A lot of people dream of seeing the Northern Lights and a trip up north to see them is kind of the most magical thing ever, but I also know that a lot of people are put off by the expense. A Northern Lights trip doesn’t exactly sound budget friendly. Seriously though, why do the Northern Lights have to dance over some of the most expensive countries in Europe?
I think seeing the Northern Lights on a budget feels especially difficult because if you want the best chance of actually seeing the aurora, you’ll want to make your trip as long as possible. That’s not cheap.
But that’s why I think Abisko might actually be the best place to see the Northern Lights on a budget, because thanks to its microclimate giving the village more clear nights than anywhere else under the aurora oval, you’re almost guaranteed to see the Northern Lights if you stay for just 4 days.
Now, compared to Norway Abisko seems quite inexpensive, as Swedish prices are a lot lower than prices in Norway, but it’s still Scandinavia so it’s not exactly a budget holiday destination. But luckily I managed to get some inside knowledge from my friend Rachel who works in Abisko.
And she spilled all her secrets for how to visit Abisko on a budget!
Getting to Abisko on a budget
First off, you need to get up to Abisko, aka the middle of nowhere. You can either:
Take the train from Stockholm (or Oslo!) to Abisko
The train takes a really long time, but I actually think it’s the easiest option. You can book tickets on sj.se and you’ll have two options from Stockholm: leave at 17:29 and arrive at 10:57 the next morning with no changes, or leave at 22:40 and arrive at 15:54 with one change in the morning.
When I last checked, one-way tickets cost around 900 SEK (100 USD) including a bed in a 6-bed compartment. You can also book tickets from Oslo to Abisko – you’ll just have a short stop in Stockholm. My one-way ticket from Oslo to Abisko cost 1100 SEK (120 USD) and the journey took exactly 24 hours (!!).
The train also runs from Narvik to Abisko, if you’re coming from Northern Norway.
I will say that the trains are quite old and don’t have WiFi, but they’ll drop you off either in Abisko Östra or the Abisko turistsation, which should be in walking distance to your accommodation.
Fly to Kiruna
If you’re short on time you’ll want to fly to Kiruna, about 95 km from Abisko.
TIP: I just started using Kiwi to search for the cheapest flights and have found cheaper deals than on Skyscanner or directly through the airlines. The only catch is that they may charge more to add extra luggage later on, so make sure you know if you want checked baggage at the time of booking.
A flight will of course get you up north much more quickly, but then getting from Kiruna to Abisko might be a bit of a hassle, depending on when your flight arrives. If you can time it right you can get the train from Kiruna to Abisko, but you’ll have to either get a taxi from the airport to the railway station or walk.
You can also get a transfer directly from the airport to Abisko from Visit Abisko for 395 SEK, or there is a public bus but it doesn’t run throughout the winter. I would at least try to figure out how you’ll get from Kiruna to Abisko before booking your flight, because a taxi would be very expensive.
Budget accommodation in Abisko
Most of Abisko’s accommodation is either in the village at the Östra train stop or by the turiststation train stop. There’s also a hotel and some hostels in Björkliden, where the ski slopes are, but that could be a bit trickier to get to without a car.
In the village you’ll find everything from dorms to private cabins, though be sure to check availability for your specific dates because some of the hostels are closed during much of the winter.
I’ve heard the best things about the Abisko Turistation STF and the Abisko.net Hostel & Huskies. Remember that in hostels in Sweden you’ll usually have to pay extra for bedding (which usually is obligatory).
And if you can’t find good budget accommodation in Abisko, I absolutely LOVED my stay at this Airbnb in Kiruna.
They offer husky sledding and lots of other tours and activities, but the best part is that the caravan is owned by two tour guides who also have a pack of huskies. They let you spend as much time with the huskies as you want – and you can even bring one of the huskies into your caravan at night! I wrote more about our stay at the husky Airbnb in Kiruna here.
This is an especially great place to stay while hunting for the Northern Lights because you’ll have an amazing time regardless of if you see them – because you’ll be hanging out with huskies. It’s also a good option if you’re on a budget, because you don’t need to book a husky sledding tour with them in order to hang out with the huskies (though I’d also recommend booking husky sledding with them if you can!). Check prices and availability here.
Where to eat in Abisko on a budget
Eating on a budget in Abisko can be a bit tricky, as (as of now at least) there’s no grocery store in town. The sweet shop in the village does sell some food though, and I think they’re meant to be expanding the food section soon. But if you’re on a strict budget then you’re best off bringing your own food to Abisko. The train station in Stockholm has a supermarket, so you can stock up there.
There’s a food trailer outside the Abisko Guesthouse selling burgers, and the STF serves a breakfast buffet and lunch buffet for 120 SEK each – which I found a total bargain coming from Norway, but if you’re from anywhere else you might not agree. I can at least confirm that the lunch buffet is delicious!
Björkliden Fjallet Hotel also serves a buffet lunch for 110 SEK and their dining room has an incredible view.
How to see the Northern Lights in Abisko on a budget
So it’s helpful to join a tour to help you get away from the light (photo tours also provide cameras, which is helpful if you don’t have a nice one yourself), but you definitely don’t need to do a tour if you don’t have the budget for it.
Instead you could go up to the Aurora Sky Station, which is near the STF and also walkable from the village. You have to book your ticket in advance, which will have you up there from 21:00-01:00. At 645 SEK (about 70 USD) it’s still quite expensive, and although I didn’t visit it myself, I did hear some complaints that it can get quite crowded.
Personally I think you might be best off just watching for the Northern Lights on your own! You can walk down to the harbor from the village and look north towards Mt. Noulja (where the sky station is located). It’s really dark there, so if there’s a chance to see the Northern Lights you should be able to down there!
the view from the harbor
But if there’s strong aurora all you really need to do is get away from any light sources, if even just a few meters.
the verticle lines are light pillars!
The best aurora I saw in Abisko happened when I was in a well-lit bus depot and they were still spectacular! If you’re not outside you can just keep an eye on the Aurora Webcam to see if you need to run outside. Just remember, sometimes the Northern Lights will only appear for a minute or two, so if you see them get outside as quickly as possible!
photo sneakily taken by Rachel
Northern Lights Guide!
I’ve also written an in depth ebook covering all aspects of planning your Northern Lights trip, including the best places in the Nordics to see the Northern Lights, the best time to see the Northern Lights, my top accommodation choices, tour options, how to chase the Northern Lights (including which apps I use), how to photograph and film the Northern Lights, what to pack for your trip, and other exciting Arctic activities to try on your trip up North.
If you want to ensure you have the best Northern Lights trip possible, you can purchase the ebook here.
Final tips for seeing the Northern Lights in Abisko
Accommodation and tours in Abisko can book out really early – in fact while I was there in mid-February Rachel was telling me that some night tours for next winter were already fully booked. So plan in advance, especially if you want to find cheap accommodation!
Rachel also said that October and November can be really good for seeing the Northern Lights, as it’s much quieter in Abisko then and not as cold (though that can also mean no snow).
If you want to know more about life in Abisko you can follow Rachel on Instagram @drivingchriscrazy. And then you can also see the inside of her amazing home, where I spent my week in Lapland! She spends her winters in Abisko and summers traveling.
You can find my packing tips for cold destinations here, and here are some of my cold weather essentials:
If anyone has any tips to add, please share in the comments!
Nynke de Haas says
Photo tours come with cameras? That’s brilliant! I normally feel I can take the photos I want with my phone, but that would obviously not be an option with auroras.
I also love the sneaky picture of you in front of the Northern lights – it’s very much like some of the pictures you take of yourself, but here the exposure times don’t match. It’s funny! 🙂
Silvia says
Haha yeah, I had no idea she was taking the photo so I was moving around while the shutter was open 🙂
Sea of Wanderlust says
These pictures are beautiful! It’s my dream to visit the Northern Lights one day.
Kelsey x | http://www.seaofwanderlust.com
Kate - Travel for Difference says
Beautiful images! I saw the Northern Lights in Iceland 4 times out of 5 nights, and they were absolutely breathtaking.
Jessica L says
When did you go to Iceland? I mean, in what month?
Muhafazakar Tatil says
i really would like to visit Northern Lights. Thanks for sharing this post with us! xxx
deborah says
The Northern lights are amazing, we used to live in Northern California and heard that at times you could see the Northern lights there, but never thought to look. I dream of one day getting to see them. Beautiful photos.
4000miles.com
Yeeling says
Thanks for sharing these insights! Scandinavia is generally expensive as hell so it’s always comforting to find budget ways around traveling Scandinavia. Not to mention, catching the northern lights!
Love from Singapore,
Yeeling
http://artelounge.net
Amber says
I was thinking of going to see the next year so I should start planning!! Thanks for the tips 🙂 x
Megan | Red Around The World says
I looove the pictures! That’s crazy how far in advance you might have to plan that! Totally worth it though, I’m sure.
Audrey Backpacks & Bowls says
Abisco and the Northern lights are our on bucket list so thank you for your article!! Pictures are amazing 🙂
Liz says
This is really helpful as I really would like to see the Northern lights one day!
Christine says
Thanks so much for all the information! I’m actually arriving in Abisko on March 22! Can you help out with 2 things:
In Kiruna, how far is the train station from the airport, I only have 15 minutes between arriving and when the train leave, I’ll probably need to the Absiko bus huh?
Can you do a post on what to wear so I don’t freeze? I’m from Los Angeles so I want to make sure I have enough layers!
Silvia says
I asked my friend and this is what she said “It’s quite far! There might be a bus to the station. But the station is 2 km north of the town in the opposite direction. They’d have to get a taxi I think.
Off the top of my head I don’t know what the taxi costs. Tell them to contact Kiruna Taxi to find out price. It might be easier just to take the VA bus.”
As far as packing, I actually have two posts about it!
http://www.heartmybackpack.com/finland/packing-list-winter/
http://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/pack-winter-norway/
Have an amazing time!!
Pierre Heider says
How to get to Abisko:
With the silver city bus (first in line) for 110 SEK to the main bus station, about 4km and 20 min, once all passengers have left the airport.
From the main bus station, is a free shuttle to the train station, leaving at 2:10 pm, 2km, 10 min.
The train leaves at 2:45pm.
The Taxi needs to be pre booked, else ordering on the airport, need up to 25 min till it shows up.
It needs 15 min to the train station for 375 SEK.
Walking is way to far and remember cold temperatures and luggage.
Best worry free option is visitabisko.com, drop of directly in front of your hotel, small guiding, if pre booked waiting for decent flight delay. 395 SEK, 2h till Abisko.
Best is to avoid hitch hiking at all, travelling on budget means, traveling cheap.
Don’t expect that just because you are special, everything, like ride and accommodation should be for free. It’s a tiny place with lots of tourists, nobody needs to serve you free.
Silvia since you have been in Abisko, you should warn backpackers from the Highway.
The Highway is not a walkway, it does not lead to lake, it’s not meant for hitch hiking, …
we got a huge amount of Eastern European trucks, with summer tires, leak of skills, bad equipment.
And internet sucks up here, but who cares, come for nature not for Facebook.
Anne Morgan says
I’ve been to Abisko in the summer and made that looong train journey several times (it’s actually quite enjoyable), but after reading your posts I really think I need to make a winter trip. Even without the aurora I’m sure the place must look absolutely stunning when it’s all covered in snow.
ankita says
I m going there this november end. I am super excited 🙂 Hope i can catch the northern lights.
Cant wait.
Silvia says
Aaah good luck!
Soumita Patra says
Hello we are planning for Abisko on 29 Jan. We will arrive at Evenes/Narvik Airport but I am unable to find any transportation from Narvik to Abisko. Can you please help me regarding this?
Silvia says
You should take the train! You can search for it here: https://www.sj.se/en/home.html
Késia says
Hi Silvia, I am actually going to Abisko next week, thanks to your blog, and I am pretty much following your suggestions, one-by-one! Thank you! Can’t wait to be there and [hopefully] see the dancing lights!
Ruchira Ramachandra says
Gosh ! This is so helpful , thank you and keep travelling and blogging <3
Sam says
Hi Silvia, what are best chances of catching northern lights by end March 2018 in Lofoten vs. Abisko? my friend and I want to plan a 4 to 5 days budget trip from Germany.
Emma says
Myself and my fiance are from Australia and getting married here in late November. We’re coming to Sweden for our honeymoon and really want to see the northern lights.
How long would you recommend we stay in Abisko to maximise our chances of seeing the Aurora?
We’re looking at 3-4 nights in early December.
Israel Coifman says
I loved your blog and the way you write, Silvia!
Im traveling around the world by bicycle since December of 2016 and I’ll arrive in Oslo next week for a long ride trip until Tromsø. Northern Lights is a childhood dream and it’s time (I hope so). I appreciated your hint about Abisko.
Any advice or further recommendation for a bike traveler who is so excited for this next journey?
David says
Hi Silvia!
I’m so glad I ran across your blog and booked a trip to Abisko for late November.
I looked into a few different Northern Lights Tours for one night (before exploring on my own), but they all seem to be only offered in December. Do you or your friends know of any companies that have tours beginning in November?
Thanks in advance!!!
Antonio Galati says
Dear Silvia
Thank you so much for all the info, you convinced me to visti Abisko.
I will be there from 1 to 4 November.
Thank you
P.s. David you can booked a tour by this site :
https://lightsoverlapland.com/booking/the-great-aurora-chase/#booking
Cláudia Pereira says
Hi Silvia,
I’m going to Stockholm from 22 to 25 of November. I didn’t plan ahead but I really want to see the northern lights! Do you thing it is worth it to go to Abisko for one day?
Additionally, what is your opinion on renting a car at Kiruna’s airport to get to Abisko?
Thank you so much.
Danny Beiler says
waoue, amazing article, really making me thinking for a trip like that
thanks for all the informations