Things to see and do on a trip to Abisko

The Swedish region of Lapland is a wild, cold-dominated wilderness, where breathtaking mountains and crystal-clear lakes are undisturbed by the absence of human action. There is much to see in the Abisko National Park, where the essence of Sweden at its most natural is palpable, with flora and fauna leaving awe-inspiring landscapes that will leave no one who decides to venture into this territory indifferent.

If you want to discover remote, untouched wilderness, glacial rivers and unique hiking trails, a trip to Abisko is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll also be able to see the breathtaking northern lights from Mount Nuolja, as well as spot the majestic moose that inhabit the area. Today we tell you all there is to see and do in Abisko.

What are the best places to see in Abisko?

1. The Abisko Canyon

In the spectacular melting pot of wilderness throughout Abisko Park, there is one place to see that stands out in particular: the Abisko Canyon. Visiting it is a unique experience, which can be enjoyed in a variety of ways depending on the weather and the season of the year you are in.

If you approach the remote Abisko during the summer or times when the cold isn’t so severe, you’ll find a real spectacle where nature will thrill you, with the green hues of the local flora and animals scurrying about. The Abisko Canyon (or Abiskojåkka) flows into Lake Torneträsk and to get there, it is recommended that you take the riverside route, which will allow you to enjoy the unique scenery that nature has to offer.

It is a route that is recommended to all travellers, as it is very easy to do and has a particularly easy access, adapted to all types of hikers. Along the route there are numerous explanations of all the various types of flora and fauna one can encounter along the way, so it’s definitely something to add to your list of things to see in Abisko.

2. Route to Lake Rissajaure

Among the other fantastic routes to see Abrisko and the surrounding area, the trail that leads to Lake Rissajaure stands out. This is a true natural wonder, with winding paths interspersed with rocky landscapes and tributaries of the river that flow out of the Kärkevagge Valley.

While it’s truly impressive and definitely worth adding to your list of things to do in Abrisko, the route to the lake is a more challenging trek than the Abisko Canyon: it will take you between 7 and 8 hours to complete the entire route, which is approximately 12 kilometres long. The route starts at the railway tracks, which are often used by huge goods trains carrying iron ore from Kiruna.

All along the route to Rissajaure you can find remnants of Sami civilisations, as well as many animals that are part of the ecosystem, including the elusive reindeer that were bred by the Sami for centuries. In addition, the distinctive colour of the meadows and mountains makes for an eye-catching visual spectacle, culminating in the arrival at Rissajaure Lake, also known as the ‘lake of the trolls’

3. Aurora Sky Station and Mt. Nuolja

As you may know, in the region of Swedish Lapland where Abisko is located, it’s not uncommon for travellers to venture out to try and witness the spectacular light phenomenon that is the Northern Lights. To this end, there are a few spots created by locals to better appreciate the aurora bolearis that can be seen in Abisko, such as the Aurora Sky Station.

The Aurora Sky Station is located on Mount Nuolja, a place near Abisko Park, where in the summer months, especially in the summer months, there are trips on the chairlifts to the top of the mountain, where the Aurora Sky Station is located, a perfectly designed viewing platform for viewing the northern lights.

It’s a perfect spot not only to enjoy the northern lights (if you’re lucky enough to see them on your trip) but also to marvel at the panoramic views of the entire Abisko National Park landscape; a truly nuanced natural picture of breathtaking mountains and vegetation.

4. Winter excursions in Abisko Park

If you venture into the remote Abisko Park during the winter season, you’ll discover a very different Sweden, with fewer daylight hours and a temperature that challenges both body and mind. You’ll also witness some of the most breathtaking scenery to be seen in Abisko, as well as enjoy a range of activities that can only be seen at this time of year.

Of course, the most striking attraction of visiting Abisko at this time of year is the Northern Lights, which are a unique natural event that can only be witnessed in certain parts of the areas closest to the polar circles. In addition, as the temperatures drop, other characteristic elements of these areas also appear, such as the majestic moose, a majestic animal that is rarely seen and for this reason different tours are organised to see them.

If you’re a thrill-seeker, a snowmobile tour is a great option. It’s a very pleasant sensation, as you’ll be able to appreciate the white-tinted landscape that characterises this time of year. You can also hire equipment such as skis or snowshoes, which will allow you to continue to enjoy hiking during the cold winter.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to see in and around Abisko?

Kiruna, a town to see in Swedish Lapland

About an hour’s drive from Abisko, there is one particular town that leaves no traveller indifferent, and which is home to the world’s most gigantic iron ore mine. This town is called Kiruna and is one of the best things to see on your tour of northern Sweden.

There is much to see in and around Kiruna, as it is in an unbeatable position, with impressive mountains and the Northern Lights being the distinctive features. In addition, the town of Kiruna has a unique charm that has been preserved since the Sami people roamed the land.

Among the most notable buildings in the village is the Kiruna Church, a building that draws on art nouveau and Sami tradition. If you’re interested in learning more about Sami culture and heritage, there’s a museum explaining more about their history right in the centre of town. And of course, if you go further afield you’ll find the famous Ice Hotel, an ephemeral building that is made entirely of ice and is simply breathtaking.

What to see in Abisko in 1 day?

The truth is that Abisko is a region that lends itself to exploration, to discovering every secret hidden among its mountains, valleys, rivers and trails. But if you’re short on time to explore Abisko National Park, we’ve put together a brief itinerary of the must-see things to do in Abisko in just 1 day.

First of all, we recommend you head to Abisko Canyon, especially if you’re travelling at a time when the park is not yet snowed in. It’s a very simple and accessible route that will allow you to experience the essence of the land first-hand without going too deep into the terrain.

If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed and want to see the stunning northern lights, take the chairlift to the top of Mount Nuolja, where you’ll find the Aurora Sky Station, the perfect place to do just that.

Where to stay in Abisko?

Sometimes planning everything that goes into a trip can be a bit tiring, so to make your stay much more enjoyable, we’ve put together a list of some accommodation for your days in Abisko:

• Abisko Mountain Lodge:A few metres from Abisko train station is this charming, rustic-style lodge with all the essentials for a dream stay. Prices are usually around €300 for two nights.
• Abisko Guesthouse & Activities: Another fantastic country house to stay in, with the train station close by and different flats to stay in for privacy. The price is around €148 for a weekend.
• Abisko Hostel: A humble hostel with all the essentials for a comfortable stay. It is priced at approximately 180€ for two people for two nights.

Where and what to eat in Abisko?

Sweden’s cuisine is undoubtedly one of the main attractions of travelling to the country. That’s why we’ve put together a recommendation of a few places where you can enjoy it on your visit to Abisko. While it’s true that there aren’t too many options for eating out in Abisko, apart from the restaurants in the accommodation, there is one place in particular that stands out in the town.

This is Brasserie Fjällköket, a Swedish and Scandinavian restaurant, where you can enjoy the star dishes of this wonderful and surprising cuisine. They also have an excellent collection of wines that will surprise anyone. It’s surprising that such a place can be found in this remote location, so don’t hesitate to visit if you’re in the area.

What should I consider before travelling to Abisko?

• The official currency of Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK).
• The best time to travel to Abisko is from May to September, although it will depend on the type of activities you want to do.
• There are many establishments where cash is not accepted.
• The tap water is safe to drink.
• From Spain you don’t need a visa. With the DNI is enough.
• Be covered for medical emergencies: travel with insurance.
• The country is generally very safe, but just in case, be careful with your belongings.
• For public transport, it’s best to download the Skånetrafiken app.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Abisko?

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add suggestions from the app to it.
• Add the stops you’re most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
• There are card-only restaurants.
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make any modifications you need to make and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travellers what to see in Abisko.

If you have any doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Abisko