If you're looking for things to do in Abisko, you've probably already heard that this tiny Swedish village is one of the best places on Earth to see the Northern Lights. Located way up north in the Swedish Lapland, about 250 kilometers inside the Arctic Circle, Abisko feels like the edge of the world in the best way possible. It's not a big place—there are more reindeer than people most days—but that's exactly what makes it special.
Whether you're visiting in the middle of the dark, snowy winter or during the endless daylight of the midnight sun, there's a raw, untouched beauty here that's hard to find anywhere else. Let's dive into what you can actually do when you get there.
Chasing the Northern Lights at the Aurora Sky Station
Let's be real: most people come here for the lights. Because of a unique weather phenomenon often called the "blue hole of Abisko," the sky above the village stays clear even when the surrounding areas are cloudy. This makes it a goldmine for aurora hunters.
The Aurora Sky Station is the place to be. You take a slow, slightly chilly chairlift ride up Mount Nuolja. Once you're at the top, you're far away from any light pollution. There's a cozy cafe where you can grab a warm drink while you wait for the magic to happen. When the green (and sometimes purple or red) ribbons start dancing across the sky, it's honestly life-changing. Just remember to dress like you're going to the North Pole—standing still on a mountain at night is no joke.
If the Sky Station is booked up or you want something more low-key, just walking down to the shores of Lake Torneträsk can give you a spectacular view. The lake is massive and provides a wide-open horizon, which is perfect for photography.
Exploring Abisko National Park
You don't have to go far to find nature here; the village is basically inside the Abisko National Park. One of the coolest (and easiest) things to do is walk the canyon trail. The Abiskojåkka river has carved out a deep limestone canyon that looks incredible whether it's rushing with turquoise water in the summer or frozen into dramatic ice sculptures in the winter.
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. If you're into hiking, Abisko is also the starting point (or ending point, depending on how you look at it) of the Kungsleden, or the King's Trail. This is a legendary 440-kilometer hiking path. You don't have to do the whole thing, of course. Walking even just the first few kilometers will give you a taste of the vast mountain birch forests and the sweeping Arctic tundra.
Winter Adventures: Dogs, Snow, and Speed
If you're visiting between December and April, you're in for a snowy treat. One of the most popular things to do in Abisko is dog sledding. There is nothing quite like the sound of dozen Alaskan Huskies panting and the sled runners crunching on the snow. These dogs absolutely love to run, and once they get going, the silence of the wilderness is incredible. Most tours will let you meet the pups afterward, which is a big win if you're an animal lover.
For those who prefer a bit more horsepower, snowmobile tours are a blast. You can cover a lot of ground quickly, heading up into the mountains for views that you just can't reach on foot. It's a bit of an adrenaline rush, but it's also a practical way to see how big this landscape really is.
And then there's ice fishing. It's a much slower pace, but very "Lapland." You trek out onto the frozen Lake Torneträsk, drill a hole in the thick ice, and wait for an Arctic char to bite. It's a great way to clear your head and enjoy the crisp air, usually topped off with a fire and some coffee made over an open flame.
Summer Magic and the Midnight Sun
Abisko isn't just a winter destination. When summer hits, the sun literally doesn't set for weeks. This is the land of the Midnight Sun. Between late May and mid-July, you can go hiking at 2:00 AM and it'll look like a permanent golden hour.
The hiking trails that were covered in snow a few months prior turn into lush green paths filled with wildflowers. You can hike up Mount Nuolja during the day (or night!) for a panoramic view of the "Lapporten"—the iconic U-shaped valley that is one of the most photographed spots in Sweden. The chairlift often runs late into the night during summer so people can experience the sun hovering above the horizon without ever dipping below it.
Photography Tours
Since Abisko is so scenic, it's no surprise that photography tours are a big deal here. Even if you aren't a pro, joining a night-time aurora photo workshop is a smart move. The guides know the best spots and, more importantly, they know how to help you set up your camera. Capturing the Northern Lights is notoriously tricky—you need the right shutter speed and ISO settings—and having someone show you the ropes can be the difference between a blurry green smudge and a masterpiece.
In the summer, the focus shifts to the dramatic landscapes and the wildlife. If you're lucky, you might spot moose, reindeer, or even an Arctic fox.
Experience Sami Culture
The indigenous Sami people have lived in this region for thousands of years, and learning about their history and culture is a must. Many local tours offer the chance to visit a Sami camp. You can meet reindeer, learn about traditional reindeer herding, and sit inside a lavvu (a traditional tent) to hear stories while eating smoked reindeer meat or drinking suovas. It's a grounding experience that adds a lot of depth to your trip. It helps you understand that this harsh environment isn't just a playground for tourists; it's a home with a rich, resilient history.
Taking a Day Trip to Narvik
If you're staying in Abisko for more than a few days, I highly recommend hopping on the train to Narvik, Norway. The train ride itself, known as the Iron Ore Line, is often called one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. As you cross the border from Sweden into Norway, the landscape shifts from rolling mountains to dramatic, steep fjords.
Narvik is a coastal town where you can see the Atlantic Ocean, visit the War Museum, or take a cable car up for a view of the mountains plunging into the sea. It's an easy day trip and gives you a completely different vibe from the quiet wilderness of Abisko.
Relaxing the Swedish Way: Sauna and Fika
After a long day of hiking or freezing your toes off waiting for the aurora, there is nothing better than a Swedish sauna. Most guesthouses and hotels in Abisko have one. The "pro move" is to sit in the heat until you can't take it anymore, then run outside and roll in the snow (or jump in the lake if it's summer). It sounds crazy, but your skin will tingle in the best way possible afterward.
And of course, you can't forget Fika. This is the Swedish tradition of taking a break for coffee and something sweet, like a cinnamon bun (kanelbulle). It's a way of life here. Whether you're sitting in a cozy cafe in the village or boiling coffee over a campfire in the woods, taking a moment to slow down and enjoy the surroundings is arguably one of the best things to do in Abisko.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Before you head off, here are a few things to keep in mind. First, book early. Abisko is tiny, and accommodations fill up fast, especially during the peak aurora months.
Second, layers are your best friend. In winter, it can drop to -30°C. You'll want wool base layers, a fleece or down mid-layer, and a windproof outer shell. Don't forget good boots and wool socks.
Lastly, don't forget that Abisko is remote. There's a small grocery store, but options are limited. Most people eat at their accommodation or at the few local restaurants like the one at the Abisko Mountain Station. The food is usually excellent, featuring local ingredients like reindeer, elk, and cloudberries, but it's a good idea to have a plan for your meals.
Abisko is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. It's quiet, it's cold, and it's absolutely stunning. Whether you're standing under a swirling green sky or hiking through the golden light of the midnight sun, you're bound to find plenty of things to do that make the long journey north totally worth it.