Aurora Tour with Dinner in Abisko

Review of the Aurora Tour with Dinner in Abisko

Travelers dreaming of witnessing the Northern Lights often picture a wild, unspoiled sky ablaze with shimmering green. This Aurora Tour with Dinner in Abisko, offered by Scandinavian Sami Photoadventures, aims to combine that awe-inspiring spectacle with cultural storytelling and a cozy meal. Starting from Kiruna, this 5.5-hour experience costs around $275.64 per person and is perfect for those eager to combine nature, culture, and good food into one evening.

What makes this tour stand out? First, I really appreciate how it blends local Sami insights—the indigenous guides share stories that deepen your understanding of the region—and practical photography tips, helping you capture the aurora if it appears. Second, the dinner itself gets consistently praised for being a three-course feast in the charming village of Abisko, which adds a warm, social element to the evening. However, the main draw—the Northern Lights—remains unpredictable, so a bit of patience and luck are still required.

One potential consideration is the weather dependency. If heavy clouds obscure the sky, the guides will either take you on a chase back to Kiruna or set out to find clearer skies, which could mean more driving. Still, the tour’s flexible approach and the passing through different weather zones increase your chances of seeing the aurora, even if only fleetingly. This experience offers excellent value for the combination of cultural enrichment, scenic beauty, and the chance—albeit not guaranteed—to see the mystical lights.

Key Points

• Expert Local Guides: Guides are well-trained photo enthusiasts, ready to help you photograph the aurora, making this ideal for photography lovers.
• Cultural Insight: Sami guides share stories about their culture, adding depth to the experience beyond chasing lights.
• Flexible Aurora Viewing: The route passes through varying weather zones, enhancing your chances of aurora sightings.
• Quality Dining: The three-course dinner is highly praised, offering a cozy dining experience in Abisko village.
• Transportation Convenience: Pickup from Kiruna and a shared small-group format (max 8 travelers) create a personal, relaxed vibe.
• Optional Chase: If weather isn’t clear in Abisko, guides may take a scenic drive back toward Kiruna to find clearer skies.

An In-Depth Look at What You Can Expect

The experience kicks off at Camp Ripan in Kiruna with a 5:00 pm pickup. This early start means you’ll be leaving the city’s lights behind just as the evening begins to settle. The drive into the night takes roughly 1.5 hours, with the group passing through different weather zones along the way—an intelligent strategy that can increase your chances of catching the aurora, even if the sky isn’t cooperating over Abisko itself.

One highlight is the small group size—often just eight participants—making the journey intimate, giving you space to ask questions and get personalized tips, especially about photography. If you bring your camera or smartphone, guides will lend tripods and provide photo guidance to help you capture the lights. The guides are seasoned professionals who understand the nuances of photographing the aurora—an invaluable skill when you’re trying to catch fleeting green ribbons dancing across a dark sky.

Upon arrival in Abisko, you’ll settle into a warm, welcoming environment to enjoy a three-course dinner. Many reviews highlight how much they appreciated both the quality and atmosphere of the meal, which is served in the cozy village setting. During dinner, guides will talk about Sami culture, the nature of the region, and the northern lights, adding context that makes the whole experience more meaningful. A review from Jeffrey_R describes the evening as “start to finish, incredible,” emphasizing that even if the aurora doesn’t appear, the cultural and scenic elements make it worthwhile.

After dinner, the real magic begins—if the weather allows. The guides will take you for a short walk in the surrounding landscape, searching for the aurora, or if visibility is poor in Abisko, they’ll take you on a scenic drive back toward Kiruna for a better chance to see the lights. This flexibility is vital because aurora sightings depend heavily on weather and are never guaranteed.

The tour’s focus on cultural storytelling and expert photography support sets it apart from more generic Northern Lights excursions. Many travelers mention guides like Erika, who is described as “truly remarkable,” dedicated, and full of experience. Such guides elevate the experience from just a chase to a learning opportunity, which is particularly valuable for first-timers or those eager to improve their night photography skills.

Practical Considerations and Value

At around $275, this tour offers a well-rounded package: transportation, a culturally enriching dinner, expert guidance, and equipment like tripods and headlamps—all in a small-group setting. This level of attention and the inclusion of cultural insights make it a strong value, especially considering the cost of similar private or larger tours. Plus, the free cancellation policy adds peace of mind, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance if needed.

One noteworthy aspect from reviews is how this experience is often regarded as the perfect first step in a trip to Kiruna. Cynthia_B mentions that it was “fantastic” and a good foundation for other activities. The guides’ knowledgeable, friendly style and delicious food also leave a lasting impression, which can turn a simple Northern Lights chase into a memorable cultural night out.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate a small, personalized experience with cultural storytelling and are willing to be flexible about the unpredictable nature of the aurora. It appeals to those who want quality accommodations—like warm meals and insightful guides—over just chasing fleeting lights. Photographers will find the support and gear invaluable, while those curious about Sami culture will enjoy the storytelling.

The Sum Up

This Aurora Tour with Dinner in Abisko is an excellent choice for travelers looking for more than just a quick lights chase. The blend of local Sami guides, delicious regional cuisine, and a scenic drive through changing weather zones creates a well-rounded experience. Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate perfectly, the cultural insights, expert photography support, and the beautiful natural setting make it worth every penny.

The small-group dynamic fosters a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for asking questions and genuinely engaging with local guides. Plus, the ability to chase clearer skies back toward Kiruna if needed shows real thoughtfulness on the part of the organizers. If you’re after an authentic, well-organized Northern Lights experience that combines learning, scenic beauty, and comfort, this tour fits the bill quite well.

Overall, it’s ideal for travelers who value meaningful interactions, quality food, and expert guidance—plus the chance to see the Northern Lights in one of Sweden’s most spectacular settings. Whether the lights make an appearance or not, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the region’s culture and landscape, making it a memorable highlight of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour fee?
Your fee covers the transportation from Kiruna, a three-course dinner, cover clothes and shoes if needed, a headlamp, a photo guide, and tripods for your camera or mobile phone.

Can I cancel the booking if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Simply cancel before that window to get a full refund.

What if the Northern Lights don’t show up?
While the guides will do their best to find clear skies, there’s no guarantee the aurora will appear. If the weather isn’t clear in Abisko, they might drive back toward Kiruna to try their luck there.

Is this tour suitable for children or disabled travelers?
The tour is friendly for most travelers, with pickup from central Kiruna. However, those with special needs should inquire directly to ensure the itinerary suits their requirements.

How long is the drive from Kiruna to Abisko?
The drive takes around 1.5 hours each way, making the total experience about 5.5 hours including the dinner and possible aurora viewing.

What should I wear?
Warm, layered clothing is recommended. The tour offers cover clothes and shoes if requested, but bringing your own warm gear is advisable.

Is photography support really helpful?
Absolutely. The guides are trained photo guides who can help you set up and capture the aurora, which is invaluable if you want to remember the moment.

What is the maximum group size?
A small group of up to 8 travelers ensures a more personalized experience and better interaction with guides.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, the tour can cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary needs if specified at booking.

This tour offers an engaging, culture-rich way to chase the northern lights while enjoying local food and expert guidance. It’s a solid choice for those wanting a well-rounded, small-group adventure in the Swedish Arctic.