Kiruna: Abisko Northern Lights Tour with Dinner

Planning a trip to Swedish Lapland and chasing the elusive Northern Lights? The Kiruna: Abisko Northern Lights Tour with Dinner offers a well-rounded experience that combines spectacular natural beauty, cultural insights, and delicious local cuisine. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned aurora chaser, this tour could well be a highlight of your Scandinavian adventure.

What makes this experience stand out? First, its small group size ensures a more intimate and personalized atmosphere. Second, the expert guidance supplied by knowledgeable local guides, especially those familiar with Sami culture, enriches the entire experience. Third, the inclusive nature — from dinner to photography assistance — makes it a practical choice for travelers looking for convenience and value. That said, the tour’s reliance on weather conditions means sightings aren’t guaranteed, so travelers should approach this as an exciting chance rather than a sure-fire spectacle.

Ideal for those who want more than just a chase, this tour suits nature lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and photography buffs alike. If you’re after a cozy, engaging evening that combines good food, local stories, and the chance to see the lights in one of the best spots in Sweden, this tour could be perfect.

Key Points

• Small group format limits to 8 participants, enhancing personalized attention.
• Expert Sami guides share cultural insights and local knowledge.
• Dinner included offers a 3-course meal, with two menu options for variety.
• Photography help and tripods are provided to capture the auroras better.
• Flexible itinerary: either stay in Abisko or chase Aurora on the way back.
• Weather-dependent: Aurora sightings cannot be guaranteed, but passing through different weather zones improves chances.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

The tour begins with a pick-up from Kiruna, starting at 4:45 pm from the Swedish Lapland Tourist Office or at 5:00 pm from Camp Ripan. Once you’re on the coach, you’ll head approximately 1.5 hours south to Abisko, renowned for its clear skies and optimal Northern Lights viewing conditions.

The journey itself is comfortable, and the small group size ensures your experience remains intimate. Along the way, your guide, often a Sami local, will begin sharing stories about the Sami culture, local traditions, and the natural environment, setting the stage for a memorable evening.

Upon arriving in Abisko, the focus shifts to settling in for dinner. The three-course meal is a highlight, with two menus to choose from—something that’s appreciated when traveling abroad and wanting a taste of local cuisine. Reviewers have praised the food quality, noting that it was “very good” and that the meal added to the overall experience, making the evening less about just chasing lights and more about savoring local hospitality.

After dinner, the group splits based on conditions. If the skies are clear, your guide will lead you into the Abisko National Park, one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. If clouds threaten, the group might instead focus on exploring the area or waiting for the Aurora to appear outside, with many travel times spent chasing the lights on the return journey.

Aurora Viewing & Photography

The star of the show, of course, is the Northern Lights. While sightings are never guaranteed, passing through multiple weather zones and strategic timing can boost your odds. The guides are well-trained in spotting auroras and will alert the group when the sky begins to show signs of dancing lights.

A major plus here is the photography assistance. Guides provide tripods for cameras or phones, helping even novices capture decent shots. One reviewer, Bo, mentioned that their guide “Erika was so sweet and knowledgeable,” which contributed to a more relaxed, confident photo session. Expect help in framing shots and perhaps some tips on adjusting your settings to catch the lights at their best.

Cultural Experience & Local Insights

One of the tour’s unique aspects is the cultural component. Sami guides share insights into their traditions, ways of life, and relationship with nature, enriching the experience beyond just a night of light-seeking. This adds depth and context, turning what could be a simple spectacle into a meaningful cultural encounter.

The Return Journey

The tour typically lasts around 5.5 hours, with the return trip to Kiruna scheduled around 10-11 pm. If you’re lucky with the weather, you’ll arrive back with photos and memories of dancing auroras in multiple colors—something many travelers have described as “superb” and “memorable.”

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The Value of This Experience

When considering price and what’s included, this tour offers good value for those seeking a comprehensive and locally guided experience. The roundtrip transport, dinner, photography support, and small group size all contribute to a more personalized and hassle-free outing. The small group limit of 8 ensures you aren’t lost among crowds, which can be a common complaint in popular Northern Lights excursions.

While beverages are not included, this allows travelers to choose their preferred drinks, whether warming up with hot chocolate or a cold local beer after the chase. The flexibility of canceling up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind, especially given the unpredictable weather.

What We Loved & What to Consider

Positives:

• The guides, often Sami locals like Erika, bring genuine knowledge and warmth, making the trip informative and friendly.
• The dinner quality exceeded expectations, turning a typical tour into a cozy, social experience.
• The photo assistance was a game-changer for capturing outdoor moments, especially for novices.
• The small group size created a more intimate, engaging atmosphere.

Considerations:

• The main caveat is weather dependency: aurora sightings can’t be guaranteed, but passing through different zones boosts chances.
• The timing may not suit late-night travelers or those with early next-day plans.
• The cold weather means you’ll need to dress warmly, especially for outdoor viewing, and carry a tripod if you have one.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for adventurers wanting more than just a chase, especially those interested in local Sami culture and delicious food. It’s perfect for small groups seeking a personalized outing, or photographers eager to improve their chances of capturing the Northern Lights with expert help. Travelers who appreciate a mix of cultural storytelling, comfort, and genuine chances to see one of nature’s greatest displays will find this tour rewarding.

The Bottom Line

The Kiruna: Abisko Northern Lights Tour with Dinner pairs the awe of the Aurora Borealis with a taste of local Sami culture and hearty Swedish cuisine. Its small-group approach and expert guidance make it more than just a night under the sky—it’s a meaningful, comfortable, and fun experience that emphasizes quality over quantity.

While the weather always plays a role in aurora viewing, this tour maximizes your chances through strategic routing and passes in different weather zones. Plus, the included dinner and photography assistance make it a well-rounded, memorable package.

If you’re after a cozy, culturally rich, and visually stunning evening in Swedish Lapland, this tour ticks many boxes. Perfect for those who want to combine nature, culture, and good food into one seamless adventure.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from the designated meeting points in Kiruna is included, making it easy and stress-free to join.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in case of changing plans or poor weather.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing suitable for cold weather, and a tripod if you have one to help with nighttime photography.

Are meals included?
Yes, a three-course dinner is part of the experience, with two menu options available.

Will I see the Northern Lights?
While sightings cannot be guaranteed, the tour’s route and timing are designed to maximize your chances. Passing through different weather zones is part of this strategy.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts about 5.5 hours, from pick-up to drop-off.

Is this suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 3 years old, mainly due to the cold and outdoor conditions.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Swedish and English, accommodating most travelers.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-balanced blend of natural wonder, cultural storytelling, and culinary delight. Its small-group setup, knowledgeable guides, and inclusive approach make it a strong choice for those wanting to make the most of their Northern Lights experience in Swedish Lapland.

You can check availability for your dates here: