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Depending on your experience, begin with pickup from your accommodation in Kiruna or Abisko, then meet your guide and prepare for the night.
Experience the best Northern Lights tours in Sweden
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION3 hours
TimelineMap
Start point
Kiruna
1. Northern Lights Camp
Guided tour, Scenic views & Photo stop
Reach the camp and head out into the Arctic wilderness with your guide to search for the Northern Lights, stopping at the best viewing spots based on the evening’s conditions.
Things to do
Northern Lights chase
Northern Lights viewing
Warm drinks and snacks
End point
Kiruna
Your ending point would be same as your start point
Share the Arctic night with a local guide who fills an aurora chase with stories and local insight.
- Getting there: Start with hotel pickup and drop-off within Kiruna before heading into the Arctic countryside with your local guide.
- The chase and setting: Follow the changing skies beyond Kiruna through Arctic wilderness, winter forests, and dark countryside, stopping to warm up with drinks and light snacks.
- What's included: A local guide shares stories and insight throughout the 3-hour tour, with warm lingonberry drinks, snacks, and photo help.
Share the Arctic night with a local guide who fills an aurora chase with stories and local insight.
- Getting there: Start with hotel pickup and drop-off within Kiruna before heading into the Arctic countryside with your local guide.
- The chase and setting: Follow the changing skies beyond Kiruna through Arctic wilderness, winter forests, and dark countryside, stopping to warm up with drinks and light snacks.
- What's included: A local guide shares stories and insight throughout the 3-hour tour, with warm lingonberry drinks, snacks, and photo help.
Inclusions
- Small-group Northern Lights tour with local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within Kiruna
- Warm drinks and light snacks
- Photo assistance with phone or camera when possible
Exclusions
- Winter clothing
What to bring
- Clothing: Dress warmly for Arctic conditions, including a winter jacket, hat, gloves, and winter shoes.
- Phone: Bring a charged smartphone if you want to take photos during the tour.
What's not allowed
- Pets: Pets and baby strollers are not allowed on the tour.
- Smoking: Smoking is not permitted in the vehicle.
- Alcohol: Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.
- Children: Children under 6 are not allowed on the tour.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair: This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Additional information
- Route: The route and viewing location may change based on weather, cloud cover, and road conditions.
- Sightings: The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION4 hours 20 minutes
TimelineMap
Start point
Hotel pickup & drop-off
1. Abisko - Modes of aurora hunt
Guided tour & Scenic views
Head out into the Arctic wilderness around Abisko National Park in search of the Northern Lights. Depending on the weather and aurora forecast, your guide will choose the setting that offers the best opportunity to see and photograph the aurora. Along the way, learn about Lapland’s natural history, local relationship with nature, and cultural interpretations of the Northern Lights.
Things to do
Option 1: Aurora hunt on foot
Option 2: Aurora hunt by 4×4 van
Option 3: Aurora hunt by snowmobile sleigh
End point
Hotel pickup & drop-off
Your ending point would be same as your start point
Hands-on aurora photo coaching with full camera gear in a small group for photographers.
- Getting there: Pickup from Abisko or Björkliden hotels, then round-trip aurora chase by 4x4 van or snowmobile sleigh.
- The chase and setting: Spend at least 3 hours searching for and photographing the aurora at dark-sky spots, on foot at a nearby teepee, by 4x4 van, or by snowmobile sleigh to a wilderness camp, with a warm drink and snack.
- What's included: Guided small-group, min 3-hour aurora shoot with DSLR, tripod and warm overalls, plus headlamp, hot drink and snack.
Hands-on aurora photo coaching with full camera gear in a small group for photographers.
- Getting there: Pickup from Abisko or Björkliden hotels, then round-trip aurora chase by 4x4 van or snowmobile sleigh.
- The chase and setting: Spend at least 3 hours searching for and photographing the aurora at dark-sky spots, on foot at a nearby teepee, by 4x4 van, or by snowmobile sleigh to a wilderness camp, with a warm drink and snack.
- What's included: Guided small-group, min 3-hour aurora shoot with DSLR, tripod and warm overalls, plus headlamp, hot drink and snack.
Inclusions
- Small-group Northern Lights photography tour
- Round-trip hotel pickup from Abisko or Björkliden
- Professional aurora guide
- Aurora chase by foot, 4x4 van or snowmobile sleigh
- DSLR camera and lens
- Tripod, backpack, warm overalls and headlamp
- Warm drink and small snack
Exclusions
- 16 GB SD memory card (available for purchase)
- Boot rental (available for an additional cost)
What to bring
- Ticket voucher: Bring your booking confirmation in digital or printed form to present to your guide at pickup.
- Warm base layers: Wear warm clothes under the provided overalls so you stay comfortable during extended time outdoors.
- Footwear: Wear warm insulated winter boots, or plan to rent heavy duty arctic boots from the provider if needed.
- Memory card: Bring a compatible SD memory card, or purchase a 16 GB SD card on site if you prefer.
What's not allowed
- Children: The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years.
Accessibility
- Walking in snow: The tour involves walking in snowy, cold conditions during the aurora search. The operator requires all participants to be able to walk up to 2 km in heavy gear and snow.
- Physical limitations: Inform the provider of any physical limitations before booking so they can advise on suitability.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 8 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION4 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
TimelineMap
Start point
Hotel pickup and drop-off
1. Abisko National Park
Guided tour
Explore Abisko National Park and its surrounding Arctic landscapes as your guide chooses the best viewing locations for the Northern Lights that evening. The route and stops are decided based on weather, cloud cover, and viewing conditions.
Things to do
Flexible Northern Lights chase
End point
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Your ending point would be same as your start point
Large bus aurora hunt to dark-sky spots, ideal for families and groups with no long walks.
- Getting there: Picked up at your Abisko or Björkliden hotel, you ride a bus on a round-trip aurora hunt.
- The chase and setting: Your guide follows clear skies to bays, lakeshores, or mountain views, with the bus close while you sip a hot drink.
- What's included: Professional aurora guide, bus with up to 30 seats, hotel pickup, hot drink, no long walks, and the bus as your warm shelter.
Large bus aurora hunt to dark-sky spots, ideal for families and groups with no long walks.
- Getting there: Picked up at your Abisko or Björkliden hotel, you ride a bus on a round-trip aurora hunt.
- The chase and setting: Your guide follows clear skies to bays, lakeshores, or mountain views, with the bus close while you sip a hot drink.
- What's included: Professional aurora guide, bus with up to 30 seats, hotel pickup, hot drink, no long walks, and the bus as your warm shelter.
Inclusions
- Northern Lights chase around Abisko National Park
- Round-trip hotel pickup in Abisko and Björkliden
- Transportation by bus with up to 30 seats
- Professional aurora chasing guide
- Travel up to 100 km round-trip to proven aurora viewing locations
- Aurora and Abisko National Park insights
- Lingonberry juice and ginger snap during the adventure
- Bus access as a warm shelter during the tour
Exclusions
- Winter clothing and insulated boots
- Camera gear and camera rentals
- Child seats in the vehicle
What to bring
- Winter gear: Wear warm winter clothing and insulated winter boots.
- Ticket voucher: Bring your ticket voucher in the format specified in your booking confirmation.
Accessibility
- Minimum age: Join this tour only if you are at least 5 years old, as younger children are not allowed.
- Limited mobility: If you have limited mobility, contact the operator before booking to confirm if this tour suits you.
- Walking requirements: No long walks are expected, as the bus stays nearby and serves as a warm shelter. However, guests should be physically able to walk a couple of hundred meters, as there may be occasions when we need to walk to some of our viewing locations.
Additional information
- Own vehicle: Do not plan to follow in your own vehicle, as guests must ride in the tour bus.
- Hotel pickup: Meet your guide in the lobby of your Abisko hotel at 8pm and Björkliden hotel at 7:45pm for pickup.
- Weather conditions: Prepare for extreme winter weather, as road closures may occasionally occur.
- Missed tour: Understand that no refunds are given if you miss the tour because of road closures.
- Cloud cover: Know that tours go ahead even if the sky is cloudy, as they are not canceled for cloud cover.
- Operator contact: Contact the operator at info@lightsoverlapland.com if you have questions before your tour.
- Aurora guarantee: Since the aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon, it cannot be guaranteed
- You can cancel these tickets up to 8 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
What to expect on your Northern Lights Sweden tour
Start your Arctic evening
Choose your Northern Lights Sweden experience
Pick the experience that matches how you want to spend your Arctic night
Small-group Northern Lights guided tour
- Starts from: Kiruna with hotel pickup & drop-off
- Duration: 3 hours
- Experience: Chase the Northern Lights beyond Kiruna with a local guide, following changing weather conditions and stopping for warm drinks, light snacks, and photo assistance.
- Best for: First-time aurora seekers who want a straightforward guided chase.
- You’ll get: Hotel pickup and drop-off, local guide, warm drinks, light snacks, and photo help
- Recommended tour: Small-group Northern Lights guided tour
Guaranteed Northern Lights expedition
- Starts from: Kiruna with hotel pick-up & drop-off
- Duration: 8 hours
- Experience: Go farther in search of clearer skies in a heated luxury 4x4, with unlimited mileage and time, a professional photographer, DSLR photos, thermal overalls, drinks, and snacks.
- Best for: Aurora-focused travelers and photographers who want a longer, photography-led chase.
- You’ll get: Accommodation pickup/drop-off, professional guide and photographer, DSLR photos, thermal overalls, hot drinks, snacks, and unlimited mileage and time.
- Recommended tour: Guaranteed Northern Lights expedition
Northern Lights Chase by bus
- Starts from: Abisko or Björkliden with hotel pickup & drop-off
- Duration: 4 hours
- Experience: Chase the Northern Lights around Abisko National Park by bus, travelling up to 100 km round-trip to proven dark-sky locations while staying close to your warm shelter.
- Best for: Families and groups who want a comfortable aurora chase without long walks.
- You’ll get: Hotel pickup and drop-off, professional aurora guide, bus transport with up to 30 seats, aurora and Abisko National Park insights, a warm drink, and access to the bus as a warm shelter.
- Recommended tour: Northern Lights chase by bus
Northern Lights Photography Tour
- Starts from: Abisko or Björkliden with hotel pickup & drop-off
- Duration: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Experience: Spend at least 3 hours chasing and photographing the Northern Lights at dark-sky locations, travelling by foot, 4x4 van, or snowmobile sleigh to a wilderness camp.
- Best for: Photographers who want hands-on aurora photography guidance in a small group.
- You’ll get: Professional aurora guide, DSLR camera and lens, tripod, backpack, warm overalls, headlamp, warm drink, and a small snack.
- Recommended tour: Northern Lights Photography Tour
Northern Lights Sweden highlights
See all photos
Northern Lights tour vs. seeing the aurora independently
Type of exploration
Finding dark skies
Changing conditions
Transport
Local knowledge
Local knowledge
Photography
Warmth & comfort
Flexibility
Cost
Guided Northern Lights tour
Guides choose viewing areas based on weather and cloud conditions.
Kiruna chase tours can change their route or viewing location during the evening.
Selected tours include accommodation pickup and drop-off, making it easier to get beyond city lights.
Guides bring local knowledge and experience in interpreting weather and aurora conditions.
Guides bring local knowledge and experience in interpreting weather and aurora conditions.
Selected experiences include camera assistance or professional DSLR photography.
Depending on the tour, you may get hot drinks, snacks, and thermal overalls.
Chase tours can adapt to changing weather and cloud cover.
Paid experience with transport, guiding, and selected inclusions.
See the aurora independently
You need to research and choose your own viewing location.
You need to monitor conditions and decide when and where to move.
You arrange your own transport and need to navigate Arctic roads or local transport.
You rely on your own research and forecasts.
You rely on your own research and forecasts.
You need to handle your own camera settings and equipment.
You need to prepare your own winter gear and refreshments.
You have complete control over your route and timing.
Potentially lower cost if you already have transport and equipment.
Kiruna vs Abisko: Which Northern Lights experience suits you?
Both Kiruna and Abisko offer guided Northern Lights experiences, but the four tours differ in how you chase and experience the aurora. Choose based on your preferred tour style, transport, group setting, and photography needs.
Kiruna
- Experience style: Choose between a small-group guided chase or a photographer-led expedition.
- Getting around: Travel by guided vehicle, including a heated luxury 4x4 on the photographer-led expedition.
- Group setting: Both experiences are designed as small-group tours.
- Chasing the aurora: Guides can adjust the route according to changing weather and cloud conditions. The photographer-led expedition offers unlimited mileage and time.
- Photography: The standard tour offers phone or camera assistance, while the photographer-led expedition includes a professional photographer and DSLR photos.
- Warmth & comfort: The photographer-led expedition includes thermal overalls, hot drinks, and light snacks. The standard tour includes warm drinks and light snacks.
- Best suited for: First-time aurora seekers or travelers looking for a longer, photography-led chase.
Abisko
- Experience style: Choose between a comfortable bus-based aurora hunt or a dedicated small-group photography experience.
- Getting around: Travel by bus, 4x4 van, or snowmobile sleigh, depending on the experience.
- Group setting: Choose a larger bus experience with up to 30 seats or a small-group photography tour.
- Chasing the aurora: The bus tour travels up to 100 km round-trip to proven viewing locations, while the photography tour searches for the aurora for at least 3 hours.
- Photography: The photography tour includes a DSLR camera, lens, tripod, and hands-on photography guidance.
- Warmth & comfort: The bus tour keeps you close to a warm vehicle and includes a hot drink. The photography tour includes warm overalls, a headlamp, a hot drink, and a snack.
- Best suited for: Families and groups looking for a comfortable bus experience, or photographers wanting hands-on aurora photography.
Plan your Northern Lights Sweden tour
Timings
Meeting points & getting there
Tips and guidelines
Facilities
- Best time of day: 9pm –2am is generally the best window for Northern Lights viewing in Swedish Lapland, with aurora activity often strongest around 10pm –11pm.
- Best season: The main viewing season runs from September to March, with September, October and March often seeing particularly strong aurora activity. December and January offer longer hours of darkness and snow-covered landscapes.
- Tour duration: Standard tour from Kiruna or Abisko lasts around 3-4 hours, while the Guaranteed Northern Lights Expedition from Kiruna typically lasts 8 hours.
- Allow for flexible timing: The longer expedition has unlimited mileage and time, allowing the team to continue searching for clearer skies rather than sticking to a fixed viewing location.
- Note: In Kiruna, the Northern Lights can sometimes be visible from around 4pm during the darkest winter months, provided the sky is clear and aurora activity is present.
- Transfers: All experiences include pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Kiruna, Abisko or Björkliden.
- Pickup details: Exact pickup arrangements can vary by accommodation, so check your booking confirmation for your confirmed pickup time and location.
- Getting around: Your mode of transport depends on the experience. Travel by guided vehicle, heated 4x4, large bus, or a combination of walking and snowmobile sleigh, depending on your selected Northern Lights tour.
- Keep spare batteries warm: Arctic temperatures can reduce battery performance. Carry a spare battery and keep it in an inside pocket rather than leaving it exposed to the cold.
- Give yourself more than one night if the aurora is a priority: Visibility depends on a combination of darkness, cloud cover and aurora activity, so having several nights in Kiruna gives you more opportunities to encounter suitable conditions.
- Don't expect the same colours you see in photos: A faint aurora can appear greyish or white to the naked eye, while a long-exposure camera can reveal stronger green or other colours. This is normal and doesn't mean the aurora isn't present.
- Check cloud cover, not just the aurora forecast: A high KP or strong aurora forecast does not help if clouds block the sky. For Kiruna, clear skies are one of the most important factors for visibility, so guides may adjust the route to find better conditions.
- Transport: The standard tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off. The photographer-led expedition uses heated luxury 2025 4x4 vans with leather interiors and extra legroom.
- Warmth: Warm drinks and light snacks are included on both experiences. The photographer-led expedition also provides thermal overalls.
- Photography: The standard tour includes photo assistance with a phone or camera when possible. The photographer-led expedition includes professional DSLR photography with online delivery.
- Accessibility: The standard Kiruna Northern Lights guided tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Children under 6 are also not allowed on this tour. Standard Abisko Northern Lights guided tour is not suitable for children under 5, while Abisko Northern Lights photography tour is not suitable for children under 10. Check individual experience before booking.
Frequently asked questions about Northern Lights Sweden tour
Can I see the Northern Lights in Sweden without a tour?
Yes, you can look for the aurora independently, particularly away from city lights. Guided Northern Lights tours can make the experience easier by handling transport, route planning, and changing weather conditions, which is useful if you are visiting Kiruna for the first time.
Are Northern Lights sightings guaranteed in Sweden?
Not generally. The aurora is a natural phenomenon affected by darkness, cloud cover, and solar activity, so sightings cannot normally be guaranteed. The Some experiences are specifically marketed with a 99% sighting success rate. Check the individual tour details for the terms that apply.
How long do Northern Lights tours in Sweden last?
The standard tours from Kiruna and Abisko last 4 hours, while the Kiruna Northern Lights photographer-led expedition typically lasts 8 hours with unlimited mileage and time.
What should I wear for a Northern Lights tour?
Dress in warm winter layers with a jacket, hat, gloves, and suitable winter footwear. Some expeditions also provide thermal overalls, but warm base layers are still recommended for spending time outdoors in Arctic conditions.
Do Northern Lights tours include hotel pickup?
Yes, all experiences include pickup and drop-off from your accommodation. Check your booking confirmation for the exact pickup arrangements.
Will I be able to take photos of the Northern Lights?
Yes. The Kiruna Northern Lights guided tour offers phone or camera assistance when possible, while the Kiruna Northern Lights expedition includes a professional photographer and DSLR photos delivered online. The Abisko Northern Lights Photography Tour includes a DSLR camera, lens, tripod, and hands-on photography guidance.
Can children join Northern Lights tours?
Age restrictions vary by experience. The Kiruna Northern Lights guided tour does not allow children under 6, the Abisko Northern Lights chase tour is not suitable for children under 5, and the Abisko Northern Lights Photography Tour is not suitable for children under 10. Check the eligibility requirements for your selected experience before booking.
What happens if the weather is cloudy?
The Kiruna chase tours can adjust their route and viewing location according to weather, cloud cover, and road conditions. This flexibility allows the guide to look for more suitable viewing conditions during the experience.
Should I choose a photographer-led Northern Lights tour?
Choose a photography-focused experience if capturing the aurora is a priority. The Kiruna Northern Lights expedition includes a professional photographer and DSLR photos, while the Abisko Northern Lights Photography Tour includes a DSLR camera, lens, tripod, and hands-on photography guidance.