Abisko is a small village that offers easy access to some of Swedish Lapland’s most impressive natural scenery. Hike the world’s longest marked trail, visit local indigenous villages and try to spot the iconic northern lights.
The village of Abisko is home to less than 100 permanent residents. A large grocery store provides essentials, with many people crossing the border from Norway to do their shopping here. Start your exploration at the STF Abisko Mountain Station, where you can learn more about the area and the accommodation options found here.
Look for Lapporten, a natural “gate” formed by the U-shaped mountain tops nearby. The symbolic gateway to Lapland, Lapporten is used as a landmark by the indigenous Sami people to guide their herds of reindeer.
The village is an ideal starting point for discovering stunning Abisko National Park. Enjoy long hikes through this dramatic wilderness terrain. If you time your visit right, you may catch a glimpse of the northern lights in the park’s clear skies. Explore the national park on cross-country skis or camp overnight.
Hike or take a cable car up to the Aurora Sky Station on Mount Njulla for a wonderful perspective over the surrounding landscape. Relax with a coffee and a delicious Nordic meal at the station’s café.
The famous Kungsleden (King’s Trail) starts at Abisko, with most travelers setting off to explore the park from this point. Follow this trail along a 270-mile (430-kilometer) route, which passes through several different national parks. The trail is marked by bridges, paths and signs and the Swedish Tourist Association provides amenities periodically along the way.
Take a tour to a local village, where indigenous Sami people still live according to the traditions of their ancestors. See their traditional huts, called lavvu, and watch the techniques they use to herd reindeer.
Find Abisko 53 miles (86 kilometers) northwest of Kiruna, from where it’s easily accessible by bus or train. Kiruna Airport has daily connections with Stockholm.
Enjoy the pristine natural scenery surrounding this secluded town.
