The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Northern Lights Trip to Abisko & Björkliden

My first trip to see the Northern Lights was a last-minute decision, but I chose Abisko for a good reason: its reputation for low light pollution and being accessible without a car. I had a wonderful experience, and it’s a place that allows you to focus on the aurora without needing a dedicated “hunting” tour. Since then, I’ve done extensive research for a potential return trip, and I’m sharing all my tips and findings to help you plan your own.

The Scenic Journey to the Arctic Circle

Getting to Abisko can be an adventure in itself. I opted for the scenic overnight train, which was a fantastic way to save money and enjoy the stunning landscapes. The train fare was comparable to a flight, but I saved on a night of accommodation since I was sleeping anyway—a clever way to maximize my time and budget.

Getting from Stockholm to Abisko by Train

I took the Vy Norrland night train from Stockholm, a journey I’ll forever remember.

• The Route: I chose to take Train 92, which departed from Stockholm Central at 21:50, arriving in Boden at 10:03. From there, a connecting train (1031) took me to Abisko Östra, where I arrived at 15:56. There’s also an earlier option, Train 94, which departs Stockholm Central around 18:00 and arrives in Abisko Östra at a much earlier time, around 11:00. However, I preferred the later departure to give myself more time to enjoy Stockholm.
• Cost & Booking: A bed in a second-class sleeping compartment cost me 1,464 SEK in October 2023. These compartments sleep up to three passengers, and you can choose between women-only, men-only, or mixed compartments. It’s important to note that if you book a seat in a women’s or men’s compartment, it must match your legal gender. Each compartment has a sink, and you can select your preferred berth (upper, middle, or lower). During the day, the middle beds are folded to allow the lower beds to be used as sofas. Booking early is key to getting the best price! I booked my ticket just two weeks before my travel date, but for the cheapest, non-refundable fares, you should aim to book as early as possible—ideally around 90 days before you plan to travel. You can book directly on the official SJ website.
• Pro Tip: Both second- and first-class sleeping compartments include a free shower. While first-class has an en-suite shower, the second-class option is a shared facility located in the carriage, with towels included. You’ll receive a key card for access. A first-class ticket also comes with perks like breakfast, coffee, tea, and a wider bed. For those on a tighter budget, you can also book a regular seat. While some people find it uncomfortable to sleep upright, it is a valid option depending on your preference and budget. There are also some single seats available for booking.
• My Experience: The train change in Boden was also a great opportunity to get some fresh air and see the snowy landscape. I planned my trip so I could check out of my Stockholm hotel in the morning and take a shower on the train at the end of the day—a definite win-win!

Leaving Abisko for Narvik

When it was time to leave, I took a train from Abisko to Narvik, a Norwegian town that serves as a gateway for further travel.

• The Route: Train 94 departed Abisko Östra at 10:59 and arrived in Narvik at 12:35. It passed through the Abisko Turiststation, where many more passengers boarded.
• Best Views: While a seat on the right-hand side is said to offer the best views, the scenery is so stunning that many passengers, including myself, ended up standing by the windows to take it all in.
• Cost & Vibe: The ticket cost was just 139 SEK. I was lucky enough to get a seat in a small group of 10, which allowed me to enjoy the scenery in peace and quiet, without having to make small talk with other passengers. The scenery, with snow falling as we departed Abisko, was truly unforgettable.

A First-Hand Experience in Abisko

Abisko truly lived up to its reputation. I was lucky enough to see the Northern Lights on two of my three nights, right outside the guesthouse. I also enjoyed a beautiful day hike, showcasing the incredible natural surroundings.

The town of Abisko is a great base with a supermarket, Godisfabriken Abisko Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/godisfabbrikenabisko and Website: https://www.godisfabriken.se/) , and easy access to the train station (Abisko Östra). A key thing to note is that while some guesthouses welcome campervans and motorhomes, it seems that Abisko has a strict no-camping policy for these vehicles, meaning you’re not allowed to sleep in them and must book a proper room.

Note: Björkliden is located approximately 10 km from Abisko. This is a 10-minute drive or a 15-minute train ride. Keep in mind that train services between the two towns are limited, with only two trains per day.

Abisko Accommodation Options

Abisko Guesthouse & Activities: This was my home for three nights and a fantastic choice for a solo traveler. The 2-bunk bed rooms with shared bathrooms were clean, and the communal kitchen and dining room created a friendly atmosphere. My stay in October 2023 was incredibly cheap—around 650 SEK for 3 nights. They also offer apartment options.

Other Abisko Options:

• Abisko Cabin: A smaller, more rustic option that’s a great choice for budget-conscious travelers. It costs about 500 SEK per person, per night, and can accommodate up to four people. A key tip for booking: I found that their email, kontakt@abiskocabin.com, went unanswered. However, I got a quick response from Thomas, tawestin@telia.com after messaging them via WhatsApp at +46 706460660.
• Abisko net Hotel & Huskies: A popular choice for those interested in dog sledding, but it’s worth noting the showers are in a separate building.
• Abisko Airbnb: For those traveling in a group, this could be a great find. A three-night stay for up to four people costs about 25,758 THB (the price stays the same regardless of how many guests). It requires a minimum three-night booking and is a 10-minute drive from the national park.
• STF Abisko Turistation at Abisko National Park: The National Park itself offers a range of accommodations, though they tend to be slightly more expensive. The advantage is the proximity to the Aurora Sky Station and hiking trails. You can hike, drive, or take the train to the National Park from the main town.

Björkliden Accommodation Options

• Davvi Dállu Vandrarhem: A hostel option in Björkliden. It’s only open from March to May and June to September. I inquired about a booking for October and was told it was possible, but the entire property would need to be booked for 8,000 SEK per night.
• Björkliden Camping: If you’re traveling with your own gear, this is the closest campsite to Abisko that’s open in October. A spot costs 450 SEK per night with electricity.
• Kåppas Cabin Village: Another cabin option in Björkliden, managed by the same company as the campsite.

I hope my research helps you plan your own unforgettable Northern Lights trip with minimal stress!