Aurora Sky Station Abisko
Ascend Mount Nuolja via chairlift for unparalleled Northern Lights viewing at this mountaintop observatory.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Prime aurora viewing season
Aurora Sky Station Abisko
Best Time
Prime aurora viewing season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend Mount Nuolja via chairlift for unparalleled Northern Lights viewing at this mountaintop observatory.
"The chair lift ride through the dark to the top of the mountain was the most amazing part of the trip."
🧥 Warm Gear is Essential
You'll be provided with thermal suits, but dress in layers underneath. It gets extremely cold on the chairlift! :snowflake:
📅 Book Tickets in Advance
Aurora Sky Station Abisko tickets sell out fast, especially during peak season. Book online early! :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chairlift Ride to the Summit
Base of the Sky Station
An adventurous ascent through the dark, offering breathtaking views and a unique start to your aurora hunt.
Northern Lights Viewing
Summit of the Sky Station
The primary draw! Witness the magical dance of the aurora borealis in a prime viewing location.
Cozy Sky Station Cafe
Summit of the Sky Station
Warm up with a drink and enjoy the panoramic views while waiting for the aurora to appear.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Aurora Viewing
Understand Transportation Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Questions about Abisko and Aurora Sky Station
🧥 Warm Gear is Essential
You'll be provided with thermal suits, but dress in layers underneath. It gets extremely cold on the chairlift! :snowflake:
📅 Book Tickets in Advance
Aurora Sky Station Abisko tickets sell out fast, especially during peak season. Book online early! :ticket:
question about logistics of traveling abisko/kiruna
Tips to see Northern Lights in Abisko.
🚶♀️ Plan Your Transport
Confirm how to get to the meeting point and back. Taxis can be scarce late at night. :bus:
☕ Cafe for Warmth
The cafe at the top is a cozy spot to warm up between aurora viewings. :coffee:
What is the cheapest way to see aurora in Scandinavia?
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Warm Gear is Essential
You'll be provided with thermal suits, but dress in layers underneath. It gets extremely cold on the chairlift! :snowflake:
📅 Book Tickets in Advance
Aurora Sky Station Abisko tickets sell out fast, especially during peak season. Book online early! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Plan Your Transport
Confirm how to get to the meeting point and back. Taxis can be scarce late at night. :bus:
☕ Cafe for Warmth
The cafe at the top is a cozy spot to warm up between aurora viewings. :coffee:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
If hiking to the base, wear professional shoes. Paths can be imprecise. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magical experience of seeing the Northern Lights from the Aurora Sky Station Abisko, often calling the chairlift ride a highlight. The cozy station and cafe provide comfort, though some travelers found the pre-visit logistics and transportation information confusing and stressful. Despite these challenges, the aurora itself makes the trip worthwhile for most.
"Amazing hike, it rained a bit but clear views and fresh water too! The cafe is great!"
Tapiwa Yemeke
"Overall, after it was all said and done, we had an amazing experience. But the lead-up to it was pretty stressful and confusing. We only participated in the activity--we didn't stay at the Turistation hotel, so we only had the information we received via email and on the confirmation to go on. There needs to be better instructions on how to get to the Turistation and what to expect on the tour. We thought the only way to get from Abisko Mountain Lodge to the Turistation was to take a taxi, but we learned later that there were other options. Our taxi fell through so we had to WALK-45 minutes in the freezing cold. We were not expecting that. The Google map took us to the train station, not the hotel, so we ended up walking an extra 20 minutes. Getting home was really stressful. I couldn't find a taxi company that would pick us up at 01:30 and had NO IDEA there was a BUS!!! The tour details only say that the tour ends at 01:30. It doesn't say anywhere that you can end the tour whenever you want! We saw options for transportation between 23:30 and midnight but didn't think those would be options for us since the tour wasn't supposed to end until after 01:00. It wasn't clearly stated that we would be given a thermal suit to wear. I figured it out at the last minute but it wasn't clear if there would be storage space for any items we wanted or needed to remove before putting on the suit. I tried emailing STF with my questions but the responses weren't helpful. The transportation bit is key! We were so stressed that we wouldn't be able to get to the meeting point on time and that we might forfeit our tour and the HIGH COST as well. We ended up having to walk back to Abisko town at the end of the tour as well. It was SO COLD and not the easiest walk, even though the path is fairly well lit.
The food at the dinner was delicious and we met some nice people sitting at the long table. The sky station is super cozy and warm inside, so it's the ideal place to be able to pop outside to see the lights when/if they happen, and then pop back inside when you get cold. The chair lift experience was quite an adventure, too. We got lucky and saw lights on our night, so that made the entire experience worth it."
Eleven Roe
"Great experience. Reached there by cable chair lift during mid-summer time, single digit temperature. I can see the beautiful lake; I can feel the snow on the mountain which is melting slowly. Good for hiking, but need professional shoes and maps, paths showing on Google Maps are not precise enough."
Wei Gao
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Aurora Sky Station Abisko is accessed via a chairlift from the STF Abisko Turiststation. You can reach the Turiststation by bus or taxi from Abisko village. Some visitors have reported confusion with directions, so double-check your route and meeting point beforehand.
Parking is available at the STF Abisko Turiststation, which is the base for the chairlift. From there, you'll take the chairlift up to the Sky Station.
Options include taxis, walking, or local buses to the STF Abisko Turiststation. Be aware that taxis can be difficult to secure late at night for the return journey.
You can walk to the base of the chairlift at the STF Abisko Turiststation. The chairlift is the primary way to reach the Sky Station itself. Some reviews mention walking long distances due to transportation issues.
The chairlift ride to the Sky Station takes approximately 20 minutes. Factor in travel time to the STF Abisko Turiststation and any waiting time for the chairlift.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for the Aurora Sky Station Abisko, including the chairlift, can be purchased online in advance through the official STF website. Booking ahead is highly recommended as they can sell out.
A standard ticket typically includes the round-trip chairlift ride and access to the Sky Station. Some packages may include dinner or guided tours.
Yes, there are often different packages available, such as those including dinner at the Sky Station's cafe. Check the official website for the most current options.
Operating hours vary seasonally and are dependent on weather conditions. It's best to check the official STF Abisko website for the most up-to-date hours, especially for evening aurora viewing.
Refund policies can vary. It's advisable to check the terms and conditions when booking. Some tours may offer a partial refund or reschedule if the aurora is not visible due to weather.
📸 📸 Photography
For aurora photography, use a wide-angle lens, a tripod, and manual settings. Aim for a high ISO (e.g., 1600-3200), a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower), and a shutter speed of 5-20 seconds. Experimentation is key!
Yes, modern smartphones with good low-light capabilities can capture the aurora. Use night mode or manual settings if available, and always use a tripod or stable surface to avoid blur.
Abisko is known for its dark skies, making it an excellent location for aurora viewing and photography. The Sky Station itself has minimal light pollution.
Besides the aurora, you can capture stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Arctic landscape, the chairlift, and the station itself.
The Abisko Sky Station live camera feed is accessible online and doesn't require special equipment to view. If you're interested in the live camera, search for 'Abisko Sky Station live camera' online.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at the Aurora Sky Station that serves drinks and snacks. Some visitors also opt for the dinner package, which is served at the station.
The dinner at the Sky Station is often served family-style at long tables and features local ingredients. Reviews suggest it's delicious and a good opportunity to meet other visitors.
While you can bring snacks, the cafe is available for purchases. Bringing a full meal might not be practical given the chairlift access and the nature of the visit.
It's best to check with the cafe directly or inquire when booking a dinner package. Options may vary, but many Arctic destinations are increasingly offering plant-based choices.
Dinner packages are an additional cost on top of the chairlift ticket. Prices can vary, so it's recommended to check the official STF Abisko website for current pricing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Logistics are key for families. Plan your transportation to and from the STF Abisko Turiststation well in advance, especially for the return journey, to avoid any last-minute stress. Consider booking a dinner package if it fits your family's schedule, as it can be a convenient way to dine while enjoying the experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
If your primary goal is seeing the aurora on a budget, consider staying in Abisko village and looking for local tours or simply finding a dark spot away from artificial lights to observe the sky. The Sky Station offers a curated experience, but the aurora can be seen from many locations in the region with the right conditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Aurora Borealis
To maximize your chances, check the aurora forecast before your visit. The Sky Station often provides presentations about the aurora, adding an educational element to the experience. Remember to dress warmly, as even with provided thermal suits, the Arctic air can be biting. The anticipation of seeing the aurora, combined with the stunning natural surroundings, creates a truly unforgettable experience for many visitors.
The Chairlift Adventure
It's important to note that the chairlift is exposed, so wearing warm clothing is essential, even if you're provided with thermal suits at the station. The ride takes about 20 minutes, giving you ample time to soak in the incredible vistas. The staff at the chairlift station are generally described as lovely and helpful, contributing to the overall positive experience.
Practicalities and Visitor Experience
The Sky Station itself is described as cozy and warm, providing a welcome refuge from the cold. The cafe offers refreshments and a place to relax. While the primary goal is aurora viewing, the station also offers presentations about the Northern Lights. For those planning to hike in the area, especially outside of the chairlift access, sturdy hiking boots and reliable maps are recommended, as Google Maps may not always be precise.
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