National park in 🇸🇪Sweden

Abisko National Park

Northern Lights, midnight sun, and wilderness unspoiled.

Located 195km north of the Arctic Circle, this Swedish national park has clear skies ideal for viewing the northern lights and summer nights when the sun never sets.

4.8
out of 5

Abisko National Park spans 77 square kilometers in Swedish Lapland, where the Abiskodalen valley cuts through snow-capped mountains and alpine meadows. From the Sky Station's panoramic windows, you can watch green and purple northern lights sweep across winter skies. In summer, wildflowers carpet the ground while hikers trek under the midnight sun. Located 195 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, the park sits at the starting point of the famous Kungsleden hiking trail.

Getting to Abisko National Park

You can reach Abisko by electric train from Stockholm, with daily connections stopping at both Abisko Östra station (in the village) and Abisko Turiststation (at the park entrance). If you're driving, follow the E10 highway from Kiruna (100 km) or Narvik (75 km). In winter, local operators run dog sledding tours from both Abisko village and the tourist station.

Seasons and Natural Phenomena

The sun never sets from early June to mid-July, giving you endless daylight for hiking and photography. From December to January, the polar night brings darkness ideal for aurora viewing. The clear skies and distance from urban areas create exceptional conditions for seeing the northern lights, with visibility possible from September to March.

Hiking Trails in the Park

Start your Kungsleden journey at Abisko Turiststation - this 440-kilometer trail begins here and continues south through Swedish Lapland. The 5.3-kilometer Lake Loop takes you along riverbanks and lakeshores through birch forests. For mountain views, climb the Mountain Vista Trail, a 12-kilometer loop ascending 230 meters above the valley floor.

Winter Activities

You'll find marked trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing throughout the park. Mount Nuolja and the nearby Björkliden area welcome skiers with varying skill levels. Take the chair lift to Mount Nuolja's summit to reach the Sky Station, where you can warm up with a meal while watching for northern lights. The park maintains separate trails for beginners and advanced winter sports participants.

Wildlife and Nature

Look for martens, stoats, squirrels, and fell lemmings year-round in the park. Moose and reindeer regularly pass through the valleys, while wolverines, Arctic foxes, lynx, and bears inhabit more remote areas. The landscape transforms seasonally from snow-covered terrain to meadows filled with purple saxifrage, mountain avens, and arctic bell-heather.

Scientific Research

Scientists at the Abisko Scientific Research Station track changes in the local ecosystem and climate. Their monitoring shows that permafrost is retreating from lower elevations as temperatures rise and snowfall increases. The station's work contributes to understanding how Arctic environments respond to climate change.

Average temperatures during the day in Abisko National Park.
December
-2°
Jan
-3°
Feb
-3°
Mar
0°
Apr
4°
May
10°
Jun
15°
Jul
18°
Aug
16°
Sep
11°
Oct
6°
Nov
1°

What people say about Abisko National Park

4.8

What to do in Abisko National Park

The most beautiful national parks in the world

Article from November 2024 with 45 places

Abisko National park is situated in the north of Sweden. In the heart of Lapland's alpine expanse lies a timeless region characterized by majestic mountains and a stunning valley known as Abiskodalen. This picturesque landscape features colorful alpine meadows, serene rapids, and Scandinavia's largest alpine lake. In the summertime, visitors can bask in the constant daylight and catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing midnight sun.

Abisko National Park has something to offer year-round. The tourist station is now open all months of the year, but we would recomend visting during winter or summer season.

Read more here.

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Where to see the Northern Lights: The ultimate guide

Article from October 2023 with 10 places

Abisko in Sweden offers a prime location for witnessing Northern Lights. Its geographical position makes it a very suitable spot, as it sits beneath the aurora oval, a belt where the display is most intense. It's a small village with a national park, which means light pollution is minimal, providing clear, dark skies ideal for spotting the lights.

The weather in Abisko tends to be clearer compared to other areas, thanks to the "blue hole" - a patch of sky above Lake Torneträsk that usually remains clear regardless of weather around it.

And there's more to Abisko than just Northern Lights. You can take a chairlift to the Aurora Sky Station, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and the lights themselves. Don't forget to try the local delicacy, reindeer meat, which is commonly served in local restaurants.

Getting to Abisko takes some planning - it is relatively remote location and transportation is limited. Trains do run from Swedish cities, but irregularly. Also, the Northern Lights are not guaranteed. They depend on solar activity and clear skies, which can be unpredictable. For the best chance, visit between November and March, when the nights are longest.

If you're prepared to brave the cold and venture into the Arctic Circle, Abisko might be your best bet to catch the celestial dance of the Northern Lights.

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National parks in Sweden, Nordic nature

Article from February 2024 with 10 places

Lapland's wilderness and "Lapporten" gateway

Abisko National Park is located in Norrbotten County in Lapland, one of Sweden's first national parks inaugurated in 1909 after more than 30 years of lobbying.

The park is characterized most by the famous Lapporten, marking the entrance to vast wilderness and the northern mountain world. During both summer and winter, you can hike or ski through the valley on the Kungsleden trail, and maybe take the green or white ribbon.

What sets Abisko apart is its unique geographical position, often providing ideal conditions for observing the mesmerizing Northern Lights. The clear, crisp nights in Abisko make it a prime location for catching this celestial display, adding an enchanting dimension to the park's appeal.

Abisko's landscapes feature Scandinavia's largest mountain lake, captivating waterfalls, and birch-clad hills. Visitors can relish the experience of being surrounded by unspoiled nature while exploring the park's diverse ecosystems.

In addition to its natural wonders, Abisko houses the Abisko Scientific Research Station, offering insights into the Arctic environment. This convergence of scientific exploration and pristine wilderness makes Abisko a multifaceted destination, inviting all who venture here to partake in the remarkable stories etched into its landscapes.

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