Kiruna: Abisko Northern Lights Tour with Dinner

If you’re heading to Swedish Lapland and dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights, you’ll want to hear about this tour. We haven’t personally been on it, but from what we’ve gathered, it offers an engaging combination: a scenic drive, cultural insights, a tasty dinner, and hopefully, a glimpse of the Aurora. The fact that it gets consistently high ratings suggests it’s a solid pick for travelers wanting a well-rounded Arctic experience.

What really catches our attention about this tour are two things: First, the expert guidance—you’re in the hands of local Sami guides who share knowledge about the area and its traditions. Second, the focus on photography support, with tripods and expert help to ensure you get good photos of the lights, which can be tricky to capture.

That said, a possible consideration is that Aurora sightings aren’t guaranteed, so if you’re after a 100% sure shot, it’s good to keep expectations realistic. But the tour’s flexibility—either staying in Abisko or chasing the Aurora on the way back—means your chances are increased. This tour tends to suit those who appreciate a mix of culture, good food, and a chance at seeing the Lights rather than just a straightforward chase.

Key Points

• Designed for Northern Lights enthusiasts who want a cultural and culinary experience.
• Small-group setting (limited to 8 participants) provides a more personal experience.
• Includes a three-course dinner with options, making it a comfortable evening outing.
• Guided by knowledgeable local Sami guides who share insights into nature and Sami culture.
• Photography support with tripods and expert advice to help you capture the Aurora.
• Flexible itinerary—either stay in Abisko or chase the lights en route back to Kiruna.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting the Journey

The tour begins with a pickup from Kiruna’s Swedish Lapland Tourist Office at 4:45 pm or from Camp Ripan at 5:00 pm, depending on where you’re staying. These pickups are convenient and part of what makes this tour smooth—no fuss about arranging transport. Since the small group size is capped at 8, it feels intimate, and you’ll likely find it easier to chat with your guide and fellow travelers.

The Drive to Abisko

The roughly 1.5-hour drive through snow-dusted landscapes is part of the charm. You might find that the scenic journey itself is a highlight—wide-open vistas, the quiet of the Arctic night, and the anticipation of what’s to come. This is a good chance to settle in, get warm, and start looking for the first signs of Aurora activity, although the real show depends on the night’s conditions.

In Abisko: Dinner and Culture

Once in Abisko, the tour usually involves a sit-down, three-course dinner. From reviews, it sounds like there’s a choice of two menus, which is a nice touch, especially if you have dietary preferences. The quality of the meal seems to impress, making this a genuinely enjoyable part of the evening rather than just a quick snack.

While dining, your guides share insights about Sami culture, local history, and nature. This adds depth to the experience—learning about the indigenous Sami people and their traditions enriches the evening beyond just the lights dancing overhead. For many travelers, this cultural element is a highlight, creating a sense of connection to the land and its people.

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Chasing or Watching the Aurora

The core of the tour is, of course, the chance to see the Northern Lights. Depending on the weather, your guides will decide whether to stay in Abisko or venture out in search of clearer skies. Abisko is renowned for its excellent conditions, but as with all Aurora pursuits, sightings can’t be guaranteed. One of the great advantages of this tour is its flexibility; if the weather isn’t cooperating in one spot, your guides might drive to another, increasing your odds.

Photography Support

Photographers and mobile phone users alike will appreciate the inclusion of tripods and guidance on capturing the Aurora. The guides are trained to help you get the best shots, whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just trying to snap a good picture for social media. After all, Aurora photography can be tricky—moving lights, low light, cold fingers—so having professional help makes a real difference.

Returning to Kiruna

On the way back, there’s a good chance you’ll experience the Aurora again or discover new weather zones, upping your chances of a sighting. The return journey is about 1.5 hours, and with small group numbers, it feels cozy rather than rushed.

Practical Details & Value

Duration & Timing

The tour lasts about 5.5 hours, with pick-up times scheduled based on the season and availability. This means you’re spending a significant, focused evening chasing the Lights, but not so long that it becomes exhausting.

Cost & What’s Included

For the price, you’re getting a lot: transportation, dinner, guiding, photography assistance, and tripods. The dinner alone, with two menus to choose from, is a notable perk—meals can often be an afterthought on tours like this, but here, it’s a featured part.

What’s Not Included

Beverages are not included, so if you enjoy wine or soft drinks, you’ll want to bring some along or purchase on site.

Suitability & Tips

• Dress warmly—layering, thermal wear, and sturdy boots are a must, especially since you’ll be outdoors for some time.
• Bring a tripod if you’re keen to photograph the Aurora.
• The tour isn’t suitable for children under 3 years, likely due to the outdoor cold and the nature of the activities.

What the Reviews Say

The two reviews we found are glowing, both awarding a full 5-star rating. One traveler from Denmark describes the trip as “the best trip ever,” highlighting clear skies, dancing Aurora, and a guide named Erika who was both sweet and knowledgeable. The mention of good food in Abisko and a memorable experience with the Northern Lights underscores how well the tour delivers on cultural and visual experiences.

The second reviewer appreciated the quality of the meal, noting there were two menus to choose from, and praised the guide’s ability to help spot the Aurora. The crossing of Abisko park sounds like a scenic highlight, adding to the overall enjoyment.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want more than just a quick Aurora chase. If you enjoy combining cultural insights, good food, and natural beauty with a chance to photograph the Northern Lights, this tour hits the mark. It’s also good for those who prefer a small, intimate group rather than large, noisy coach tours.

Given the emphasis on quality and personal touches, it’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with winter conditions and want a relaxed yet engaging Arctic evening. If you’re after a straightforward Aurora hunt with no frills, this might still suit you, but keep expectations realistic about Aurora sightings—nature remains unpredictable.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Kiruna and want a balanced experience that combines scenery, culture, good food, and Aurora opportunity, this tour is worth considering. The guides’ local expertise and the thoughtful inclusion of photography help make it more than just a standard Aurora chase. While we can’t promise you’ll see the Lights, the tour’s flexibility and the beautiful setting in Abisko give you a solid chance.

For those who enjoy a curated, small-group experience with cultural depth and culinary comfort, this could turn out to be one of your favorite Arctic memories.

FAQ

• What time does the tour start?
  Check availability—starts around 4:45 pm from Kiruna or 5:00 pm from Camp Ripan, depending on the day.

• How long does the tour last?
  About 5.5 hours, including transportation, dinner, and Aurora viewing.

• Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
  No, Aurora sightings can’t be guaranteed, but the tour increases your chances with flexible locations and weather zones.

• What should I wear?
  Warm clothing, layers, and sturdy boots are essential for Arctic cold.

• Are children allowed?
  Not suitable for children under 3 years.

• What’s included in the price?
  Roundtrip transport, a three-course dinner, a local guide, photography assistance, and tripods.

• Can I bring my own camera or phone?
  Yes, and guides can help you get better shots.

• Is beverages included?
  No, you’ll need to bring or buy your own drinks.

• What if I have dietary restrictions?
  You can choose between two menus, so inform the tour provider if needed.

• What happens if the weather is poor?
  The itinerary may change—your guides will decide whether to stay in Abisko or chase the Aurora on the return trip.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded Arctic evening with the potential of chasing the Northern Lights, good food, and local stories, this tour offers a lot for the price. It’s perfect for travelers who want a mix of adventure, culture, and comfort—an evening that feels both special and genuine.

You can check availability for your dates here: