If you’re dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights, this tour—“Experience the majestic Auroras Kiruna-Abisko & lodge dinner”—might catch your eye. While it’s not a hardcore aurora chase with high-octane photo equipment, it offers a relaxed, scenic experience with a warm touch. We’re looking at a cozy evening that combines good food, beautiful views, and the chance to catch those elusive lights if luck is on your side.
What we really appreciate about this experience is the combination of comfort and simplicity—from the lodge dinner served on the edge of Kiruna to the scenic journey along the roads between Kiruna and Abisko National Park. Plus, the local guide’s expertise helps maximize your chances of seeing the aurora. On the flip side, since the auroras are dependent on weather, there’s always a chance you might not see the lights, which is something to keep in mind.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic evening rather than an all-out chase. It’s ideal if you’re okay with a smaller group (up to 8 people), value comfort, and are happy with a combination of good food and a potential aurora experience in a relaxed setting. If you’re after an intense photography-focused tour, this might not be your best fit, but if you want a charming, atmospheric experience, it’s worth considering.
Key Points
- Scenic journey between Kiruna and Abisko National Park offers prime chances for aurora viewing.
- Comfort is prioritized, with Arctic gear provided and a cozy lodge setting.
- Dinner at the lodge features traditional Lapland flavors, adding local charm.
- Real-time weather-based route planning boosts your likelihood of seeing the aurora.
- Photos included as part of the experience, giving you some lifelong memories.
- Weather dependent: No guarantee of seeing the lights, but the experience itself remains lovely.
Detailed Review of the Auroras Kiruna-Abisko & Lodge Dinner Tour
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Setting the Scene: A Relaxed Northern Lights Experience
This tour is designed for those who want to enjoy the Northern Lights without the high-pressure chase or exhaustive photography sessions. Starting at 6:00 pm from Kiruna, you’ll be picked up and driven in a comfortable minivan along scenic and calm roads, with your guide choosing the best spots based on real-time weather and sky conditions. The journey takes you to the Máttaráhkká Northern Lights Lodge, a perfect spot for aurora viewing thanks to its open views towards the mountains and minimal light pollution.
The Lodge and Its Cozy Vibe
Once at the lodge, the experience begins with a traditional tipi dinner around a fire. The fact that it’s a BBQ meal adds to the atmosphere—think warm, hearty, and satisfying, fitting for the Arctic climate. The lodge’s location on the edge of Kiruna means you’re away from city lights, which enhances your chances of seeing the northern lights should they appear. The setting feels authentic and intimate, particularly with the fire crackling and everyone gathered around.
The Scenic Drive and Aurora Chase
After dinner, the real magic begins. Your guide takes you on a journey—by minivan—through the scenic routes between Kiruna and Abisko National Park. The roads are described as calm and scenic, and the guide’s expertise helps pinpoint the best spots for viewing. This part of the experience emphasizes comfort and patience, which many travelers appreciate over more intense, high-energy pursuits.
The Likelihood of Seeing the Aurora
While the tour is marketed as an aurora experience, it’s clear that viewing the Northern Lights is weather-dependent. In fact, one reviewer emphasized this, sharing that their experience was marred by poor weather conditions that prevented aurora sightings. However, they still enjoyed the tipi dinner and found their guide made the evening very pleasant. It’s worth noting that the guide’s knowledge and flexibility can make a difference, but nature ultimately decides whether you’ll see the lights or not.
Photos and Memories
What’s special here is the inclusion of photographs of you and the aurora, a nice touch that helps turn a fleeting moment into a lasting memory. Since the tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, there’s a good chance to get some personal attention and photos without a crowded vibe.
Practical Considerations
At $271.31 per person, this experience offers a good balance of comfort, scenery, and cultural flavor. The price includes Arctic clothing—down jacket, pants, and winter boots—which is a big plus, especially if you’re traveling from a warmer climate. The 4-hour duration makes it manageable for most travelers, and the private pickup from your hotel in Kiruna adds convenience.
What Could Be Better?
The main caveat is the weather dependency. Aurora sightings aren’t guaranteed, and in poor conditions, the evening might be visually underwhelming. Also, since it’s a smaller group, the tour might feel a bit intimate for those craving a larger, more bustling atmosphere. For travelers seeking a high-energy or photo-intensive experience, this might seem a bit laid-back.
Overall Value and Who Should Consider It
This tour offers a relaxed, scenic introduction to the Northern Lights in a beautiful setting. It’s a good pick for those who enjoy cozy atmospheres, local flavors, and a bit of luck with nature’s spectacle. The inclusion of warm Arctic gear and photographs adds value, especially given the relatively high price point.
If your priority is comfort, beautiful scenery, and a chance—though not a certainty—to see the aurora, this experience is worth considering. It’s less about chasing and more about enjoying a peaceful Arctic evening, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a laid-back approach over an adrenaline rush.
Experience the majestic Auroras Kiruna-Abisko & lodge dinner
“Maravillosa experiencia en la cena en el tipi, pero las condiciones climáticas no se dieron para ver auroras.”
FAQs
Will I definitely see the Northern Lights?
Not necessarily. The tour depends heavily on weather and sky conditions, so sightings aren’t guaranteed. However, the guide chooses the best spots based on real-time info to maximize your chances.
What’s included in the price?
The price covers transportation in a comfortable minivan, Arctic clothing (down jacket, pants, and winter boots), a BBQ dinner at the lodge, and photographs of the evening.
How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 4 hours, starting at 6:00 pm and ending around 10:00 pm.
Is this suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, including those who enjoy relaxed, scenic outings. It’s a small group experience, limited to 8 people, which is great for a more personal vibe.
What’s the setting like?
The lodge sits outside city lights, with large open views towards the mountains—perfect for spotting the aurora if it appears. The tipi dinner around the fire adds to the cozy Arctic ambiance.
Can I get good photos?
Yes, the tour provides photographs of you and the aurora, which makes for some great memories, especially if the lights show up.
To sum it up, this tour is best for those seeking a comfortable, scenic, and culturally rich evening with a good shot at witnessing the Northern Lights. It’s ideal if you value good food, cozy settings, and expert guidance over high-energy pursuits. While the weather may occasionally block the view, the overall experience remains a warm and memorable way to enjoy Lapland’s Arctic nights.
