Day trip from Kiruna to Abisko: Hike to canyon and waterfall

Walk into Abisko Canyon and down to Sweden's fifth-largest lake

A day trip from Kiruna to Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland, guided in English, where you hike Abisko Canyon to the shore of Lake Torneträsk, see the Silver Waterfall frozen in winter, and learn to spot Arctic wildlife tracks in the snow. The tour runs five hours with snowshoes, snacks and coffee included. Pickup from Kiruna is part of the booking. Minimum age is 18, and a moderate level of physical fitness is needed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Abisko and scenic Arctic road trip

• Admire Silver Waterfall in Björkliden
• Visit Aurora Viewpoint for panoramic views
• Visit Abisko Canyon
• Walk to Lake Torneträsk shore
• Drive scenic Arctic road through Lapland

The experience

How far into Swedish Lapland can you actually walk in a day? This tour answers it: you leave Kiruna in the morning and drive to Abisko National Park, where the guide leads you down into Abisko Canyon on foot. The walk takes you to the shore of Lake Torneträsk, Sweden's fifth-largest lake, and the canyon walls frame the view as you descend. Snowshoes come with the booking, so you move through the snow without sinking. The guide carries snacks and a thermos of coffee or tea to warm you at a stop along the way.

The route builds in stages. First, you stop at the Aurora Viewpoint near Björkliden to see the Silver Waterfall: a frozen cascade in winter that hangs from the rock face. Then the main walk begins in Abisko, where the canyon narrows as you approach the lake. Your guide shares knowledge of the landscape and teaches you how to read animal tracks: reindeer, moose, Arctic hare, fox and owl all move through these forests, and learning to spot their signs in the snow is something you can use on any winter walk afterward. The drive back follows Lake Torneträsk and the Arctic Road, a scenic route that winds through the heart of Lapland before returning you to Kiruna.

The five-hour day is structured so the walking happens in the middle, with driving at the start and end. You'll need moderate fitness and comfort on snow. The guide is English-speaking throughout, so language is not a barrier to understanding the region or the wildlife stories. Pickup from Kiruna is included in the booking.

What’s included

• Snowshoes for walking on snow.
• snacks and hot coffee or tea during the tour.
• pickup from Kiruna and return transport.
• English-speaking guide throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Lights of Vikings

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so you follow the stories and wildlife tips without translation. If you speak English and have moderate fitness for a five-hour day that mixes driving and walking on snow, this tour gives you the full arc of Abisko in one departure from Kiruna.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Silver Waterfall like in winter?

The Silver Waterfall freezes into a solid cascade hanging from the rock face, a sight you see early in the day at the Aurora Viewpoint near Björkliden before the main walk begins in Abisko Canyon.

Can I spot reindeer or other Arctic animals on this walk?

Reindeer, moose, Arctic hare, fox and Arctic owl all inhabit Swedish Lapland, and your guide teaches you to recognize their tracks and signs in the snow during the walk, though sightings depend on the animals' movement that day.

What do I need to bring or wear for a five-hour walk in the snow?

Snowshoes are included with the tour, and snacks plus hot coffee or tea are provided during a stop. You should dress warmly in layers and bring boots suitable for snow (boots are not included, so wear or pack your own).

How much of the day is actually spent walking versus driving?

The five-hour tour includes the drive from Kiruna, stops at the Aurora Viewpoint and Abisko Canyon for the main walk down to Lake Torneträsk, and the scenic drive back along the Arctic Road. Most of the walking happens in Abisko Canyon itself.

Is this tour suitable if I have a back injury or am pregnant?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers. If you have concerns about your fitness for a five-hour day with walking on snow, contact the operator before booking.