Björkliden/Abisko: Night Sky Snowmobile Tour

The Björkliden/Abisko: Night Sky Snowmobile Tour offers a captivating chance to chase the Northern Lights in Sweden’s Arctic region. Priced at $198 per person, this 2.5-hour adventure takes you into the heart of Norrbotten County, starting from either Abisko or Björkliden. It features a shared snowmobile ride, expert guiding, warm clothing, and opportunities to photograph the aurora, making it ideal for travelers seeking an active, yet comfortable experience under the polar night sky.

What makes this tour particularly attractive is its focus on driving up to a mountain where the sky’s light show is at its best. The tour’s intimate size, limited to 8 participants, ensures personalized attention and safety. While the tour’s timing runs from December to March, availability varies, so checking ahead is recommended. Visitors should be prepared for cold weather, bring a valid driver’s license, and understand there are no children under 5 or pregnant women allowed for safety reasons.

Key Points

• Price: $198 per person for a 2.5-hour guided snowmobile experience
• Location: Starts from Abisko or Björkliden in Norrbotten County, Sweden
• Highlights: Snowmobiling, Northern Lights sightings, mountain views, storytelling by guides
• Included gear: Warm clothes, helmets, gloves, balaclava, boots, and snacks
• Group size: Small group limited to 8 participants ensures a personal experience
• Timing: Tours operate December through March, with checkable availability
• Flexibility: Options to upgrade to a private snowmobile are often available on-site

You can check availability for your dates here:

How the Tour Begins: Pickup and Departure in Abisko and Björkliden

This tour starts with pickup from six different locations, including Abisko Fjällturer AB, Hotell Fjället, and Abisko Guesthouse, among others. The pickup can take up to 30 minutes, so arriving on time is key. Once collected, travelers are transported in a van for about 15 minutes to the snowmobile starting point in Björkliden or Abisko.

Departure times depend on availability, but the entire journey lasts 2.5 hours, making it suitable for an evening outing. The tour includes a guided safety briefing to ensure everyone is confident driving their shared snowmobile, which seats two people.

Driving a Snowmobile Through the Arctic Wilderness

Driving a shared snowmobile is a core part of this experience. The guides provide clear instructions and ensure safety throughout. You’ll drive up a mountain, reaching a vantage point where the conditions for viewing the Northern Lights are optimal. The snowmobiles are equipped with hand warmers, helping to keep fingers toasty even in the cold.

The journey through snow-covered landscapes offers plenty of chances for taking photos and enjoying the silent beauty of the Arctic night. The guides are experts in storytelling, sharing stories about the Aurora and tips for aurora viewing that can help guests maximize their chances of catching the lights.

Mountain Stop with Fire, Snacks, and Aurora Tips

Once at the mountain location, the snowmobiles are parked in a sheltered area, protected from the wind and weather. Guests are invited to relax around a crackling fire, where they can enjoy hot drinks and sweet bread. This cozy break is a highlight, providing warmth and a chance to digest the stunning scenery.

During this pause, the guide explains the science behind the Northern Lights, shares stories, and offers practical tips for spotting the aurora after the tour ends. This educational component enhances the experience, making it not just a ride but an insightful journey into the polar night phenomenon.

The Return and Evening Aurora Search

After the mountain stop, the return drive takes guests back to their starting points. The night sky remains dark and clear, creating ideal conditions for aurora viewing. The tour’s wisdom is that after the guided experience, visitors are encouraged to continue chasing the Northern Lights on their own.

The guides provide local tips on good spots accessible by foot from accommodations, which can make the Aurora hunt ongoing and flexible. This approach allows travelers to extend their Arctic adventure beyond the scheduled tour, increasing their chances of witnessing the spectacular polar night display.

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The Experience of the Guides and Equipment

Guests consistently praise the guides’ knowledge about the Northern Lights and the Arctic environment. The guides are certified and skilled at making everyone feel secure and informed. The gear — including warm clothing, helmets, gloves, and boots — is provided and appreciated for its quality, with some guests noting the boots are even better than their own.

Snacks like lingonberry juice and cookies are offered during the mountain stop, adding a special touch of comfort amid the cold. The equipment and guidance combine to create a safe, warm, and memorable experience.

Logistics and Practicalities: What to Know Before Booking

This tour requires a valid driving license for participation, as guests drive their own shared snowmobiles. The activity is not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or individuals with heart problems for safety reasons.

Guests are advised to dress warmly, bringing water and extra layers as needed. The tour includes pickup and drop-off from select locations, making logistics hassle-free. For those wanting more privacy, an upgrade to a private snowmobile can typically be arranged on-site for an extra fee.

Weather and Timing Considerations

Operated from December to March, the tour’s success heavily depends on clear, dark nights with good aurora activity. The midwinter months provide the longest hours of darkness, increasing the chances of seeing the Northern Lights. It’s best to check availability early, as popular times tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak aurora season.

The timing of the 2.5-hour tour allows for a comfortable balance of adventure and relaxation, with enough darkness for optimal viewing without feeling rushed.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Arctic Experiences

While there are other aurora tours in the region, this snowmobile experience stands out for its combination of driving and storytelling, and its focus on reaching mountain vantage points. The small group size ensures a more personalized and immersive experience compared to larger, bus-based tours.

The included gear and expert guidance are consistent strengths, making it accessible even for those new to snowmobiling or Arctic conditions. The option to upgrade to a private snowmobile adds flexibility for couples or small groups seeking solitude and a more exclusive adventure.

The Final Word on the Björkliden/Abisko Night Sky Snowmobile Tour

This 2.5-hour guided tour offers an engaging way to explore Sweden’s Arctic winter and witness the Northern Lights in comfort. The expert guides, warm gear, and scenic mountain stop create a well-rounded experience that balances adventure, education, and coziness.

Perfect for adventurers who enjoy driving and want a personalized experience, this tour is especially suited for those with a valid driver’s license and a love for the outdoors. Its small group size guarantees attentive guidance, making it a strong choice for travelers seeking a memorable Arctic night.

While weather conditions can influence visibility, the local tips provided afterward help extend the aurora hunt. This tour delivers a fun, informative, and scenic Arctic adventure that produces plenty of photo opportunities and lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a driving license required for this snowmobile tour?
Yes, a valid driver’s license is necessary since guests drive their shared snowmobile.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers shared snowmobile, certified guide, pickup and drop-off, warm clothing, helmet, gloves, balaclava, and snacks like hot drinks and cookies.

Can children participate in this tour?
No, children under 5 years old are not allowed, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with heart problems.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring warm clothing, water, and their driver’s license. All other gear is provided.

When do tours operate?
Tours run from December to March, with availability depending on the weather and darkness conditions.

Can I upgrade to a private snowmobile?
Yes, on-site upgrades are typically available for an additional fee, offering a more exclusive experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby