise the quality and variety, with two menu options to choose from, catering to different tastes.

While dining, your guide will share insights about the natural phenomena and Sami culture, enriching the experience beyond just looking up at the sky. If the weather conditions are favorable, you’ll venture outside to hunt for the Aurora, with tripods provided to help you capture the dancing lights in vivid detail.

If the Aurora remains hidden or weather is unfavorable, the group might go for a walk around Abisko or explore the area, keeping the experience engaging. On the way back to Kiruna, your guide might choose to chase the Aurora across different weather zones, which, according to reviews, can significantly improve your chances of seeing the spectacular lights.

The Magic of Aurora Viewing and Practical Tips

Many travelers have raved about their Aurora sightings, describing the spectacle as a “dance of different colours,” with some mentioning that their guide, Erika, was instrumental in pointing out the best spots. However, it’s important to remember that Aurora sightings can’t be guaranteed, as they depend on weather and solar activity. The tour’s strategy of passing through different weather zones and staying flexible with the itinerary is key to maximizing chances.

For photography enthusiasts, the assistance from trained guides makes a real difference. They help you set up your camera or phone, ensuring you get the best shot of the Aurora when it appears. Bringing a tripod is strongly recommended—though the tour provides one, having your own can give you more control.

Comfort is also crucial. Dress warmly in layers, as you’ll be outdoors for potentially extended periods in cold temperatures. Since the tour is about 5.5 hours, starting in the early evening, prepare for a late night in sub-zero conditions, with some reviews noting that proper clothing is vital.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a combination of culture, good food, and Aurora hunting. The small group size and personalized approach make it suitable for those who enjoy a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere. If you’re a photography enthusiast, the assistance and provided equipment will help you capture memorable images.

Families with children over 3 years old can participate, but keep in mind that the outdoor component requires patience and resilience in cold weather. Those who value storytelling about Sami traditions and natural history will find the guides’ insights particularly engaging.

However, if your main goal is a guaranteed Aurora sighting, it’s worth remembering that nature remains unpredictable—so temper expectations accordingly.

Price and Value

While the tour isn’t the cheapest option available, its price reflects several inclusions: roundtrip transportation, a three-course meal, expert guides, photography support, and a small group setting. Compared to other Aurora tours that might only focus on chasing the lights, this package offers a full evening of cultural and natural experiences.

The real value lies in the personalized attention, the delicious local food, and the chance to learn something about Sami culture—adding layers of meaning to a simple Aurora hunt. It’s a solid option for travelers who want a well-rounded experience rather than just hoping for a lucky glimpse of the Aurora in the cold.

The Sum Up

For those seeking a mix of nature, culture, and comfort, the Kiruna Abisko Northern Lights Tour with Dinner offers a balanced and memorable Arctic adventure. The knowledgeable guides, delicious meal, and flexible itinerary make it a strong choice—especially if you’re interested in more than just a fleeting glimpse of the Aurora. While the unpredictability of the Northern Lights remains, the carefully curated experience and friendly atmosphere make it well worth considering. It suits curious, relaxed travelers who appreciate local stories, good food, and the hope of witnessing one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

This tour is particularly well-suited for travelers who want a more intimate, culturally rich experience with expert guidance, rather than just a quick chase. If you’re visiting Kiruna and want to combine the beauty of Abisko’s skies with a warm meal and meaningful insights, this tour hits the spot.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, roundtrip transportation from Kiruna and Camp Ripan is provided, making the journey hassle-free.

What should I bring? Warm clothing is essential due to the cold Arctic temperatures. Bringing a tripod is highly recommended for photography.

Can I see the Northern Lights every night? Sightings depend on weather conditions and solar activity. The tour tries to maximize your chances by passing through different weather zones.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts about 5.5 hours, starting around 4:45-5:00 pm.

Is food included? Yes, a thoughtfully prepared three-course dinner is part of the experience.

What if the weather is bad? If the weather is unfavorable, the guides may explore Abisko or chase the Aurora on the way back to improve your chances.

Is this tour suitable for children? Children over 3 years old can join, but be prepared for outdoor cold conditions.

How many people are in the group? The tour is limited to 8 participants for a more personalized experience.

What languages are available? The tour is conducted in Swedish and English.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your plans.

This Northern Lights tour from Kiruna offers more than just a chance to see the Aurora—it’s about savoring the Arctic night with good company, cultural stories, and delicious local food. If your goal is a genuine, well-supported Arctic adventure, this experience deserves serious consideration.