Experience the majestic Auroras Kiruna-Abisko & lodge dinner

Experience the Majestic Auroras Kiruna-Abisko & Lodge Dinner
Located in the northern reaches of Sweden’s Norrbotten County, this evening tour offers a blend of culinary delights, scenic drives, and the chance to witness the elusive aurora borealis. Starting from Kiruna, you’ll spend about five hours exploring some of the best spots for northern lights viewing, topped with a warm Lapland-inspired two-course dinner at a cozy lodge. The experience is ideal for travelers who want a combination of comfort, local flavor, and a good dose of nature’s light show.

One of the standout features of this tour is the aurora chase along scenic routes between Kiruna and Abisko National Park, one of the top destinations worldwide for seeing the northern lights. The other highlight is the lodge dinner at Máttaráhkká Northern Lights Lodge, where you can enjoy authentic Lapland dishes in a welcoming setting. Plus, the tour includes photos of the evening, giving you a lasting memory of your Arctic adventure.

A possible consideration is the weather; since the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, clear skies are essential. If it’s snowing heavily or overcast, your chances of seeing the auroras diminish. Also, the tour involves group transportation in a heated minivan, which is generally comfortable but might feel a bit crowded depending on the season. This experience suits those who appreciate authentic local experiences, good food, and a flexible, guided approach to nature viewing.

If you’re after a well-rounded, guided outing that combines scenic travel, cultural flavor, and a good chance of seeing the aurora without too many logistical worries, this tour will likely meet your expectations.

Key Points

Scenic Route: Chasing the aurora along the picturesque roads between Kiruna and Abisko National Park offers stunning Arctic views.
Authentic Dinner: The two-course meal inspired by Lapland flavors provides warmth and taste of local cuisine.
Expert Guidance: Guides select the best aurora viewing spots based on weather, increasing your chances of witnessing the lights.
Photo Memories: You’ll receive photos from the evening, ideal for sharing or keepsakes.
Comfort & Gear: Arctic clothes, including a down jacket, pants, and winter boots, are provided to keep you warm.
Flexibility & Safety: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, with flexible booking options (reserve now, pay later).

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

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The Itinerary and Its Appeal

This five-hour tour begins with convenient pickup from your hotel in Kiruna, typically around 5:30 pm. You’re then transported in a heated minivan—a big plus for comfort in the Arctic cold—on a scenic drive toward Abisko National Park, renowned for its high probability of aurora sightings. The route itself is part of the charm, offering sweeping views of snow-covered mountains and star-studded skies.

Once at the Máttaráhkká Northern Lights Lodge, you’ll settle into a warm and inviting space. Here, the lapland-inspired two-course dinner awaits, served in a cozy tipi setting. Many reviews praise the food, describing it as delicious and plentiful, with some mentioning the rustic charm of dining in an authentic tipi. Expect hearty local flavors, designed to fuel you for the chilly night ahead.

The Aurora Chase: A Scenic, Scientific Approach

After dinner, the real adventure begins. Using real-time weather updates, guides choose the best spots for viewing. The guides are experienced and friendly, often taking photos for guests—something many travelers find invaluable, especially given how fleeting and unpredictable the auroras can be.

Traveling comfortably in the minivan, you’ll make two main stops on the route, each carefully chosen for optimal sky conditions. This flexibility is crucial; if the sky is overcast or snowing heavily, guides will adjust plans, which adds a layer of practical realism to the adventure.

Authenticity and Comfort

The tour’s inclusion of Arctic clothing—down jackets, pants, and winter boots—removes the worry of bundling up improperly. The focus is on making sure you’re warm, comfortable, and able to relax while waiting for the lights to appear.

The chance to see the northern lights from the lodge itself is an added bonus, giving guests a convenient, close-to-home opportunity if the sky cooperates. But the real thrill is the chase, which maximizes your odds of catching the auroras dancing across the night sky.

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Reviews and Authentic Experiences

Guests consistently praise the guides for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to make the experience memorable. Britta highlighted Rachel’s effort, noting the delicious food and snowmobile tour, which she found “soooo great,” especially when snow prevented aurora viewing from the lodge. Sha enjoyed the strong auroras and shooting stars, calling the experience “nice” despite some smoky ambiance in the tipi, which is part of the rustic charm.

Robin appreciated the guide’s expertise and the generous portion of dinner, mentioning how much they learned about the auroras and photography. These reviews underscore the importance of professional guides and good local food in making this experience stand out.

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Value for Money

At around five hours, the tour offers a well-rounded evening that combines culinary delight, scenic travel, and the chance to witness nature’s spectacular light display. The price includes hotel pickup, dinner, photographs, and Arctic gear—factors that add up in value compared to booking individual elements separately.

While not cheap, the included features and the personalized guidance make it a worthwhile investment for travelers who want a stress-free, informative, and atmospheric experience. It’s especially appealing for those who prioritize authentic local cuisine, comfortable transportation, and the best chance to see the Aurora.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, guided adventure with a good balance between comfort and authenticity. It suits those who enjoy local flavors and scenic drives and prefer to have experienced guides to navigate the unpredictable Arctic weather. It’s also perfect if you’re traveling with family (over age 12), as the tour provides all necessary gear and a warm, welcoming environment.

If you’re looking for a more hands-on, rugged, or self-driven experience, this might not be the best choice. But for most visitors wanting a guided, well-organized, and memorable Arctic night out, this tour ticks the right boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately five hours, starting around 5:30 pm and ending with drop-off at your hotel.

What’s included in the price?
You get hotel pickup and drop-off, a Lapland-inspired two-course dinner, photographs of the evening, scenic aurora chase in a heated minivan, and Arctic clothing (down jacket, pants, winter boots).

Is there a chance to see the Aurora Borealis?
Yes, the guides select the best viewing spots based on current weather and sky conditions, increasing your chances. However, since the lights are a natural phenomenon, sightings are not guaranteed.

What if the weather is bad?
The guides are experienced at adjusting plans based on weather. If conditions aren’t suitable for aurora viewing, the focus shifts to enjoying the scenic drive and the experience at the lodge.

Can children participate?
Yes, but the tour is not suitable for children under 12. The experience is best suited for older children and adults who can appreciate the Arctic environment.

What kind of food is served?
The dinner is inspired by Lapland flavors, served in a cozy tipi, and described as delicious and plentiful by past guests.

Do I need to bring my own gear?
No, Arctic clothing including down jackets, pants, and winter boots are provided, so packing heavy winter gear isn’t necessary.

What is the cancellation policy?
This tour is non-refundable, so confirm your plans carefully. You may cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of comfort, cultural flavor, and Arctic adventure. Perfect for travelers seeking a guided, scenic, and authentic Northern Lights experience without the hassle of organizing everything themselves. If you appreciate local cuisine, expert guides, and the thrill of chasing auroras in one of the best locations on Earth, this could be just the experience you’re looking for.