Kiruna: Northern Lights Chase Tour & Aurora Photos Pickup

Summary

Chasing auroras from Kiruna to Abisko with stories, firelight and laughter

You’ll chase the northern lights from Kiruna with a local guide who knows how to read both weather and legends. Warm up by a campfire in Sweden’s boreal forest or near Abisko, sip hot drinks under shifting skies, and get your own aurora photos after the tour. Expect laughter, real stories—and maybe a moment of awe you’ll carry home.

What’s the experience like?

"You never really know where she’ll show up," our guide Sami grinned as he checked the sky for gaps in the clouds. He had this way of talking about the northern lights like they were an old friend who sometimes played hard to get. We squeezed into his van just outside our hotel in Kiruna—boots squeaking on the icy step, breath fogging up the windows. I remember someone’s thermos leaking a little on my seat but nobody cared; everyone was too busy scanning the horizon for that first flicker of green.

The drive out toward Abisko felt longer than I expected, but Sami kept us awake with stories about Vikings and old Sámi legends—he even tried singing one, though he admitted he was tone-deaf. The heater blasted but my toes still went numb. When we finally stopped in a patch of boreal forest, it was so quiet you could hear snow settling on branches. Sami set up his camera and helped me fiddle with mine (I’m hopeless with night settings). He handed out mugs of hot coffee that tasted a bit like woodsmoke, maybe from the campfire he started right there in the snow.

I didn’t expect to feel so small under that huge sky, waiting for something invisible to show itself. And then—just when I’d given up—a slow ribbon of light curled above us. Someone gasped; I think it was me. Sami snapped photos while we all just stared, not really talking, hands wrapped around mugs for warmth. The air smelled sharp and cold, almost electric. I still think about that silence sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights chase from Kiruna

• Meet guide in Kiruna
• Start northern lights chase
• Drive to Abisko if conditions good
• Admire and photograph northern lights
• Enjoy hot drinks and camp fire
• Return to Kiruna

Top questions

How long does the Kiruna Northern Lights tour last?

The duration varies depending on weather and aurora conditions but usually lasts several hours into late evening or night.

Is hotel pickup included in this northern lights tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Kiruna is included before starting the aurora chase.

Will I get photos of myself with the northern lights?

Yes, your guide will take photos during the tour and send them to you within three days after.

Can I bring my own camera on this tour?

Absolutely—you can bring your camera and the guide will help you set it up for night shots.

Where do we go if skies are cloudy in Kiruna?

Your guide may drive toward Abisko or other areas near Kiruna’s boreal forest to find clear skies for viewing auroras.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the northern lights chase?

Yes, snacks as well as coffee or tea are served during the tour while waiting for auroras.

Is this tour suitable for children?

No, this tour is not recommended for guests younger than 15 years old.

What should I wear on a northern lights tour from Kiruna?

Dress warmly with multiple layers—temperatures can be very cold at night while waiting outdoors.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup at your hotel in Kiruna, snacks along with coffee or tea served by a campfire while searching for clear skies near Abisko or in Sweden’s boreal forest, help setting up your own camera if you bring one, professional aurora photos sent after your trip, and return transport back to town when it’s all done—even if it’s late and you’re sleepy from all that fresh air.