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All the stops of Magic Lapland: hunting for the Northern Lights in Abisko, in route order.

Magic Lapland: hunting for the Northern Lights in Abisko

In the heart of Swedish Lapland, beyond the Arctic Circle, there are Kiruna and Abisko— considered the world capital for viewing the Northern Lights. Kiruna is Sweden's northernmost city and the ideal starting point for exploring this corner of Lapland, as well as home to the famous Icehotel. It is a journey that offers a mix of wild nature, Sami culture, and—with a little luck—one of the planet's most spectacular natural phenomena.
7 stops
  1. Stop 1
    Accommodation

    Begin your journey in the capital of Sweden.

    Catch one of the many low-cost flights from Italy to Sweden's capital, Stockholm—home to ABBA and Pippi Longstocking.
    Start in Gamla Stan, the historic center, characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and small squares.
    The heart of the district is Stortorget, the city's most famous square, surrounded by distinctive colorful facades.
    Here you will find the Nobel Prize Museum, dedicated to the history of the Nobel Prize and its laureates. Through photographs and personal artifacts, the museum tells the stories of the scientists, writers, and individuals who have helped change the world.
    A short distance from Stortorget lie the Royal Palace—still an active royal residence—and Stockholm Cathedral.
    A single day is enough to visit the main attractions, but if you have more time, I recommend staying for three days to see everything the city has to offer.
    Begin your journey in the capital of Sweden.Begin your journey in the capital of Sweden.
  2. Stop 2
    Accommodation

    Stockholm: Vasa, Djurgården, and Södermalm

    The first stop is the Vasa Museum, home to a massive warship salvaged about 300 years after it sank.
    After this visit, you can continue on foot through Djurgården, one of Stockholm’s greenest areas. If you are traveling with children, you might want to add a visit to Junibacken, a museum dedicated to the world of Pippi Longstocking.
    In the afternoon, head back through the city center to reach Södermalm, one of the capital's liveliest neighborhoods, featuring bars, shops, and excellent views of the city.
    Heading to Lapland
    Although you can reach Kiruna in just over an hour by plane, I recommend taking the overnight train instead for an authentic (and eco-friendly) Scandinavian experience.
    Board the sleeper train in the late afternoon. It is clean and comfortable—ideal for families—and allows you to travel leisurely through the Scandinavian countryside (saving the cost of a hotel night along the way), enjoying spectacular scenery and a "Polar Express"-style awakening.
  3. Stop 3
    Accommodation

    Kiruna: heart of Swedish Lapland

  4. Stop 4
    Accommodation

    Kiruna: a visit to the historic center and a Swedish-style day

  5. Stop 5
    Accommodation

    Immerse yourself in the heart of the Lappish activities.

  6. Stop 6
    Accommodation

    Kiruna: Huskies and the Northern Lights

  7. Stop 7
    Accommodation

    Reindeer and the train ride home

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Special tips & contacts

Extra content beyond the itinerary stops: tips, contacts, places and events.
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Head back to “Magic Lapland: hunting for the Northern Lights in Abisko” for the full write-up, the fact sheet and the practical tips.