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.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- D4
Day 4: Home
- Morning
- A last snowy walk.
- Afternoon
- Train to Kiruna.
- Evening
- Fly home.
Keep a buffer for winter delays.
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
| Style | Per person, a day | 4 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
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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