Experience the majestic Auroras Kiruna-Abisko & lodge dinner

Planning a trip to Swedish Lapland? If chasing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, this tour offers a wonderfully balanced mix of comfort, local flavor, and stunning scenery. We haven’t personally taken it, but based on detailed reviews and the detailed itinerary, this experience seems like a smart choice for travelers who want more than just a fleeting glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.

What makes it stand out? First, the Lapland-inspired two-course dinner served in a cozy lodge sets a warm tone before heading out. Second, the guided aurora chase on scenic roads with local experts enhances your chances of seeing the lights—plus, the included photographs help preserve those memories. One thing to consider: the tour is weather-dependent, and if cloud cover or snowstorms roll in, the spectacle might be elusive. Still, this experience suits those who value comfort, local culture, and good company while waiting for the sky’s celestial show.

If you love combining nature with comfortable surroundings, enjoy cultural touches like local food, and appreciate expert guides who can help you capture photos of the Aurora, this is likely a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Comfortable transport: Pickup from Kiruna hotels and scenic minivan rides to prime Aurora viewing spots.
• Authentic dining: Lapland-inspired two-course dinner served at a charming lodge offers a taste of local flavors.
• Expert guidance: Guides select viewing locations based on real-time weather and sky conditions, increasing your chances of sighting the lights.
• Photo memories: You’ll receive photographs of your evening, making it easier to relive the experience later.
• All gear included: Arctic clothes, down jackets, pants, and winter boots are provided to keep you warm.
• Flexible booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve-now, pay-later options add flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Look at the Experience

This tour combines several elements that together create a compelling, value-packed adventure. It begins with hotel pickup in Kiruna around 17:30-17:45, which means you won’t need to worry about finding your way. The transfer is smooth, with clear instructions on timing—being punctual helps ensure you don’t miss out. The small-group atmosphere (though the exact group size isn’t specified) likely means more personalized attention from guides.

The Lodge Setting: Máttaráhkká Northern Lights Lodge

The core of the experience is the cozy lodge, which offers an inviting atmosphere after a day in the cold. Many reviews praise the delicious local dishes served here, noting the two-course dinner as both hearty and flavorful. The lodge’s large windows and open views towards the mountains mean you can often glimpse the aurora right from the doorstep if luck is on your side.

One reviewer mentions, “The food in the tipi was delicious, and we really enjoyed it,” highlighting that the setting adds a cultural touch and warmth to the evening. The lodge itself functions as a comfortable base—if the skies are clear, you might even see the lights without leaving.

The Aurora Chase: Scenic, Guided, and Flexible

After dinner, the real adventure begins. You’ll board a heated minivan for a scenic drive along the roads between Kiruna and Abisko National Park, one of the world’s top locations for aurora sightings. Guided by experienced locals, you’ll visit the most promising spots based on real-time weather updates—this increases your chances of seeing the northern lights, a factor many travelers find worth the extra effort.

Reviewers mention the guides’ kindness and knowledge, with one saying, “Rachel was friendly, knowledgeable, and made good photos for us.” The focus on photography is a nice touch, especially for those eager to capture the moment. You’ll also receive a set of professional photographs of your evening, a valuable keepsake beyond the fleeting display in the sky.

What to Expect on the Night

The evening lasts around 5 hours, making it a well-paced experience without being too exhausting. The scenic drive offers chances to see snow-covered forests, mountains, and maybe even reindeer—one reviewer found a reindeer during a night excursion.

Weather can be unpredictable, especially in winter, so some nights might not produce a visible aurora. However, the guides’ expertise in selecting locations can make all the difference. Many reviews highlight lucky sightings of strong auroras and shooting stars, adding excitement to the evening.

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The Practicalities: Gear, Flexibility, and Value

The tour includes arctic gear—down jackets, pants, and winter boots—removing one more anxiety about staying warm. For travelers unfamiliar with Arctic conditions, this is a real plus. The cost reflects the experience’s inclusiveness: pickup, dinner, guide, photos, and gear make for a convenient, single-price package that’s often better value than piecemeal arrangements.

The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing full refunds if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, which adds peace of mind in uncertain winter conditions.

Authentic Experiences People Love

From genuine reviews, it’s clear guides like Rachel are a highlight—friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, making the experience more personable. Many guests appreciate the opportunity to learn about the Aurora Borealis, with one noting, “My son and I had a great time and learned a lot about taking pictures of it.” The delicious local food and the chance to see the lights from the lodge itself also stand out as major pluses.

Some travelers went beyond the basic tour, opting for snowmobile excursions or reindeer encounters, showing that these experiences can be part of a broader Arctic adventure. The small, intimate group size and expert advice seem to foster genuine memories and photo-worthy moments.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want a reliable chance to see the Northern Lights without sacrificing comfort. It’s great for families with older children (over 12), couples celebrating a winter getaway, or solo travelers who enjoy guided adventures. If you’re after a well-rounded evening with good food, warm gear, and knowledgeable guides, this tour hits the mark.

However, those who prefer a highly flexible, self-guided chase might find it a bit structured. Also, since the tour is weather-dependent, anyone with very tight travel schedules should be prepared for the possibility of schedule adjustments or cancellations.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-organized, comfortable way to experience one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena. The combination of local cuisine, expert guiding, scenic drives, and photo opportunities makes it stand out among Arctic excursions. The cozy lodge setting adds a special touch, making it more than just a night outside—it’s a memorable Arctic evening with all the essentials handled for you.

If you’re eager to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis while enjoying genuine local flavors and comfort, this experience is a great choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate guided tours that blend culture, scenery, and nature in a single evening. The knowledgeable guides, delicious food, and real-time location choices mean you’re in good hands, whatever the night sky delivers.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is recommended for travelers over 12 years old, so it’s best suited for older children and teenagers who can stay warm and enjoy the guided experience.

What should I wear?
The tour provides arctic clothing, including down jackets, pants, and winter boots, so you don’t need to pack special winter gear. Still, it’s good to wear warm layers underneath and bring a hat, gloves, and thermal socks for extra comfort.

Can I see the Northern Lights from the lodge?
Yes, if the sky is clear, you might see the aurora right from the lodge’s large open views towards the mountains.

What if the weather isn’t clear?
The guides choose the best viewing spots based on real-time weather conditions, but if clouds or snowstorms block the sky, the aurora might not be visible. The guided chase maximizes your chances but doesn’t guarantee sightings.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts around 5 hours, starting around 17:30-17:45 with pickup and ending back in Kiruna around midnight or slightly later.

Is the tour refundable?
No, this tour is non-refundable, but you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

This tour offers a cozy, scenic, and guided route to witness the Northern Lights, perfect for those seeking a memorable Arctic evening with local flavor and expert help. Whether you’re after stunning photos, cultural insights, or just a good chance to see the Aurora, it’s an experience worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: