Abisko: Guided Aurora Chase with Hotel Transfers

Abisko: Guided Aurora Chase with Hotel Transfers — An In-Depth Look

Imagine standing under a vast, icy sky in Abisko National Park, watching the sky flicker with shifting green and purple lights — the elusive northern lights. For $107 per person, this evening tour from Abisko offers a chance to chase the auroras while enjoying cozy transport and insightful guidance. Led by seasoned professionals, this experience can take you up to 100 km around the park to find the best viewing spots, often near lakes or rivers, where the reflection of the vibrant sky doubles the magic.

What we love most is the mix of local expertise and beautiful scenery — the guides know where to go, and the locations often offer a picture-perfect backdrop of icy lakes or snow-covered forests. Plus, the warm drinks served during the trip help keep the chill at bay, making it a comfortable yet thrilling adventure.

One potential consideration is the weather — since the auroras depend heavily on clear skies, cloudy nights can limit your chances of seeing the lights. But even if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, you’ll appreciate the knowledgeable guides’ efforts to maximize your experience with scenic stops and engaging storytelling.

This tour suits travelers eager to see the auroras without the hassle of planning, especially those interested in a guided, flexible experience that adapts to weather conditions. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy authentic Arctic landscapes and value safety, comfort, and local insight.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable professionals who use weather forecasts to find the best viewing spots.
• Scenic Locations: Many stops are by lakes or rivers, offering reflective views of the northern lights.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Transportation, pickup, drop-off, and warm drinks are included — no stress about logistics.
• Flexible Planning: Guides adapt to weather conditions, increasing your chances to see the auroras.
• Authentic Experience: Small group sizes and local expertise create an intimate Arctic adventure.
• Value: For around $100, you get a well-organized tour with high success rates and memorable scenery.

Exploring the Abisko Aurora Chase Experience

The Itinerary: What to Expect

This tour kicks off with a pick-up from your accommodation, usually in Abisko, followed by a short briefing from your guide. The guides, often part of Lights Over Lapland, use a combination of local weather forecasts, aurora activity predictions, and personal experience to decide where to go. This real-time decision-making is key — you’re not just following a set route but chasing the best chance to see the lights that night.

Locations visited are typically on lakes and rivers, mainly because these sites often provide ideal conditions for sky reflections. Imagine standing on a frozen lake, the ice polished smooth, as the northern lights shimmer overhead and mirror in the icy surface — a scene many reviews rave about. Some stops may involve a short trek, but guides usually help with setting up cameras or helping you find a cozy spot.

Throughout the evening, your guide will share insights about auroras, Abisko’s local geography, and the science behind this natural phenomenon. Even if the lights aren’t particularly vivid, many reviewers praise guides like Joey and Sofia for their enthusiasm, storytelling, and photography tips — keeping spirits high.

Transportation & Group Size

Transportation is by private or small group van, limiting the number of travelers so you won’t feel lost in a crowd. The drive itself is part of the experience, often taking you through stunning winter landscapes that look straight out of a postcard. The round-trip distance can reach up to 100 km, but the duration is designed to balance scenic stops and optimal viewing.

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The Warmth & Comfort Factor

A big plus is the inclusion of hot drinks like berry juice or gingerbread cookies, which help stave off the cold and make the experience more enjoyable. Many guests comment on how these small touches — like lighting a fire or handing out marshmallows — make the evening cozy and memorable, even if the skies are cloudy or the auroras are faint.

The Guides: Knowledge & Enthusiasm

The reviews highlight the importance of guides’ enthusiasm and expertise. Joey, in particular, receives glowing praise for her energy, photography skills, and local knowledge. She helps guests with camera settings, takes memorable photos, and keeps everyone engaged, which is vital in such an unpredictable environment.

One reviewer noted, “Joey’s energy was infectious and made the experience 1,000 times better,” while another appreciated how the guides went above and beyond to find clearer skies, even traveling to neighboring towns when needed.

Weather & Visibility: The Biggest Variable

The northern lights are entirely dependent on weather conditions. Cloud cover, snowstorms, or poor aurora activity can limit visibility. As one reviewer pointed out, “Unfortunately, it was too cloudy, but they did their best to find the lights and kept our spirits up.” That said, the flexibility of the guides and their local knowledge significantly increase your odds of success.

Cost & Value

For $107, you receive transportation, a guide, and hot drinks — a good value considering the expert guidance and scenic locations. Compared to more expensive options, this tour offers a balanced mix of affordability and quality, especially with the added bonus of choosing to pay later, which adds flexibility.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This experience is especially appealing for travelers who value local insight and personalized attention. The fact that guides use aurora forecasts to adapt their plans means your chances of seeing the lights are maximized. And the locations, often by lakes, provide some of the best reflections you can hope to capture.

Many guests have expressed appreciation for the guides’ photography tips, with some being professional photographers themselves. This means you’ll not just witness the spectacle but also come away with beautiful photos of your Arctic night.

Potential Drawbacks

The main limitation is reliance on weather conditions. If skies are heavily overcast, you might not see the lights despite the guides’ best efforts. However, participants agree that the effort and professionalism make the experience worthwhile even if the auroras are elusive.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Aurora Chase is ideal for travelers who prefer guided experiences with expert input, especially those interested in scenic photography or learning about the natural phenomenon. It’s also suitable for families with children over 5 who can handle winter conditions, and those who want a comfortable, well-organized outing without the need to self-drive or plan logistics.

If you’re a nature lover seeking an authentic Arctic adventure, or simply want the best shot at catching the northern lights with friendly guides, this tour is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring warm clothing? Yes, it’s essential to wear warm clothing because temperatures in Abisko during winter can be very cold, especially during longer waits outside.

How long does the tour last? The tour generally lasts in the evening, with pickup and drop-off included, but specific times may vary. Expect a few hours of chasing the lights.

Is this tour suitable for children? It is not suitable for children under 5, likely due to the cold and outdoor conditions.

Can I book this tour and pay later? Yes, you can reserve your spot with a flexible ‘pay later’ option, which is helpful for planning.

What if I don’t see the northern lights? The guides do their best to locate the auroras based on weather and forecast data. If they’re unable to see the lights, many guests still find the experience worthwhile because of the scenic locations and the chance to learn about the phenomenon.

Are camera equipment and photography tips included? Guides often help with camera settings and take photos for you, but camera equipment itself isn’t included.

How many people are in the group? The tour is usually conducted in a small group or private vehicle, allowing for a more personalized experience.

What’s the likelihood of seeing the lights? While weather and aurora activity are unpredictable, the guides’ expertise and local knowledge significantly improve your chances.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues? Since some stops involve walking on snow or ice, it’s best to check with the provider for specific accessibility options.

Final Thoughts

The Abisko Guided Aurora Chase offers a balanced, authentic Arctic experience. Expect scenic drives, expert guidance, and the thrill of potentially witnessing one of nature’s most spectacular displays. While the weather can be a wildcard, the professionalism of the guides and the carefully chosen locations mean your chances are quite good. Add in cozy comforts like hot drinks and the opportunity to learn from passionate locals, and it’s a package that appeals to both nature lovers and photographers alike.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a well-organized, guided experience with a focus on scenic beauty and Aurora success. If you’re after a memorable, educational, and scenic Arctic adventure, this chase is certainly worth considering.

The Sum Up

In essence, this guided Aurora Chase in Abisko offers a practical and enjoyable way to pursue one of nature’s most mesmerizing phenomena. The combination of local expertise, scenic locations, and warm hospitality makes it a compelling choice for anyone eager to see the northern lights without the hassle of self-navigation. The small group size and flexibility of the guides mean you’ll get personalized attention and a higher chance of witnessing the auroras, even if the weather isn’t perfect. For those who value authentic Arctic landscapes, expert storytelling, and memorable photos, this tour hits the right notes.

If you’re prepared for cold weather, eager for an adventure, and want a reliable chance to catch the auroras, this experience in Abisko will serve you well. And with a solid 4.4-star rating from 222 reviews, it’s a trusted choice for your northern lights quest.

You can check availability for your dates here: