Aurora Tour with Dinner in Abisko

Discover the Aurora Tour with Dinner in Abisko for an unforgettable Northern Lights experience

This Aurora Tour with Dinner in Abisko offers an engaging blend of cultural insight, stunning scenery, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights. Priced at $275.64 per person, the tour lasts approximately 5 hours 30 minutes, departing from Kiruna, Sweden. It is recommended 54 days in advance, reflecting its popularity, and is suitable for most travelers due to its manageable physical requirements. The tour includes pickup, a three-course dinner, and expert guidance tailored for capturing the Aurora Borealis with photo assistance and tripods.

While Aurora visibility can never be guaranteed, the tour’s approach—driving through different weather zones and possibly chasing the lights on the return—maximizes the chances of witnessing the spectacle. It’s particularly well-suited for those interested in a mix of cultural learning, fine dining, and nature photography, with the comfort of a small group of up to 8 travelers.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $275.64 and lasts around 5.5 hours.
• Location and Start: Starts at Camp Ripan in Kiruna at 5:00 pm.
• Includes Dinner and Guides: Features a three-course meal, local Sami guides, photo assistance, and tripods.
• Aurora Chase and Viewing: Aims to find the Northern Lights through guided visits and possible chasing if weather conditions are unfavorable.
• Cultural Highlights: Offers insights into Sami culture, nature, and local history during the evening.
• Weather Flexibility: Passes through different weather zones, increasing chances for Aurora sightings even with cloudy weather.

Abisko and the Northern Lights: The Perfect Setting

The tour takes travelers from Kiruna into the night, heading towards Abisko, a renowned location for Northern Lights viewing. The journey begins with about 1.5 hours driving through varying weather zones, a strategic move designed to improve the likelihood of seeing the Aurora Borealis. Outside the vehicle, guests can enjoy stargazing and a glimpse of green lights if conditions permit.

Arriving in Abisko, the group is welcomed with a three-course dinner in the village. The meal provides an opportunity to discuss nature, local culture, and the Northern Lights with knowledgeable guides. Even if the sky remains cloudy in Abisko, the guides’ flexibility allows for a driving chase back to Kiruna, with stops planned to catch the Aurora if it appears.

Dining Experience in the Heart of Abisko

The dinner is a key highlight of this tour, offering a three-course meal that complements the evening’s activities. The meal takes place in the cozy setting of the Abisko village, with guides engaging guests in conversations about Sami traditions and local history.

For photography enthusiasts, the guides are trained to help capture the Aurora, providing tripods and photo tips that can make a big difference in low-light conditions. The dinner not only serves as a delightful break but also sets the tone for an evening of cultural appreciation and natural wonder.

Expert Guidance and Photography Support

A photo guide is part of the package, ensuring that guests with cameras or phones are well-equipped to take stunning photos of the Lights. The guides’ experience is reflected in their ability to offer technical assistance and recommend the best settings for low-light photography.

The guides are also well-versed in Sami culture and local history, sharing stories and insights that deepen the experience beyond just Aurora chasing. This personalized approach helps guests appreciate the environment and folklore that enrich the Northern Lights viewing.

Flexibility in Aurora Viewing and Weather Conditions

The tour’s design acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the Aurora. If weather in Abisko is not ideal, the guides drive back toward Kiruna with the possibility of stopping along the way for Aurora sightings. This flexibility is a significant advantage, as it maximizes the chances of witnessing the Lights, regardless of weather variations.

The tour emphasizes passive viewing at the designated sites and active chasing when conditions change, making it suitable even for those concerned about cloudy nights. The pass-through weather zones during the drive are carefully chosen to improve visibility chances.

Logistical Details and Group Size

This small-group tour caters to a maximum of 8 travelers, fostering an intimate experience. The meeting point is at Camp Ripan in Kiruna, starting promptly at 5:00 pm. The tour includes pickup, making logistics straightforward, and concludes back at the same meeting point.

Additional amenities include cover clothes and shoes upon request, as well as headlamps, tripods, and photo support. While beverages are not included**, guests are free to bring their own, and dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options can be accommodated when booking.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The main draw of this Aurora Tour in Abisko is the combination of cultural insight, fine dining, and Aurora chasing in one package. The local Sami guides bring a depth of knowledge about nature and traditions, making the experience more meaningful. The dinner at the Aurora Sky Station is a highlight, offering a comfortable setting to relax while waiting for the Lights.

The tour’s flexibility to drive through multiple weather zones greatly increases the odds of Aurora sightings, a key factor for anyone looking to maximize their chances. The added photo guidance ensures that even amateur photographers can capture memorable images of the Lights.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour offers a well-rounded experience, it cannot guarantee Aurora sightings due to the natural variability of weather and solar activity. Guests should be prepared for the possibility of not seeing the Lights and understand that weather conditions and Aurora activity are outside the control of guides.

The cost may seem high for some, but it covers transport, dinner, expert guidance, and photography support, making it a convenient choice for those wanting a comprehensive Northern Lights experience with cultural highlights. The small group size provides personalized attention, but availability can fill quickly, so booking well in advance is recommended.

Final Verdict: Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This Aurora Tour with Dinner in Abisko is ideal for adventurers interested in culture, photography, and nature. It suits those who appreciate a relaxed, guided experience that combines fine dining, local storytelling, and Aurora chasing. Travelers seeking a small-group setting with personalized attention will find this tour particularly appealing.

Given its emphasis on flexibility and expert support, it offers a well-rounded chance to experience the Northern Lights while learning about the Sami culture and local environment. It’s a memorable choice for anyone wanting an engaging, culturally rich, and scenic encounter in the Swedish Arctic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the tour is designed for a broad age range, provided they can comfortably handle the roughly 5.5-hour outing.

What should I wear for the tour?
Warm clothing and shoes are recommended. Cover clothes and shoes are available on request to ensure comfort during the outdoor viewing and walking in Abisko.

Can I bring my own camera or phone?
Absolutely. The guides provide tripods and photo assistance to help capture the Northern Lights.

Will I see the Aurora?
While the tour maximizes the chances through weather zone passes and chasing, sightings cannot be guaranteed due to natural conditions.

What is included in the price?
The three-course dinner, pickup, photo guide, tripod, headlamp, and cover clothing if needed are included. Beverages and personal camera equipment are not.

What if the weather is bad in Abisko?
The guides may drive back to Kiruna and stop along the way if Aurora activity is visible, increasing the likelihood of sightings.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking around 54 days ahead is typical, reflecting the tour’s popularity.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, dietary requests such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free can be indicated when booking.

How long is the drive from Kiruna to Abisko?
The journey takes about 1.5 hours each way, passing through different weather zones.

What is the group size limit?
The tour hosts a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

This Aurora Tour with Dinner in Abisko delivers a well-rounded Arctic adventure, blending Northern Lights hunting with cultural insights and delicious local cuisine. It’s a carefully crafted experience suited for those who value expert guidance and small-group intimacy, with the flexibility to maximize Aurora sightings even in unpredictable weather.