Aurora Sky Station

Situated deep inside Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland, the Aurora Sky Station—also called Abisko Sky Station—is widely regarded as one of the world’s top destinations for viewing the northern lights.

The best viewing season runs from November to March, when long Arctic nights create dark, clear skies that maximize the chances of seeing the aurora borealis. Visitors can also stay at Abisko Mountain Station, a unique accommodation option available through Discover the World in the UK.

One of the best aurora viewing locations

The Aurora Sky Station benefits from a rare natural advantage: local wind patterns often push clouds away from the area, resulting in exceptionally clear skies. Combined with its remote mountain location, this means there is virtually no light pollution, creating ideal conditions for aurora observation on many nights—weather and solar activity permitting.

To reach the station, visitors take a scenic chairlift ride up the mountains. The journey itself is peaceful and atmospheric, with star-filled skies and Arctic silence surrounding you.

At the summit, there is a large outdoor viewing platform designed for watching the northern lights. Indoors, guests can warm up by a fire while still enjoying panoramic views through large windows. Facilities also include a cozy restaurant offering three-course meals and a small exhibition about the northern lights.

Because of the cold Arctic environment, warm layered clothing is essential, especially when staying outside for extended periods of aurora viewing.

How to get there

Travelers typically fly to Kiruna via Stockholm to reach Swedish Lapland. From Kiruna, it is approximately a 1.5-hour transfer through scenic wilderness to Abisko.

It is also possible to include a visit to the Aurora Sky Station as part of a northern lights excursion while staying at the famous Icehotel. Our travel team can help arrange this option.

Staying in Abisko

Guests can stay overnight at Abisko Mountain Station, the only hotel located within Abisko National Park and exclusive to Discover the World clients. The property overlooks Lake Torneträsk and is conveniently close to the chairlift leading up to the Aurora Sky Station.

After a night of aurora watching, the hotel bar offers a warm, comfortable place to relax with a drink while taking in the Arctic surroundings.