Swedish Lapland, Sweden · Trip plan

4 days in Abisko & Kiruna

The 'blue hole' for northern lights and the original Icehotel.

Best time
Dec – Mar
Ideal length
4 days
A day, mid-range
$350 per person
Trip for two
about $2,800

Planning a 4-day trip to Abisko & Kiruna? Here's a day-by-day Abisko & Kiruna itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

Abisko sits in a rain shadow with famously clear skies, giving some of the best aurora odds on earth, and the Icehotel is rebuilt each December.

Abisko is a tiny village in Swedish Lapland, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, famous for clear skies and the northern lights. Kiruna nearby is a mining town and gateway to the Icehotel.

  1. Jan: a good time to go
  2. Feb: a good time to go
  3. Mar: a good time to go
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec: a good time to go

December to March: -20 to -5°C.

Don't miss

Best things to do in Abisko & Kiruna

  • 01

    Aurora Sky Station

    A chairlift up Mount Nuolja for aurora viewing.

  • 02

    Icehotel

    A hotel carved from Torne River ice in Jukkasjärvi.

  • 03

    Dog sledding

    Mushing across frozen lakes.

  • 04

    Sámi culture

    Reindeer herding and joik songs.

Day by day

Abisko & Kiruna itinerary for 4 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Kiruna and the Icehotel

    Morning
    Fly into Kiruna and transfer to Jukkasjärvi.
    Afternoon
    Tour the Icehotel's ice art suites and the Icebar.
    Evening
    Overnight in a warm room or a cold ice room.

    Even if you don't sleep there, day tours are excellent.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Huskies

    Morning
    Drive your own dog sled across frozen lakes and forest.
    Afternoon
    Visit a Sámi reindeer camp and learn about their culture.
    Evening
    Train to Abisko.

    Wear the provided thermal suits.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Aurora Sky Station

    Morning
    Snowshoe in Abisko National Park and the frozen canyon.
    Afternoon
    Rest and warm up.
    Evening
    Chairlift up to the Aurora Sky Station for the northern lights.

    Clear skies are most likely here.

  4. D4

    Day 4: Home

    Morning
    A last snowy walk.
    Afternoon
    Train to Kiruna.
    Evening
    Fly home.

    Keep a buffer for winter delays.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Abisko & Kiruna in 3, 4 or 6 days

3 days in Abisko & Kiruna

Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

6 days in Abisko & Kiruna

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.

What it costs

Abisko & Kiruna trip budget

StylePer person, a day4 days for two
Budget$180$1,440
Mid-range$350$2,800
Luxury$800+$6,400

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Abisko & Kiruna is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Abisko & Kiruna for every budget

  • Budget

    Abisko Guesthouse

    Abisko

    Cosy cabins near the park.

    from $120 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    STF Abisko Turiststation

    Abisko

    The classic mountain lodge.

    from $220 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    Icehotel

    Jukkasjärvi

    Sleep at -5°C in an ice suite.

    from $600 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Abisko & Kiruna

  • Reindeer stew

    Suovas, smoked reindeer, in a lavvu tent.

  • Arctic char

    From local lakes.

  • Cloudberry jam

    On pancakes or ice cream.

Getting there

How to reach Abisko & Kiruna

Travel
Fly to Kiruna via Stockholm; Abisko is 1.5 hours by train or car.
Getting around
Trains link Kiruna and Abisko; tours include transfers.
  • Book the Aurora Sky Station in advance.
  • Dress in wool layers; it can be -30°C.

Before you go

What to pack for Abisko & Kiruna

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Thermals, gloves and a woollen cap
  • Waterproof boots
  • A small first-aid kit
  • A reusable water bottle
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Abisko & Kiruna trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Abisko & Kiruna?

4 days are enough to see the highlights: Aurora Sky Station, Icehotel, Dog sledding. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 4-day Abisko & Kiruna trip cost?

Roughly $180 a day per person on a budget, $350 mid-range and $800+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $2,800 for 4 days.

What is the best time to visit Abisko & Kiruna?

Dec – Mar. Abisko sits in a rain shadow with famously clear skies, giving some of the best aurora odds on earth, and the Icehotel is rebuilt each December.

Where should I stay in Abisko & Kiruna?

Budget: Abisko Guesthouse (Abisko), from about $120 a night. Mid-range: STF Abisko Turiststation (Abisko), from about $220 a night. Luxury: Icehotel (Jukkasjärvi), from about $600 a night.

How do I reach Abisko & Kiruna?

Fly to Kiruna via Stockholm; Abisko is 1.5 hours by train or car.

Is 3 days enough for Abisko & Kiruna?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 4 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Abisko & Kiruna?

December to March: -20 to -5°C.

What food should I try in Abisko & Kiruna?

Reindeer stew: Suovas, smoked reindeer, in a lavvu tent. Arctic char: From local lakes. Cloudberry jam: On pancakes or ice cream.

How do I get around Abisko & Kiruna?

Trains link Kiruna and Abisko; tours include transfers.

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