Aurora Tour with Dinner in Abisko

Aurora Tour with Dinner in Abisko: A Guide to an Unforgettable Arctic Night

If you’re dreaming of catching the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights, this Aurora Tour with Dinner in Abisko might just be the experience you’re looking for. While we haven’t personally joined this exact tour, it’s highly rated and packed with features that appeal to anyone eager to combine nature’s spectacle with local culture and good food.

What truly catches our eye is how this tour balances aurora hunting with cultural storytelling — especially about the Sami people — along with a comforting three-course meal. Plus, the fact that it’s led by local Sami guides means you’re not just hunting lights; you’re learning about the land, the history, and the people who have lived here for centuries. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that seeing the Northern Lights isn’t guaranteed, which is true of most aurora tours, but the experience still offers plenty of value in other ways.

This tour is perfect for those who want a comfortable, informative, and scenic Arctic adventure without sacrificing good food and engaging storytelling. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate a small group atmosphere and value expert guidance—particularly if photography is part of their plan.

Key Points

• Expert guides: Led by knowledgeable Sami guides, offering cultural insights, aurora hunting tips, and photography help.
• Comfort and convenience: Includes pickup, a cozy dinner, and all essential gear like tripods and headlamps.
• Scenic route: Travels through different weather zones, increasing chances to glimpse the aurora even if the skies are partly cloudy.
• Cultural immersion: Learn about Sami traditions and local history during your evening.
• Flexible plans: If the weather isn’t ideal in Abisko, the guides will do a chase back to Kiruna, keeping hope alive.
• Value for money: At around $275, it combines a memorable meal, cultural experience, and aurora pursuit — quite a package for the price.

What to Expect from the Aurora Tour with Dinner

This experience kicks off around 5:00 pm at Camp Ripan in Kiruna, where you’ll hop into a vehicle with a small group—generally no more than 8 travelers, which makes the whole outing feel intimate and personalized. The drive to Abisko takes roughly 1.5 hours, during which you get a chance to see various weather zones and landscape changes that could increase your chances of seeing the lights. You’ll be traveling in comfort, with the guides offering cover clothes and shoes upon request, which is a thoughtful touch considering the chilly Swedish winter.

The Journey to Abisko

The drive itself is a part of the adventure. Along the way, your guides—who are trained in photography—will share stories about the region, Sami culture, and the Northern Lights. As you approach Abisko, the chance to see the Aurora increases, especially since the guides are experienced in reading weather patterns and Aurora activity. Jeffrey R, one of the positive reviewers, mentions how the guides’ expertise and patience made the experience start to finish truly memorable—even if the Aurora was shy that night.

Dinner and Cultural Stories

Once in Abisko, you’ll settle into a cozy spot for a three-course dinner. This isn’t just a meal—it’s an opportunity to relax, chat about local history, Sami traditions, and the natural environment. The reviews highlight the quality of the food—noted as good time and again—and the guides’ ability to make the storytelling engaging. After dinner, if the skies are clear, your guides will take you for a walk around the area, helping with photography and pointing out the landscape’s features.

Aurora Chase and Observation

The real highlight, naturally, is the potential to see the Northern Lights. The guides are committed to maximizing your chances, and since they “pass several weather zones,” they can often find a clearer patch of sky even if the main area looks cloudy. If the aurora is visible in Abisko, you’ll get to experience its vibrant green hues, bathed in the quiet of Arctic night. If not, the guides will start heading back to Kiruna, but there’s still hope—if the weather clears unexpectedly, you might get a last-minute chance to see the lights on the return.

Photography Help

For those wanting to capture the moment, the guides are trained photo guides. They’ll provide tripods for your phone or camera and offer tips to help you shoot better photos, which can be tricky in low light and cold conditions. As Cynthia B shared, this tour provided her with useful photography skills that she could apply in other trips.

The Value of the Experience

At around $275, this tour offers a lot—transport, cultural insights, a quality dinner, and a chance to see the Aurora, guided by local Sami experts. The reviews speak highly of the knowledgeable guides and the delicious food. Sevo N called it “one of the best experiences” in Kiruna, highlighting the dedication and expertise of the guide Erika—an important factor that can make or break the experience.

While the chance of seeing the Aurora isn’t guaranteed, the overall experience is quite rich. Even if the night sky stays cloudy, you’ll still enjoy the scenic drive, learn about Sami culture, and indulge in a tasty Swedish meal. Plus, the personal touches like headlamps, tripods, and being able to request appropriate clothing make it feel well-organized and traveler-focused.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour runs most evenings, starting at 5:00 pm, with a booking window typically 54 days in advance. The small group size (maximum 8 travelers) means more personalized attention, which is often appreciated in cold, dark environments. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with dietary restrictions accommodated upon request.

A key point is that beverages are not included, so bring cash or cards if you want to purchase drinks during dinner or afterward. The tour is designed to be flexible—if the weather isn’t cooperating in Abisko, the guides will try to find the aurora during the return drive, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement.

Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, which gives some peace of mind to travelers unsure about weather or other plans.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurers who want a blend of cultural insights, good food, and aurora hunting in a small-group setting. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere with knowledgeable guides and don’t mind the uncertainty of outdoor nature viewing. It’s also a great option for photography enthusiasts, given the guidance and tripod support. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner who enjoys learning about local culture amid scenic landscapes, this tour hits the right notes.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the information doesn’t specify age restrictions, it’s best suited for older children who can handle the cold and the dark comfortably. The small group size and cultural content make it generally family-friendly if the kids are adventurous.

What should I wear?
The tour provides cover clothes and shoes upon request. Expect cold weather, so dress warmly in layers, including thermal wear, a good insulated coat, gloves, and a hat. The guides are helpful with clothing requests to ensure comfort.

How likely am I to see the Northern Lights?
The guides do their best—they pass through different weather zones to increase your chances. But since aurora activity depends on natural conditions, sightings aren’t guaranteed. Even so, the experience of the drive, dinner, and cultural stories makes it worthwhile.

What does the dinner include?
You’ll enjoy a three-course meal in Abisko, with the opportunity to relax and learn about local Sami culture. The food quality is praised by past guests, making it a highlight of the evening.

Can I take photos?
Absolutely. The guides are trained in photography and will provide tripods and tips to help you capture the lights or landscape. Just bring your camera or mobile phone.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 54 days ahead. Given the small group size and popularity, booking early is recommended to secure your spot.

Final Thoughts

This Aurora Tour with Dinner in Abisko combines the magic of the Northern Lights with authentic Sami culture, good food, and expert guidance. You’ll enjoy a leisurely drive through scenic weather zones, a cozy dinner, and the possibility of witnessing one of nature’s most stunning displays.

If you’re after a well-organized, small-group experience that balances cultural storytelling with Aurora chasing, this tour stands out. It’s suited for travelers who value knowledgeable guides, scenic surroundings, and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Yes, there’s some luck involved with the Aurora, but even without a sighting, the journey, stories, and scenery make it a memorable Arctic evening.

Whether you’re a seasoned aurora hunter or a first-timer eager to learn about Sami traditions, this tour offers a genuine taste of Arctic Sweden with a touch of cultural warmth and comfort.