Realizing a Dream
The Northern Lights have always been at the top of my travel bucket list, and when the chance came to celebrate both my birthday and my daughter’s birthday in Swedish Lapland, I knew it was the perfect time. In February, we traveled to Kiruna and booked a Northern Lights tour to Abisko National Park via the Get Your Guide app. What followed was a night of Arctic adventure – filled with snowy hikes, cozy fika breaks, and the thrill (and chill!) of waiting for the aurora to dance above us.
The Journey from Kiruna to Abisko Dream
At 7pm sharp, our guide picked us up right at the entrance of our hotel in Kiruna. We were the first to board the van before collecting the rest of the group, five more passengers who would share the journey with us. The ride itself felt like an adventure, driving through the frozen landscapes of Swedish Lapland under the winter night sky.
The air was cold, but surprisingly pleasant, it was a dry Arctic cold. Thanks to proper gear (merino thermals, ski trousers, fleece layers, balaclava, ski gloves, wool hat, thermal socks, and ski boots), we stayed warm and comfortable throughout.
Tip: Dressing in layers is key in Lapland. Don’t forget heat pads, they can be a lifesaver when temperatures drop.
Night Hiking in Abisko National Park
When we reached the Aurora Sky Station, the real adventure began. We set off on a guided night hike through Abisko National Park, my first time hiking in the snow after dark. The only light came from the glowing moon above and the snow under our feet.
The trail was well-marked, making it feel safe despite the darkness. Along the way, we passed frozen waterfalls and landscapes that looked like they belonged to another world, completely blanketed in snow. The stunning landscape was completely new to me.
Eventually, we reached a viewpoint where we settled down, eyes fixed on the sky, waiting for the aurora to make its grand appearance.
Fika Under the Arctic Sky
While we waited, our guide introduced us to a Swedish tradition I instantly fell in love with: fika. In Sweden, fika isn’t just a coffee break, it’s a ritual of slowing down, sharing a drink, and enjoying something sweet.
We had hot lingonberry juice, perfect for warming up in sub-zero temperatures, paired with a moist carrot cake. Since it was my birthday, that cake doubled as the most unique birthday cake I’ve ever had, eaten under the stars in the Arctic Circle.
The Aurora Moment and Arctic Cold Reality
Despite the clear skies at the start of our hike, the clouds eventually moved in, lowering our chances of seeing the Northern Lights. We decided to hike back to the sky station and rejoin the warmth of the van.
On the way back to Kiruna, our guide noticed a promising patch of sky and stopped again. For a few minutes, a faint aurora shimmered above us. It wasn’t the dazzling colorful display I had dreamed of, but it was still a magical moment.
The cold, however, was extreme, wind chill made it feel like –30°C. My fingers went numb, and I admit I felt a little scared until I remembered the heat pads in my pockets. Slowly, warmth returned, and I could safely continue enjoying the night.
Final Thoughts on Abisko and the Northern Lights
Even though the aurora didn’t dance brightly that night, the entire experience was unforgettable. Celebrating my birthday by hiking under the Arctic sky, drinking hot lingonberry juice, and stepping into the stillness of Abisko National Park is something I’ll always treasure.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Chasing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed, but the journey itself – snowy trails, Arctic landscapes, and Swedish traditions,makes it worthwhile.
Practical Tips for Chasing the Northern Lights in Abisko
When to go: The aurora season runs from late September to early April. February and March are especially popular.
Where to stay: Base yourself in Kiruna or Abisko. Tours will usually pick you up from your hotel.
What to wear: Layer up – merino thermals, fleece, ski pants, gloves, wool hats, and most importantly, heat pads.
Tour options: Book in advance through platforms like Get Your Guide or directly with local operators.
Photography tip: Bring a tripod and a camera capable of long exposure shots. (Phones can work, but results are often disappointing in such conditions.)
Final Thoughts
The Northern Lights might not always appear in full force, but the journey to chase them is just as memorable. For me, my first night hiking in Abisko on my birthday was proof that sometimes the adventure itself is the true highlight.
