Abisko, a Swedish village found in the Arctic Circle, is a place full of wonders to discover and explore throughout the year. Meet the amazing Sami community in their traditional winter camps or just come to enjoy the aurora borealis. The adventure doesn’t end there, as there are several tourist activities and attractions, enough to keep you busy all through your holiday. You might be spoiled for choice if you are just visiting for a few days, but with enough time, you are actually going to be fully engaged up to the last minute of your stay. To get to this destination, you can fly into Kiruna, then opt for either a train or bus to bring you to the village. Alternatively, a train ride from Stockholm will bring you into Abisko, but this option will take approximately 17 hours. For your accommodation, it is advisable to book in advance as spaces are limited. Read below to learn about the best things to do in Abisko, Sweden.
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1. Enjoy the magnificent view of Aurora Borealis
Also known as northern lights, aurora borealis offers a fascinating view for everyone that sees it. Naturally caused by the strong magnetic fields on the sun, it occurs when temperatures on the sun’s surface rise and fall, and particles known as solar winds are released into space. These winds take an average of 40 hours to reach the earth, causing a fascinating display of different lights—what we know as aurora borealis. The best times to view this natural and fascinating phenomenon is September, October, March, and April. The timing is so because during the mentioned months, the air is quite crisp and clear, with minimal pollution.
2. Experience the unique Sami culture
The Sami community is a unique tribe living in the Arctic Circle, found in different countries as well as the Arctic region of Sweden. You are welcome to spend quality time with a Sami family within their winter camp, where you can enjoy traditional Sami dishes accompanied by a hot cup of coffee to keep you warm. You can take part in the joik, a traditional way of sharing stories that surely recapture their past and old ways gone by. Many think Sami traditions only revolve around their colorful costumes, curated handicrafts, and hunting reindeer, but this perception is very wrong. This community has a diverse and very vibrant heritage—from their music, arts, and even architecture in modern times.
3. Have a lovely experience on a snowmobile safari
This is a fun winter activity and an adventurous way of exploring deeper into the mountains. Accompanied by fantastic and skilled guides, be assured of a brilliant experience snowmobiling the whole day in Abisko. As the activity is allowed within Abisko National Park, you can follow snowmobiling trails that will offer you an unforgettable journey through the enchanting forest and over a frozen lake. Don’t forget to bring your camera as there are excellent photo opportunities within the expansive national park.
4. Enjoy Arctic reindeer sledding
In winter, get pulled majestically by a strong reindeer through a tranquil Arctic landscape while on your holiday in Abisko, Sweden. This adventure is a real way to experience a wintertime means of transport, which was in practice several centuries ago by reindeer herders. As you are driven in a bus to the tour pickup point, it is common to see and marvel at various wildlife such as Arctic hare, red foxes, moose, reindeer, and several birds of prey. Once you arrive at the starting point, you have the opportunity of selecting your reindeer for the breathtaking adventure—of course, an experienced reindeer herder will be there to assist you. Most importantly, before the tour begins, you will be given instructions on harnessing your reindeer and how to steer once en route.
5. Spend some time Nordic skiing in Lapland
Welcome to this recreational winter activity in Abisko—an extraordinary way to holiday in Sweden. You are bound to enjoy exploring Abisko National Park at a good pace on skis. Get ready for this thrilling adventure, and expect crystals of ice all over your hair as you explore the wilderness. Whether or not you have tried skiing before, this activity is for everyone with an interest in skiing. You are provided with skiing instructions and taught the basics before the tour begins.
6. Enjoy the scenery at Abisko National Park
This mountainous paradise belonging to Kiruna Municipality was established in 1909. The park is popular for its cross-country skiing and other winter sports. It is easily accessible by either train or car from Kiruna, and a visitor’s center and a tourist station have been established within the park to provide information and tips on the various attraction points to explore. The site is endowed with a large population of birdlife, boasting different species for bird watchers to enjoy their time. Several mammal species such as squirrels, marten, and fell lemming are part of the fauna in the park. Larger animals like the moose and reindeer are also a common sighting.
Book Tours : Abisko Landscape Photography Course - Klook
7. Explore the rocks of Abiskojokk
A visit to Abisko cannot be considered complete without an adventurous tour of this rocky river tucked within Abisko National Park. The river is a beautiful landmark flowing through rocks of remarkable textures. Also known as Abiskojakka in the northern region, this gem is good for hiking, nature trips, as well as treks. Visit in autumn to enjoy the picturesque yellow birch trees. While a winter visit may mean taking part in the various sporting activities around—or you can choose to just watch. Do not forget to bring your camera for taking breathtaking photos of the stunning rocks and the river, creating a background that cannot be found anywhere else.
Abiskojokk
Address: Kiruna
Website: Abiskojokk
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Have a unique holiday in the Arctic Circle
Visit this popular village in Sweden, within the Arctic Circle, and be sure to learn something new about yourself, the natural world, or even the locals. With loads of activities on offer—from sporting to just touring—you will surely derive maximum satisfaction from your holiday.
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