Abisko – Arctic Nature Between Hiking and Winter Experiences

Abisko combines a high-Arctic mountain landscape with birch forests, open heaths and meadows, as well as rugged, sparsely vegetated mountain areas. Abisko National Park also has one of the most species-rich plant worlds in the Swedish mountains. For families and other travel groups, this creates an unusual mix of grand natural scenery, short discoveries and more demanding activities.

Hiking between canyon, lake and panoramic views

The Kungsleden passes through the area and runs southwards between Lapporten, also known as Čuonjavággi, and Mount Njullá or Nuolja. Another striking experience is the Abiskoeatnu Canyon. The gorge lies near Naturum Abisko and the tourist station; a wooden walkway with railings runs along the canyon and opens up views of steep rock walls and clear water below. The national park also has an accessibility-adapted path along the canyon.

Those who want to compare different types of trails will find a relatively easy option in Hälsoslingan Fågelkullen. Roots, stones and some short steep climbs are nevertheless part of the route. The wind shelter on Fågelkullen offers wide-ranging views. Hälsoslingan Njakajauristigen passes through several habitat types in the national park. In summer, species such as mountain pasqueflower and Lapland rosebay may bloom there; the trail also offers views of the Abiskojokk and Lapporten.

A trail of about 1.2 kilometres each way leads to the shore of Torneträsk. In the surrounding birch heath, you can observe yellow wagtails and bluethroats. At the lake, there is an accessibility-adapted fire pit with benches and information about Torneträsk. Those planning a longer hike can follow the orange-marked trail and the Kungsleden for just under three kilometres to Marmorbrottet. Some marble was quarried there in the 19th century. A suspension bridge over the Nissonjohka also leads to the Nisson campsite.

Nature, history and Sámi insights

Naturum Abisko has a permanent exhibition on the flora and fauna, geology and history of Abisko National Park. In summer, guided tours and other activities are offered there. Samevistet presents a reconstruction of life in an autumn and spring settlement, with storage buildings, kåtas and drying racks. STF Abisko sells guided tours to this site. This allows you to complement a day of hiking with insights into natural history and cultural history.

Summer cable car, midnight sun and winter tours

The summer cable car reaches an altitude of 900 metres above sea level in about 20 minutes. From there, you can see the Abisko Alps, Lapporten and Torneträsk. Several hiking trails begin at the STF Aurora Sky Station. A guided midnight-sun hike leads from 900 metres to the summit of Nuolja at an altitude of 1,164 metres and includes a return cable-car ticket.

In winter, you can go ski touring from the Aurora Sky Station while seeing the Abisko Alps and Torneträsk. The “Glidaren” route descends southwards on a gentle gradient for a stretch towards Kårsavagge. Abisko Adventure offers guided ski tours for beginners as well as guided off-piste skiing in the Abisko mountains. The Aurora snowshoe hike includes snowshoes and hot drinks; along the way, you may see tracks left by mountain hares, ptarmigans, foxes, lemmings and, with a little luck, moose. Thanks to its location between the surrounding mountains, the national park is considered one of Sweden’s most reliable places for observing the Northern Lights.

Guidance for choosing your accommodation

When searching for a holiday apartment or holiday home, its location in relation to your own travel plans is a useful starting point. Abisko turist railway station is located in Abisko National Park, about 800 metres from STF Abisko Turiststation and the Naturum Abisko visitor centre. This makes it easier to plan if you want to combine exhibitions, guided activities and hikes. At the tourist station, a shop sells and rents outdoor clothing and equipment. The Fjällinformationen in Abisko provides tips for tours in the surrounding area from experienced guides. There is also a wood-fired sauna on the shore of Torneträsk, about one kilometre from the tourist station. The Kungsleden restaurant at the tourist station uses local ingredients wherever possible.

If you would like to compare other places beyond Abisko, you can find Lannavaara, Riksgränsen, Vittangi, Karesuando, Björkliden and Kiruna here.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Kiruna.