Introduction: A Night Under the Arctic Sky
Travelers eager for an authentic Arctic adventure often look for a way to combine adrenaline with the chance to see the elusive Northern Lights. The Björkliden/Abisko Night Sky Snowmobile Tour offers just that—an exciting ride through snow-covered landscapes culminating in the magic of the aurora borealis. With a duration of about 2.5 hours, this tour takes you up into the mountains where conditions are most favorable for witnessing the polar night’s celestial display. The experience is suitable for those who enjoy a mix of outdoor activity, learning, and a cozy break by a fire.
What I like most about this tour is how it balances adventure and comfort. The snowmobiles are equipped with built-in hand warmers, and all gear—think boots, gloves, helmet, and thermal clothing—is provided, so you don’t need to worry about the cold. Plus, the tour guides, like the well-reviewed Sören, are known for their friendly expertise—ready to share tips on viewing the aurora and spinning stories of the night sky. The middle-of-the-journey stop for lingonberry juice and cookies is a simple but magical touch that sticks with many travelers.
A potential consideration is the need for a driver’s license to operate a snowmobile, which might exclude some travelers or require them to arrange a private machine on-site for an extra fee. Also, keep in mind that weather conditions can impact visibility, so patience and flexibility are helpful. This adventure is a genuine way to experience both the Arctic landscape and the thrill of snowmobiling, making it a memorable highlight of any Northern Sweden trip.
Key points / Takeaways
Spectacular Northern Lights Viewing: The tour takes you to a mountain spot where the conditions for seeing the aurora are at their best, especially during clear winter nights.
Expert Guides and Safety: Guides like Sören are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, providing not just safety instructions but also aurora tips and storytelling.
All Gear Provided: You don’t have to pack thermal clothes or gloves—everything from boots to helmets is included, plus built-in hand warmers on the snowmobiles.
Balanced Experience: Besides the thrill of driving the snowmobile, the break for hot drinks and cookies creates a cozy, social atmosphere in the middle of a cold night.
Flexible and Convenient: Pickup and drop-off from key locations, small group sizes (max 8), and the option to reserve now and pay later add convenience and peace of mind.
Value for Money: At $198 per person, you’re paying for a well-rounded adventure with expert guidance, gear, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights—a package that many find worth the price.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Abisko.
Understanding the Experience: A Deep Dive
Starting the Adventure: Pickup and Introduction
Your journey begins with pickup from one of six convenient locations in the Abisko or Björkliden area, including the STF Abisko Turiststation and Abisko Mountain Lodge. The guide will greet you, provide safety instructions, and ensure everyone is geared up properly. This is a friendly, no-pressure start that sets the tone for an enjoyable night.
The bus ride to the departure point takes about 15 minutes, giving you a chance to settle in and get excited. Keep in mind, pickups can take up to 30 minutes, so being punctual helps keep the schedule smooth.
The Snowmobile Ride: Up into the Mountain Heights
Once on the snowmobiles, the thrill kicks in. You’ll share a machine with a friend, which keeps costs reasonable and adds to the camaraderie. The guides are adept at balancing safety with fun, helping even first-timers feel confident behind the handlebars.
The route takes you up into the mountains, where the sky is unobstructed and the cold tends to sharpen the visibility of the aurora. Guides like Sören mention that the dark mountain areas offer great aurora displays, especially when the sky is clear. The ride itself lasts around two hours, giving enough time to enjoy the landscape and the night sky without feeling rushed.
The Mountain Stop: A Cozy Break in the Polar Night
At the mountain summit, the snowmobiles are parked in a protected spot. Here, you’ll relax around a small fire, sipping lingonberry juice and munching cookies—an authentic Swedish touch that many reviewers highlight as their favorite part. The guide will talk about the Northern Lights, sharing stories and tips on how to spot them, which is especially helpful for novices.
This pause also offers the best chance to photograph the aurora, with guides often happy to give tips on camera settings and framing. Even if the lights stay hidden behind clouds, the experience of being in such a remote, beautiful environment is worth it.
Returning and Exploring Further
After the break, the snowmobiles bring you back down the mountain to your starting point. The night remains young, and guides often suggest good spots nearby where you can continue spotting the aurora on your own, using the tips provided. Many guests find that this tour sparks a new appreciation for the Arctic night sky.
Who Is This Tour For?
This experience is perfect for active travelers who don’t mind cold weather and enjoy outdoor adventures. It’s suitable for couples, friends, or small groups, thanks to the limited group size of eight. If you have a valid driver’s license and enjoy a bit of adrenaline, you’ll find it a worthwhile splurge. However, if you’re traveling with children under five, pregnant, or have heart conditions, this tour isn’t suitable.
Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying the Tour
- Pricing & Value: At $198, you’re paying for a comprehensive experience—gear, expert guides, and a memorable mountain adventure. Upgrading to a private snowmobile is possible on-site for an extra fee, which might appeal to couples or groups wanting more exclusivity.
- Clothing & Personal Items: Although gear is provided, bringing your own water and warm layers is recommended. Since the tour takes place in mid-winter, dressing in moisture-wicking thermal underlayers, insulated outerwear, and waterproof boots will make a significant difference.
- Photo Opportunities: Bring a camera with a tripod if you want to capture the lights, but don’t forget to enjoy the moment without getting caught up in the perfect shot.
- Weather & Aurora Tracking: Clear, cold nights are best. Guides will give aurora tips, but patience is key—sometimes the lights appear later than expected or stay hidden. Flexibility and a sense of adventure enhance the experience.
The Bottom Line: Who Will Love This?
This snowmobile tour is a fantastic option for adventurous travelers eager to combine physical activity with the chance to witness one of nature’s most stunning phenomena. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate guided experiences, value safety and comfort, and enjoy spending time in the quiet beauty of Arctic landscapes.
If you’re on a tight schedule or traveling with very young children, this might not be the best fit, but for most mid-range travelers looking for an authentic, memorable Arctic night, it offers great value and genuine fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a driver’s license?
Yes, a valid driver’s license is required to operate a snowmobile on this tour. If you prefer not to drive, you can usually upgrade your snowmobile to a private machine on-site for an additional fee.
What should I wear?
Warm clothing, water, and sturdy boots are recommended. All gear, including boots, gloves, helmets, and thermal clothing, is provided, but bringing your own water and layering appropriately will enhance comfort.
Can children participate?
Children aged 5–15 can join, but only one child per adult. This tour is not suitable for children under five, pregnant women, or those with heart problems.
How long is the snowmobile ride?
The ride lasts approximately two hours, with a total tour duration of about 2.5 hours, including pickup, instructions, and the mountain stop.
Is the tour flexible if I have a delayed flight?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which allows for some flexibility if travel plans change unexpectedly.
What if the weather is cloudy or the aurora doesn’t appear?
Weather impacts the visibility of the lights, but the guides will share tips on the best spots for aurora viewing. Being patient and flexible is key; sometimes, the experience of being in the Arctic night is reward enough.
Are snacks included?
Yes, snacks and hot drinks are provided during the mountain stop, making the experience cozy despite the cold outside.
Is this activity available year-round?
No, departures run from December to March, aligning with the peak aurora season and snowy conditions.
In essence, the Björkliden/Abisko Night Sky Snowmobile Tour offers a memorable mix of thrill, cultural charm, and natural wonder. It’s perfect for those craving an active Arctic night, eager to learn about the aurora, and ready to embrace the cold in search of a spectacular light show.