The Northern Lights are one of nature’s most spectacular shows – and northern Sweden is one of the best places on Earth to experience them. From September to March, the skies above Swedish Lapland come alive in shimmering shades of green, pink and violet. Here's how to make the most of your aurora-hunting adventure.
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, first appear in and around Kiruna in early September. As autumn darkens into winter, streaks of green, pink and purple begin to dance across the sky. By January, when winter is at its peak, the Northern Lights can often be seen throughout Swedish Lapland – a vast region covering nearly a quarter of the country. The season typically ends in late March, although sightings may sometimes continue into early April.
The long, dark winter nights attract visitors from around the world, hoping to witness this mesmerising natural display. On clear evenings, the best time to see the Northern Lights in Sweden is between 6 pm and 2 am, with the most intense activity typically occurring around 10 pm to 11 pm.
While northern Sweden, in general, and Abisko, in particular, offer the most reliable conditions, the Northern Lights can occasionally be seen across the country, even as far south as Skåne under optimal conditions.
And if you're planning a trip this winter, you're in luck – the Sun is currently nearing the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, a phase that increases the chances of seeing the Northern Lights more frequently and more vividly across Sweden.
1. Visit during the darker months. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Sweden is from early September to late March, when the nights are longest and darkest.
2. Travel north of the Arctic Circle. While auroras can occasionally be spotted further south, your chances are far greater in northern Sweden – especially in and around Kiruna and Abisko.
3. Leave the city lights behind. Light pollution can dim the display, so head out into the countryside or join a guided tour to a remote location with wide, open skies.
4. Watch the weather – and the solar forecast. Clear, cloudless skies are essential, so check the local weather forecast. There are also several apps that track solar activity and predict aurora visibility.
5. Book a guided Northern Lights tour. Joining a local expert increases your chances of success – and they’ll often share tips on how to photograph the aurora, too.
Northern Lights in Gällivare
The Northern Lights season in Gällivare, Swedish Lapland, is long, often beginning in early autumn when the skies grow dark.
Photo: Magnus Winbjörk/Gällivare
Northern Lights in Gällivare
Photo: Magnus Winbjörk/Gällivare
Northern Lights over Östersund
Photo: Göran Strand/Visit Östersund
Northern Lights in Stockholm
Photo: Jann Lipka/imagbeank.sweden.se
Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland
Photo: Hjalmar Andersson/imagebank.sweden.se
Northern Lights in Värmland
Photo: Anders Tedeholm/imagebank.sweden.se
Northen Lights in Sundsvall
Photo: David Schreiner/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se
The Northern Lights are a unique natural phenomenon created when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere. The colour variations depend on which gas particles are involved – low-altitude oxygen produces the most common green light, while oxygen higher up creates shades of red. Nitrogen, meanwhile, gives off hues of blue and violet.
The result is a magical sight as vibrant colours snake across the night sky, shifting and swirling as if dancing to some unheard music.
The Latin name, aurora borealis, translates to ‘dawn of the north’, with Aurora being the Roman goddess of the dawn. Steeped in myth and wonder, the Northern Lights have captivated people worldwide for thousands of years.
The Sámi – the Indigenous people of northern Sweden – believed the lights were the souls of the dead. You weren’t supposed to sing, whistle or wave at them, as this could be seen as disrespectful and cause the lights to dip down and carry you away. The Vikings, on the other hand, thought the Northern Lights were Valkyries riding across the sky to guide fallen warriors to Valhalla, where they would join Odin, the chief god.
Widely considered one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, Abisko is a bucket list destination for aurora seekers. Thanks to its location between surrounding mountains, Abisko National Park often enjoys clear skies even when nearby areas are cloudy, earning it a reputation as one of Sweden’s most reliable spots for viewing the Northern Lights.
For an elevated experience, take the chairlift up to the Aurora Sky Station. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views from the observation tower, explore the Northern Lights exhibition, and warm up in the café and souvenir shop.
Abisko is located about 100 kilometres west of Kiruna, with daily shuttle transfers and accommodation available at the STF Abisko Tourist Station.
Sweden’s northernmost city, Kiruna, is a vibrant Arctic hub with a population of around 22,000. Surrounded by vast landscapes of snow and forest, it’s the perfect base for your Northern Lights adventure. Whether you want to chase the aurora by car, snowmobile, snowshoes, dogsled or skis, local tour operators in Kiruna offer a wide range of guided experiences to match your style.
Getting here is easy – choose between a scenic 12-hour train ride from Stockholm or a 90-minute flight.
Camp Ripan, located just outside Kiruna, is a popular spa hotel where you can even enjoy the Northern Lights from their outdoor pool.
If you’re looking for the quintessential northern Swedish experience, head to the charming village of Jukkasjärvi. Just a 20-minute drive from Kiruna, this small community of around 550 people is home to the world-famous Icehotel – the original hotel made entirely of snow and ice.
A visit to the Icehotel is unforgettable in itself, but combining your stay with a Northern Lights Safari makes it even more special. The hotel offers several options, including snowmobile excursions with dinner in a cosy cabin, and guided photography tours complete with expert advice and equipment to help you capture the aurora at its best.
Gällivare is a small Arctic town with excellent conditions for spotting the Northern Lights. Just minutes from the centre lies Dundret, a ski resort and local mountain where you can watch the aurora from the slopes or summit.
Each autumn, the town also hosts the Dundret Gällivare Outdoor Festival (24-26 October 2025), celebrating darkness, cold and the Northern Lights. With easy access and winter activities nearby, Gällivare is an ideal base for an aurora-focused trip.
Happy Northern Lights hunting!
