The Journey Begins: Kiruna to Abisko

The Arctic has always been a place of fascination for me, a former Arctic researcher turned travel writer. The allure of the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis, is something that has captivated my imagination for years. So, when I found myself in Kiruna, Sweden, I knew I had to embark on the Northern Lights Tour to Abisko.

The journey began with a pickup from my hotel in Kiruna. The air was crisp, biting at my cheeks as I stepped outside. Our guide, Onur, greeted us with a warm smile and a promise of adventure. The drive to Abisko was filled with stories of the Sami people, the Vikings, and the science behind the Northern Lights. Onur’s passion for the Arctic was infectious, and I found myself hanging onto every word.

As we drove, the landscape transformed into a winter wonderland. Snow-covered trees lined the road, their branches heavy with the weight of the season. The sky was a deep indigo, dotted with stars that seemed to twinkle with anticipation. Despite the cold, there was a warmth in the air, a sense of camaraderie among the travelers as we shared stories and sipped on hot tea.

A Feast Under the Stars

Upon arriving at Abisko Mountain Lodge, we were treated to a dinner that was as much a part of the experience as the Northern Lights themselves. The reindeer dish, a traditional delicacy of Swedish Lapland, was a symphony of flavors that danced on my palate. As we dined, Onur continued to regale us with tales of the region, painting a vivid picture of life in the Arctic.

The anticipation in the room was palpable as we finished our meal and prepared to venture out into the night. The guides, seasoned experts in tracking the Aurora, assured us that tonight would be special. With our cold suits on and cameras in hand, we set off into the wilderness.

The walk to our viewing spot was short but exhilarating. The snow crunched beneath our boots, and the air was filled with the scent of pine and the promise of something magical. As we reached the hill overlooking Lake Abisko, the sky began to come alive.

The Dance of the Aurora

There are few experiences in life that can truly take your breath away, and witnessing the Northern Lights is undoubtedly one of them. As the Aurora danced across the sky, I was reminded of the raw beauty and power of nature. The colors shifted and swirled, painting the heavens in shades of green, purple, and pink.

The reflection of the lights on the lake below was mesmerizing, a mirror image of the spectacle above. It was a moment of pure awe, a reminder of why I fell in love with the Arctic all those years ago.

As the night wore on, we gathered around a roaring campfire, sipping on hot drinks and sharing stories of our own adventures. The cold was forgotten, replaced by the warmth of the fire and the camaraderie of fellow travelers.

As we made our way back to Kiruna, the sky still ablaze with the Northern Lights, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to witness such a spectacle, for the chance to share it with others, and for the reminder of the beauty that exists in the harshest of environments.

The Northern Lights Tour from Kiruna to Abisko was more than just a journey; it was an experience that will stay with me forever. If you ever find yourself in this part of the world, I urge you to take the leap and witness the magic for yourself.