The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, have captivated people for centuries. These shimmering curtains of light dancing across the night sky are a truly magical sight, and increasingly, people are traveling far and wide hoping to catch a glimpse.
Sweden is one of the best places in the world to witness this natural wonder. Its northern location, coupled with excellent infrastructure and accessibility, makes it a popular choice for aurora hunters. Seeing the Northern Lights in Sweden is an experience you’ll never forget.
This article is your comprehensive guide to experiencing the Northern Lights in Sweden. We’ll cover the best time to go, the prime viewing locations, essential tips for maximizing your chances, and the unforgettable experiences that await you.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Sweden?
Absolutely! Sweden is one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis. Swedish Lapland, in particular, offers some truly spectacular displays.
Sweden’s location within the “Aurora Zone” (also called the “Northern Lights Belt”) makes it ideal for viewing. This zone is where the lights appear most frequently and vividly.
Of course, even in the best locations, seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed. You need clear, dark skies and a little bit of luck!
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Sweden?
If you want to see the Northern Lights in Sweden, your best bet is during the winter months, from December to March. That’s when you get the longest hours of darkness, which you need to see the aurora borealis.
Each month within that window has its own advantages:
- December: December is the darkest month, and it’s also when Sweden has its festive Christmas atmosphere.
- January/February: These are the coldest months, which can mean clearer skies and better visibility.
- March: In March, the days are getting longer, but you can still get good viewing opportunities.
No matter when you go, clear skies are essential. Check the weather forecast before you head out! You’ll also want to keep an eye on solar activity. The KP-index is a good way to predict how intense the Northern Lights might be.
Where to See the Northern Lights in Sweden: Prime Locations
Sweden’s a fantastic place to see the aurora borealis. Here are some of the best locations for catching the show:
Swedish Lapland: The Aurora Heartland
If you’re serious about seeing the Northern Lights, Swedish Lapland is the place to be. Located way up north, above the Arctic Circle, this region is sparsely populated, which means very little light pollution. The inky-black skies provide the perfect backdrop for the aurora’s dazzling display.
Kiruna: A City Under the Aurora
Kiruna is a good place to set up camp for your Northern Lights adventure. You can fly or take a train to Kiruna, and from there, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to see the aurora. You might even catch a glimpse of the lights from town, since light pollution is relatively low. But for truly spectacular viewing, head out of the city to find even darker skies.
Abisko National Park: A Microclimate for Clear Skies
Abisko National Park offers a unique advantage when it comes to aurora hunting. Because of its location within a “rain shadow,” Abisko tends to have clearer skies than other parts of Lapland. This makes it an ideal spot for seeing the Northern Lights.
The Aurora Sky Station, perched atop Mount Nuolja, is one of Abisko’s most popular viewing spots. You can take a chairlift up the mountain for panoramic views of the night sky. And when you’re not gazing at the aurora, Abisko offers plenty of other winter activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, and even ice climbing.
Enhancing Your Northern Lights Experience: Activities and Accommodation
To make your northern lights viewing even more memorable, consider these activities and accommodation options:
Northern Lights Tours and Guided Excursions
A guided tour can really enhance your experience. The guides have expert knowledge of the best viewing locations, and they’ll handle the transportation to dark sky areas far from city lights. Many tours provide warm clothing and equipment, so you can focus on enjoying the spectacle.
Photography tours are also available, where experts will guide you on how to best capture the aurora’s dance across the sky.
Accommodation Options in Northern Sweden
There are some incredible places to stay in Swedish Lapland that are perfect for aurora viewing:
- STF Abisko Turiststation: This popular spot is a hub for northern lights enthusiasts. It offers a range of accommodation options, a restaurant, and a variety of activities. Plus, it’s conveniently located near the train station.
- Aurora Sky Station: For a truly unique experience, consider staying at the Aurora Sky Station. It’s known for its exceptional viewing opportunities, as it’s situated high up on Mount Nuolja.
Other Activities
While you’re in northern Sweden chasing the aurora, consider adding these activities to your itinerary:
- Reindeer sledding
- Snowmobiling
- Ice fishing
Photographing the Northern Lights
Seeing the aurora borealis in person is incredible, but capturing that magic in a photograph is even better. Here are some tips to help you get the best shots:
- Use a tripod. You’ll need to use long exposure times to capture the faint light of the aurora, and a tripod is essential for keeping your camera still.
- Camera settings:
- Aperture: Go wide (low f-number like f/2.8 or lower if possible). This lets in as much light as possible.
- ISO: Adjust this based on how bright the lights are. Start with something like ISO 800 and adjust from there.
- Shutter speed: Start with 4-12 seconds and adjust based on the aurora’s movement and brightness.
- Focus: Set your lens to manual focus and focus to infinity. This can be tricky, so practice during the day.
- Remote shutter release: Use a remote to trigger the shutter. This minimizes camera shake.
- Dress warmly! You’ll be standing outside in the cold for a while. Be sure to bring gloves that you can still use to work with your camera.
- Wide-angle lens: A wide-angle lens will allow you to capture more of the sky.
Practical Considerations for Your Northern Lights Trip
Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list travel experience for many. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your trip.
What to Wear: Dressing for the Arctic Climate
When you’re chasing the aurora borealis, you’ll probably be standing outside for hours in sub-freezing temperatures, so layering is key. Your packing list should include thermal underwear, fleece layers, insulated outerwear, waterproof boots, a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf. Don’t skimp on the warm socks!
Getting to Northern Sweden: Travel Options
If you’re flying, you’ll probably fly into Kiruna Airport. Another option is to take the train to Abisko. This is a particularly appealing option if you want to reduce your carbon footprint and travel more sustainably. The train station is right next to the Abisko tourist station, making it super convenient.
Checking the Aurora Forecast and Weather Conditions
Keep an eye on the KP-index, which is a measurement of geomagnetic activity. The higher the KP-index, the more intense the aurora is likely to be. There are a number of websites and apps that offer aurora forecasts. You’ll also want to check the weather forecast to make sure the skies will be clear.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a place to see the Northern Lights, Sweden should be high on your list. Getting there is easy, the infrastructure is excellent, and you’ll find lots of different places to view the aurora borealis.
To make the most of your trip, plan and prepare in advance. Book your lodging and tours early, and keep a close eye on the weather and aurora forecasts.
Seeing the Northern Lights dance across the Swedish sky is an unforgettable experience. With a little planning, you can make your dream of witnessing this natural wonder a reality.