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    Abisko

    Sweden

    Abisko

    CityNatureMountainsFor Families

    Abisko is located on the southern shore of Torneträsk, about 195 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, and is one of Sweden's most famous places for observing the Northern Lights.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Sweden
    7. Swedish Lapland (Lapland)
    9. Abisko
    Abisko is located on the southern shore of Torneträsk, about 195 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, and is one of Sweden's most famous places for observing the Northern Lights. This small village is the starting point for Abisko National Park, the Aurora Sky Station on Mount Nuolja, and the long-distance hiking trail Kungsleden. In summer, the sun doesn't set for weeks, while in winter, long nights and snow characterize the landscape.

    Sights in Abisko

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Aurora Sky Station

    Fahre mit dem Sessellift auf den Berg Nuolja und erlebe in der Aurora Sky Station einen der besten Orte der Welt, um das magische Nordlicht zu beobachten. Genieße ein arktisches Abendessen und lerne in der Ausstellung mehr über die Polarlichter, während du auf das faszinierende Himmelsschauspiel wartest.
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    2Kungsleden (Startpunkt Abisko)

    The Kungsleden, Sweden's best-known long-distance trail, runs about 440 km between Abisko and Hemavan through the Fjäll. Its northern trailhead is Abisko Turiststation. Even if you don't hike the entire route, the first kilometers through the Abisko Valley, with Fjäll and river views, are rewarding.
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    Attraction

    3Aurora Spot

    The Aurora Spot is a viewpoint near Abisko Östra, offering northward views over the Torneträsk. Abisko is known for its excellent Northern Lights viewing conditions: The so-called 'Blue Hole' often ensures clear skies here, even when it's cloudy in the surrounding area. The best time is the dark season, from approximately September to March. Tip: Dress warmly in several layers; for photos, you'll need a tripod.
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    Restaurants & Cafes

    Restaurant Kungsleden (Abisko Turiststation STF)

    Im Herzen der Abisko Turiststation STF gelegen, bietet das Restaurant Kungsleden herzhafte, traditionelle schwedische Küche mit Fokus auf lokalen Zutaten. Hier stärkst du dich nach einem Tag in der Natur in gemütlicher Atmosphäre und genießt Spezialitäten wie Rentierfleisch oder arktischen Saibling.
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    Brasa (Abisko Mountain Lodge)

    Für ein etwas intimeres und gemütlicheres Erlebnis besuche Brasa in der Abisko Mountain Lodge. Hier genießt du in rustikal-modernem Ambiente Gerichte, die von der lokalen Lappland-Küche inspiriert sind, oft mit einem Hauch von Lagerfeuerromantik und sorgfältig ausgewählten Zutaten.
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    Abisko: History and Sámi Culture

    Sami LandAbisko is situated in Sápmi, the traditional territory of the Sámi. Reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting have shaped the region for centuries, and Sami communities still use the fells as pasture land today.Railway, National Park, and ResearchThe area was developed in the early 20th century with the Iron Ore Line between Kiruna and Narvik. In 1909, the same year as Sweden's first nature conservation laws, Abisko National Park was established. The research station, founded in 1903 in nearby Vassijaure and located in Abisko since 1913, has belonged to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences since 1935, primarily studying Arctic climate and ecology.HandicraftsSami handicrafts, known as Duodji, include works made from wood, reindeer horn, leather, and textiles, and are still practiced today.

    Exploring Locally

    On Foot and By BikeAbisko is small and easily explored on foot. Approximately four kilometers separate the village of Abisko Östra and the Abisko Turiststation. From the Turiststation, you can reach the valley station of the chairlift to the Aurora Sky Station in about ten minutes on foot. In summer, cycling is a good alternative.Train and RoadAbisko has two train stations on the Erzbahn between Kiruna and Narvik: Abisko Östra and Abisko Turiststation. Regional trains and the overnight train from Stockholm stop here. By car, you can reach Abisko via the E10 between Kiruna and Narvik. Taxis are available by pre-order only; plan winter trips considering weather and road conditions.

    Accommodations in Abisko

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    Nearby

    Abisko National Park

    Abisko National Park

    The Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland was founded in 1909 and covers approximately 77 square kilometers between the shore of Lake Torneträsk and the fells to the southwest. It lies about 195 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is considered one of the best places for observing the Northern Lights thanks to its often cloudless skies, especially from the Aurora Sky Station on Mount Nuolja. During the day, the Kungsleden invites you to hike, or you can follow the canyon of the Abiskojåkka. The Naturum Abisko provides information about the region's flora, fauna, and history. You can see the Northern Lights during the dark season from approximately September to March, and the Midnight Sun from late May to mid-July.
    Torneträsk

    Torneträsk

    At approximately 330 square kilometers, Lake Torneträsk (Sami Duortnosjávri) is Sweden's sixth-largest lake and is considered Scandinavia's largest fell lake. The lake, approximately 69 kilometers long, reaches depths of up to 168 meters and lies nestled among the mountains north of Kiruna. Along its southern shore lie Abisko, Björkliden, and views of the Lapporten. In winter, observe the Northern Lights here; in summer, hike under the Midnight Sun.
    Kiruna

    Kiruna

    Kiruna is located far north of the Arctic Circle and is inextricably linked to iron ore: The mine of the state-owned LKAB corporation in Mount Kiirunavaara is considered the world's largest and most modern underground iron ore mine. As mining operations advance beneath the city, a new center is emerging approximately three kilometers east of the old downtown, to which historical buildings will also be relocated. In summer, you can experience the Midnight Sun here; in winter, chances of seeing the Northern Lights are good, and the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi is just a short drive away.
    Swedish Lapland (Lapland)

    Swedish Lapland (Lapland)

    Swedish Lapland is the Arctic part of Sweden: vast forests, fells and lakes, plus the Sámi culture. In winter, Northern Lights chances are good from September to March; in summer, the sun doesn't set from late May to mid-July. Highlights include the ICEHOTEL, the Treehotel, the Kungsleden and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Laponia.
    Gällivare

    Gällivare

    Gällivare, located north of the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland, has been a mining town since the construction of the ore railway in the late 19th century. Here you'll experience the nature of the fells, Sámi culture, and a community undergoing change: The neighbouring town of Malmberget is largely being abandoned due to ore mining. From Dundret, its local mountain, you can see the midnight sun in summer, and in winter, the chances for the Northern Lights are good.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
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