Abisko: Aurora Chase Tour with Local Guide & Hot Drinks

Summary

Chasing northern lights in Abisko with local stories and warm drinks

You’ll head out from Abisko with a local guide who knows where to find the best northern lights views—even if it means chasing them up to 100 km away. Warm drinks in hand, you’ll learn about auroras and local stories while waiting for that first flicker of green overhead. There’s nothing quite like seeing the sky shift in total silence.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that happened was I almost missed the bus—my glove got stuck in the zipper, which felt like a bad omen for an aurora chase. But our guide, Anders, just grinned and waited, no rush at all. He joked about “aurora patience” being more important than any forecast. It made me relax a little, even though I’d been obsessively checking weather apps all day.

We drove out from Abisko as the sky faded to that deep blue you only see this far north. The heater hummed quietly and someone’s thermos smelled faintly of cardamom—maybe it was mine? Anders kept glancing at his phone, muttering about cloud cover and “good signs.” Every so often he’d point out something: reindeer tracks in the snow, or how the birch trees looked silver under moonlight. I tried to take photos but mostly ended up with blurry darkness, honestly.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would be when we stopped—no wind, just boots crunching on snow and our breath hanging in the air. Then someone gasped (not me this time) and Anders said softly: “There.” The green started as a smudge behind the trees and then stretched across half the sky. Not as bright as those Instagram shots, but real enough that I forgot about my frozen toes for a while. He poured us hot lingonberry juice from a battered flask; it tasted sweet and sharp at once. I still think about that view whenever I see city lights now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening northern lights chase

• Meet professional aurora guide
• Travel up to 100 KM roundtrip
• Visit locations with high aurora chances
• Learn about auroras and park history
• Enjoy a warm drink

Top questions

How far do you travel during the Abisko aurora chase?

The tour can cover up to 100 km roundtrip from Abisko to find optimal viewing spots.

Is there a guide on the Abisko northern lights tour?

Yes, a professional local guide leads the aurora chase and shares insights along the way.

Are warm drinks included on this tour?

Yes, your guide will serve you a warm drink during the evening while searching for auroras.

How long does the Abisko aurora chase last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours in total.

Is hotel pickup included?

The tour includes pickup for participants before heading out to search for northern lights.

What is the physical fitness requirement?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your evening includes roundtrip transport by bus from Abisko with pickup, guidance from an experienced local expert who shares stories about auroras and life here, plus a warm drink served outdoors while you wait for those first streaks of green overhead before returning after four hours of chasing lights.