If you’re planning a Northern Lights trip to Swedish Lapland in 2025, the two most popular bases are Kiruna and Abisko. The short answer is: Abisko is best if your main goal is maximizing clear-sky aurora sightings, while Kiruna is better if you want easier flight access, more accommodation, and daytime activities like the Icehotel.
But which one is right for your trip? Let’s break down the pros and cons of both destinations so you can make the perfect choice.
Why This Question Matters in 2025
Aurora forecasts are looking very promising for 2025 thanks to the solar maximum cycle. That means stronger, more frequent Northern Lights across Lapland. Picking the right base with clear skies and easy access will make or break your trip.
Quick Comparison: Abisko vs Kiruna
- Abisko: Famous for clear skies, small village, Aurora Sky Station, fantastic for aurora hunters.
- Kiruna: Bigger town, airport hub, more hotels and tours, close to the Icehotel.
- Distance: About 90–100 km apart (1 to 1.25 hours by car or train).
1. Aurora Odds and Sky Clarity – Winner: Abisko
If your number one goal is seeing the Northern Lights, Abisko is the clear favorite. Thanks to a unique microclimate known as the “blue hole,” the skies above Abisko stay clearer than almost anywhere else in the Arctic. This dramatically increases your chances of catching the aurora on multiple nights.
The famous STF Aurora Sky Station, along with the surrounding mountains and lakes, also offer world-class photography opportunities with minimal light pollution.
2. Access and Transport – Winner: Kiruna
Kiruna is the regional hub, home to Kiruna Airport (KRN) with regular flights from Stockholm and seasonal international connections. It’s the fastest way to reach Swedish Lapland if you don’t want long train or bus journeys.
Abisko, on the other hand, doesn’t have an airport. Most travelers fly into Kiruna and then continue by train, bus, or car to reach Abisko.
If you want to make the journey part of the adventure, the night train is a magical way to arrive. I’ve written a full guide here: Stockholm to Abisko Night Train (2025): Complete Guide.
3. Accommodation, Restaurants, and Services
- Kiruna: Offers a range of hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, supermarkets, and tour companies. Great if you want convenience and a more urban feel.
- Abisko: Much smaller, with a handful of lodges, hostels, and guesthouses. The STF Tourist Station is the main hub. Book early — especially for peak season.
For hotels, I recommend checking Expedia. For Northern Lights tours, Viator has excellent curated options in both destinations.
4. Tours and Activities
Both bases offer Northern Lights tours, but the variety differs.
- Abisko: Aurora Sky Station, photography tours, snowshoeing, fat biking, and guided aurora chases into the wilderness. For details, check my roundup here: Best Northern Lights Tours in Abisko (2025).
- Kiruna: A wider range of daytime adventures — husky safaris, snowmobiling, reindeer experiences, and the world-famous Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, just outside Kiruna.
If you want the classic Arctic bucket-list experiences alongside your aurora hunt, Kiruna offers more variety.
5. Best Months to Visit
Northern Lights season in Swedish Lapland runs from late August through early April. The best months depend on your preferences:
- September–October: Aurora activity is boosted by the equinox, and temperatures are milder. For detailed info, see my post: Abisko in October 2025: See the Northern Lights, Weather, Tours & Tips.
- November–February: Long, dark polar nights mean more aurora viewing hours, though it’s much colder.
- March–early April: Another equinox boost, with longer daylight hours for outdoor activities.
6. Itinerary Ideas
- Base yourself in Abisko (3–4 nights): If your main priority is clear skies and multiple aurora nights. Add day hikes, skiing, or snowshoeing.
- Base yourself in Kiruna (3–4 nights): If you want daytime activities, culture, and easier logistics. Combine with a night at the Icehotel.
- Best of both worlds: Spend 2 nights in Kiruna + 2–3 nights in Abisko. The short travel time makes this an easy and rewarding combo.
Final Verdict – Kiruna vs Abisko for Northern Lights in 2025
- Choose Abisko if you are an aurora purist and want the very best odds of clear skies and uninterrupted views.
- Choose Kiruna if you want easier travel, more hotels, and a mix of Northern Lights with bucket-list Arctic adventures.
- Or better yet — do both. With just over an hour between them, it’s easy to combine Kiruna and Abisko into one unforgettable Northern Lights itinerary in 2025.
✅ Tip for booking: Use Expedia for hotels in both Kiruna and Abisko, and Viator for aurora tours and day trips. This way, you’ll have reliable providers and flexible cancellation policies.
