Top 7 Things To Do In Abisko
Abisko in Sweden has a lot to offer, especially in winter time! If you head to Scandinavia this season, make sure to book one (or all) of these snowy experiences. From snowshoeing to dog sledding, check your future adventure in the beautiful Ar landscapes.
A seemingly forgotten town, the specialty of Abisko is its remoteness, giving visitors a true sense of discovery when they arrive there. With a population of 85 people…that’s right just 85 people, Abisko is part of the Lapland province in Sweden, north of the Arctic Circle. If your definition of being in the outdoors is interacting with nature, you must visit Abisko. The Arctic landscape, flora and fauna, are sights to behold for a lifetime and worth the travel.
Since there are no direct flights to Abisko, travelers must take a flight to Kiruna and then drive down to Abisko or take a train, which takes about an hour each. Those who have endured this journey, are great ambassadors of this outstanding piece of heaven on earth.
In this article, we will guide you through the various outdoor activities you can do in Abisko. Just like the landscape, even the activities are very unique in Abisko – from ice fishing to dog sledding!
Northern Lights Photography Tour
When it comes to creating an ambience, the northern lights photography tours in Abisko is the best activity on our list of things to do in Swedish Lapland. The activity takes place in Abisko National Park but you can meet your guide at STF Abisko Mountain Station (which is a 7-minute drive from Abisko or a 30 minute walk from Abisko).
The Northern Lights are on most people’s bucket list but viewing the stunning natural phenomenon from the Abisko National Park and exploring the National Park under the mystic green sky is truly unique. As you may know, the Aurora Lights can’t be viewed all year long, but you have a way higher chance to encounter them in Abisko than anywhere else, due to its tendency to have clear skies. During the activity, you will be accompanied by a professional and local photographer, who will brief you about the basics of photography. If you don’t have a camera, most guides will provide you with one, with a lens to capture and admire the Northern Lights for an entire lifetime.
Your guide will also share with you information about the solar system and the countless constellations above the Abisko National Park. While unravelling the mystery behind the dancing green light in the sky, your guide will also discuss the impact that strong solar storms and the auroras may have on modern society in the years to come.
Dog Sledding in the Arctic circle
Dog sledding in the Arctic circle is one of the best things to do in Abisko and the meeting point for this activity is usually near the Abisko Mountain Lodge, the Abisko Ostra Train Station, or directly from your accommodation. A convoy of dogs swiftly escort you through the Arctic circle as you embark on a beautiful journey in the ethereal snow-clad landscape. Dog-sledding is an age old practice to locomote practically, over long distances in this part of the world and is now practised recreationally. But what about the well-being of the dogs?
Well, the Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes, chosen for this activity are built to last for much longer distances and need to burn their excessive energy, which is almost like a burden to them. It doesn’t matter if it's your first time dog sledding, a brief training session and the presence of an instructor during the journey, allows you to take charge of your dog sled and ensures you a smooth ride on the soft snow. The activity lasts around 2 hours, depending on the instructor you go with. Being in control of the dogs, as you breathe in the fresh air, out in the open, you get a sense of unison with nature, which is very hard to recreate elsewhere.
Hiking in Abisko
If you’re a morning person there’s plenty of things to do in Abisko but what better way to start your day than to go for a morning hike in the Abisko National Park! The entrance to the National Park is just 5 mins by road from Abisko via the E10 Highway. The meeting point for this activity is STF Abisko Mountain Station, which is a 7-minute drive from Abisko or a 30 minute walk from Abisko (if you’d like to stretch your muscles before the hike).
The break of dawn in the Abisko National Park is a sight to behold with the light rays of sun reflecting off the thick layers of snow, consuming everything in sight. From frozen lakes, to white piles of snow in the form of mountains, there’s not a lack of distractions in the Abisko National Park. If Lady Luck is smiling on you, you might even make a few furry friends in the form of wild foxes, reindeer, mountain hares, and the majestic Scandinavian moose.
During the course of this spectacular adventure, your guide will take you on a local trail, which leads to the grand Abisko river canyon, which is often frozen, depending on what time of the year you’re there. Lake Torneträsk almost steals the limelight with its vast expanse and scenic surroundings. Your guide will share fascinating facts and knowledge about the area, local wildlife and indigenous people of the region.
Ice Fishing In Lake Torneträsk
Usually associated with a pensive activity, fishing in Abisko, comes with a bit of a twist. The fascination around the novelty of ice fishing in Abisko, distracts you from the mundane nature of fishing and puts it amongst one of the most exciting things to do in Abisko. Depending on where you’re staying in Abisko, your pickup timings for this activity may differ, but provided nevertheless.
As you may have already guessed, you can participate in the activity, without any sort of fishing experience, let alone ice fishing. The tools of a trade for this specific activity are fishing rods, warm clothes, bait and an ice drill! The ice drill is used to make a hole through the thick ice, allowing you access into the seemingly impossible to access lake. Now that you’re in, the patience game commences. The elusive, the legendary and the very tasty Arctic Char is on the menu but there’s a strict catch before you can cook policy, you must follow.
As you watch time pass by, sip on a hot and soothing beverage, to make up for the freezing cold. If it gets too cold, you can take refuge in your very own wooden hut, in front of a fireplace. Hopefully, you have earned your reward… it is now time to celebrate with the spoils of the victory.
Snowmobiling
Take the ultimate snowmobile tour through Abisko's backcountry! Travel the King's Trail, cross rivers and lakes, and stop along the way to enjoy a traditional Fika (a concept, a state of mind, an attitude and an important part of Swedish culture)!
This excursion is usually composed of maximum of 8 participants per tour, enabling a more personal connection with the guide. The guide will outfit you with all you need to operate the snowmobile safely and warmly before you set out. After that, they will demonstrate how to operate your snowmobile and some crucial hand signals.
You will have the chance to choose from a night snowmobiling excursion or a day tour! If you decide to book a night tour, it's another great way to catch the Northern Lights! The night tour will guide you through Björliden and Abisko, around lake Tornesträk, and up above the treeline for an optimized search for the aurora.
Ice climbing
You will learn about ice climbing on an icefall outside of Abisko during this trip. It will only take a short drive from your lodging to the site of your activity once your guide picks you up. When you arrive, the guide will give you a brief instruction on how to climb vertical ice and provide you with all the equipment you need for ice climbing.
Step onto the ice and ascend the 10-meter (32-ft) precipice after the instructions have been given! Engage your core during this chilly Arctic adventure and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and icefall. The region's dramatic ice formations and majestic frozen waterfalls provide challenging and exhilarating climbing experiences. Did you know that in the end of February, the Arctic Ice Festival takes places in Abisko? This festival is organised by the Arctic Guides and suits every ice climbing enthusiast, from beginner to the seasoned ice climbers. You will have the chance to get coaching by professionals as well as international climbers from all around the world!
Snowshoeing
Follow the trail through Abisko National Park during a snowshoeing excursion to explore new territory, find evidence of untamed wildlife, and take in some magical views of the Arctic!
Your local guide will identify the tracks left by wild animals in the snow as you proceed, giving you additional insight into the lives of the park's inhabitants. Mammals that live in this Arctic Wonderland include reindeer, moose, martens, and Arctic foxes. If you're lucky, you might even see some of these creatures. You will undoubtedly be able to enjoy some breathtaking views over the Lappish National Park and its magnificent pine forest, whether they reveal their faces or not.
Arctic adventure awaits...
If you’ve checked off all outdoor activities to do in Abisko, there are a bunch of awesome outdoor activities to do in Sweden that you should definitely check out as well! For instance, don't miss out on outdoor activities in Kiruna, which is just an hour’s drive from Abisko!