Abisko: Guided Aurora Chase with Hotel Transfers

Abisko: Guided Aurora Chase with Hotel Transfers — A Detailed Review

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights in Sweden, the Abisko: Guided Aurora Chase with Hotel Transfers offers a well-organized, flexible way to do just that. Set in the stunning landscape of Norrbotten County, this 3.5-hour adventure has earned a solid 4.4-star rating from over 220 reviewers, many praising the guides’ expertise and the spectacular scenery. It’s not just about watching the sky—it’s about experiencing the Arctic atmosphere, learning about auroras, and enjoying local touches like hot drinks by the fire.

One of our favorite things about this tour is the personalized, mobile approach—your guide will use weather forecasts and aurora predictions to decide the best spot on the day, often traveling up to 100 km round-trip to find clear skies. That means you’re not stuck in one place but actively chasing the best chance to see the northern lights. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off makes it easy and convenient, especially in the chilly Arctic winter. But, a consideration to keep in mind is that warm clothing is not provided, so packing the right layers is essential. Perfect for those who want a guided, flexible, and immersive aurora experience, this tour suits travelers who value expert insights and comfortable logistics.

Key Points

• Expert-guided chasing increases your chances of seeing the Aurora, thanks to weather and forecast-based planning.
• Transportation and hotel transfers make the experience more comfortable and accessible.
• Locations on lakes and rivers enable stunning reflections of the Northern Lights in icy surfaces—great for photos.
• Warm drinks and fires add a cozy touch, making the long Arctic night more enjoyable.
• Flexible, up to 100 km travel means your guides can choose the best spots on any given night.
• Reviews highlight guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm, which make a huge difference in the overall experience.

Setting Expectations for Your Aurora Chase

Starting from one of six pick-up points in Abisko, your adventure kicks off with a scenic drive that often includes sightseeing stops and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. As you travel out into the wilderness, your guide will share fascinating details about Abisko National Park’s history and its reputation as one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis.

What’s special about the locations? Many are on lakes and rivers—flawless settings for capturing the Aurora’s dancing lights reflected in icy waters or mirrored in the polished snow. The drive itself is part of the fun, offering glimpses of the Arctic wilderness that makes Abisko so unique.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Departure
You’ll have six options for pickup locations, including Abisko Guesthouse, STF Abisko Turiststation, and Hotell Fjället. This variety ensures convenience no matter where you’re staying. The tour usually departs around early evening, with precise times listed upon booking.

Travel and Scenic Stops
The journey begins with a scenic bus tour through the snowy landscape, often with a photo stop or two to take in the vistas. These stops aren’t just photo ops—they also give your guides time to scan the sky for aurora activity and choose the best spot for viewing.

Aurora Chase and Location Choices
Your guides are experts in reading weather forecasts and aurora activity, which means they adapt the plan to maximize your chances. They typically visit at least one of several high-success locations, known for frequent Aurora displays. Since many sites are on lakes and rivers, reflections of the lights are often visible, making for stunning photos.

On-Site Experience
Once at the chosen spot, you’ll be encouraged to look up and enjoy the show. Guides often serve warm drinks like berry juice or gingerbread cookies, adding comfort and a touch of local flavor. If weather conditions allow, the group might gather around a small fire, share stories, and wait patiently for the lights to dance across the sky.

Duration and Return
The entire tour lasts about 3.5 hours, with your drop-off at your original pickup location. The flexibility of the drive and the adaptive approach often lead to longer or shorter experiences depending on sky conditions and aurora activity.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included
– A knowledgeable, enthusiastic guide who uses local forecasts to find the best viewing spots.
– Transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics hassle-free.
– A warm drink (berry juice or similar) to keep warm and cozy during the wait.

Not Included
– Camera equipment—so if you want to capture the moment, bring your own tripod and camera gear.
– Warm clothing—this isn’t provided, so dress in layers, thermal wear, and waterproof gear.

Authentic Experiences from Fellow Travelers

Reviewers are quick to praise the guides’ expertise and friendly attitude. Gemma from the UK mentions, “The guide was exceptional. Even though the lights didn’t come out to play, the guide was thoughtful and a great, positive leader.” Many highlight guides like Joey, describing her as energetic, knowledgeable, and skilled at photography, often capturing stunning images of the group with the Aurora.

Several noted that, even when the skies were cloudy, the guides’ efforts to find clear spots and their storytelling made the experience memorable. One reviewer from Lithuania called the trip “magnificent,” especially praising Joey for her infectious energy and her tips for better photos. Others appreciated the small touches—like marshmallows around a fire, a warm gingerbread cookie, or hot lingonberry juice—that turn a chilly night into a cozy Arctic adventure.

The Value of This Tour

At $106 per person, this experience offers excellent value, especially considering the expert guidance, transportation, and cozy extras. Northern Lights tours can vary widely in price, but many travelers find the flexibility and local expertise here make it worth every cent. The tour’s emphasis on adaptive location choosing maximizes your chance of seeing the Aurora, which is often the primary concern for visitors.

The 3.5-hour window strikes a good balance—long enough to get your money’s worth but not so long that you end up exhausted. Plus, the included hotel transfer simplifies logistics and means you don’t need to worry about finding your way in the Arctic night.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Aurora chase is perfect for travelers who want the guidance of locals who know the area intimately, and those who appreciate a personalized, mobile approach. It’s ideal if you’re eager to learn about the science and folklore behind the Northern Lights, or if you want a comfortable, hassle-free experience with a good chance of witnessing the spectacle.

However, if you’re traveling with very young children under five, this may not be suitable due to the cold and the late hours. And, since warm clothing isn’t included, be prepared to layer up for the cold.

Final Thoughts

This guided Aurora chase from Abisko offers a balanced mix of expert guidance, flexible location choices, and cozy touches that make the Arctic night more inviting. With guides who are passionate and knowledgeable, and locations carefully selected for their high success rates, you’re likely to walk away with more than just a photograph—you’ll carry a memorable Arctic experience.

The tour’s value lies not only in the potential sighting of the Northern Lights but also in the comfort and local insights provided along the way. Whether the sky cooperates or not, you’ll appreciate the effort, the scenery, and the stories shared by your guides.

If your goal is to see the Aurora while enjoying a well-organized, friendly adventure, this tour is a compelling choice. It’s particularly suitable for those who seek a mix of adventure, education, and comfort, all wrapped in a small-group setting. Prepare your layers, charge your camera, and get ready for a night of Arctic magic.

FAQ

What is included in the Aurora Chase tour?
You get a professional guide, transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off, and a warm drink to enjoy during the wait.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3.5 hours, with precise start times available when booking.

Where do I get picked up?
From six locations in Abisko, including Abisko Guesthouse, STF Abisko Turiststation, and Hotell Fjället, making it convenient regardless of where you’re staying.

Is warm clothing provided?
No, you need to bring your own warm clothing as it is not included. Dress in layers for maximum comfort.

Can I photograph the Northern Lights on this tour?
Yes, many reviewers mention guides like Joey, who are skilled at taking photos of the Aurora and helping guests set up their cameras.

What if the sky is cloudy?
Guides will do their best to find clear spots by traveling to different locations; however, weather is beyond their control, and sightings can depend on sky conditions.

Are children under 5 allowed?
No, this activity is not suitable for children under five due to cold and late hours.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, small groups are common, and guides are experienced at making guests feel comfortable and engaged.

How much does the tour cost?
$106 per person, offering good value considering the guided expertise and included amenities.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its adaptive approach to location, professional guides with excellent local knowledge, and cozy extras like fire and hot drinks, all in a manageable time frame.

Planning a Northern Lights trip to Abisko? This guided chase combines expert insight with flexible locations, making it one of the best options for a memorable Arctic night.