Abisko: Aurora Photo Tour with 3 Ways to Chase Lights

Summary

Chasing auroras in Abisko by sleigh van or on foot with cameras ready

You’ll chase the northern lights in Abisko three different ways—with a local guide leading you by foot, van, or sleigh depending on the weather. Expect hands-on help with your camera, hot lingonberry juice to keep you warm, and small group energy as you wait together for those first streaks of color in the Arctic sky.

What’s the experience like?

I honestly didn’t expect my boots to crunch that loud on the snow when we first stepped out in Abisko. It was colder than I thought it’d be, but our guide—Oskar, who had this calm way of explaining things—handed me a headlamp and a DSLR camera already set up for the northern lights. I’m not usually great with cameras, but he just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, you’ll get it.” The air smelled sharp and clean, like pine needles and something sweet I couldn’t place. We started off walking toward this teepee near the edge of the trees. Someone’s laugh echoed across the dark—felt like we were all holding our breath waiting for something big.

Depending on how the sky looked (Oskar kept checking his phone for some aurora forecast app), we switched it up. One minute we were piling into a 4x4 van—windows fogging up from our breath—the next we were climbing onto a wooden sleigh behind a snowmobile. That part was wild; the cold stung my face but it made everything feel more real somehow. At one point, someone passed around hot lingonberry juice from a thermos. It tasted tart and warm at once—I still think about that flavor when I see pictures from that night.

I tried to say “aurora borealis” in Swedish and pretty much butchered it; Oskar laughed and told us stories about Lapland while we waited for the sky to do its thing. When the lights finally showed up (it took longer than I expected), everyone went quiet except for one person who whispered “wow” without meaning to. I fumbled with my camera settings but managed to get a shot that wasn’t half bad—honestly, seeing those colors move above Abisko made me forget how cold my fingers were. We stayed out way past midnight because nobody wanted to leave first. There was no rush back; felt like time stretched out under all that green light.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aurora photo adventure in Abisko

• Meet professional aurora guides
• Receive DSLR camera and lens
• Learn basic aurora photography skills
• Hunt northern lights on foot at teepee
• Chase lights in 4x4 van
• Ride sleigh behind snowmobile to camp
• Learn about Lapland culture and history

Top questions

How many people are in each group on this Abisko aurora photo tour?

The maximum guest-to-guide ratio is 8:1 for each group.

Is camera equipment provided during the northern lights tour?

Yes, DSLR camera and lens rental is included along with tripod and backpack.

What are the three ways to chase auroras on this tour?

You’ll hunt for lights on foot near a teepee, ride in a 4x4 van, or travel by sleigh pulled behind a snowmobile.

Are snacks or drinks included during the evening?

Yes, snacks and hot lingonberry juice are provided during your adventure.

Will there be help with photography if I’m not experienced?

Your guide will quickly go over basic skills needed to photograph auroras using preset camera settings.

Is pickup included or do I need to meet somewhere?

The tour includes all transportation between locations but does not specify hotel pickup; check details when booking.

How late does the tour stay out at night?

The return time is flexible so you can stay out later than other tours if conditions are good.

What should I wear for an Abisko aurora chase?

Warm overalls are provided but dress warmly underneath; winter boots and gloves recommended.

What’s included

Your evening includes use of a DSLR camera with lens, tripod, backpack, warm overalls and headlamp—all handled by your local guide—plus snacks and hot lingonberry juice along the way as you travel by foot, van or sleigh through Abisko’s snowy landscape before returning whenever your group’s ready.