Swedish Lapland is one of the best spots in Scandinavia to see the Northern Lights. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit this region specifically to see this incredible natural display. This untouched and captivating part of Northern Sweden is an ideal destination to see the Aurora Borealis due to several factors. In this article, we will show you the top locations where you can experience the dazzling dance of the Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland. We will also explain why it is a great place to captivate the aurora display and inform you when is the best time to visit.
Why is Swedish Lapland the perfect place to see the Northern Lights?
First, let’s see why Swedish Lapland is the best place in Sweden to see the Northern Lights. The answer is that it offers a unique combination of four factors that make it an ideal destination for observing the illuminated night sky:
- Minimal Light Pollution: The artificial light in Swedish Lapland is too little to hinder your view of the Northern Lights. You can enjoy clear views of the vibrant colors in the night sky.
- Arctic Location: Located within the Arctic Circle, Swedish Lapland benefits from its high latitude. This location increases the frequency and intensity of the Northern Lights displays.
- Pristine Natural Landscapes: The untouched natural landscapes of Swedish Lapland serve as a beautiful backdrop for the Northern Lights. With snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and wide-open spaces, the setting enhances the already mystical experience.
- Long Winter Nights: Swedish Lapland experiences extended periods of darkness during winter. This means more hours to enjoy the Northern Lights as they illuminate the sky.
What is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland?
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland is January. This is because January offers several favorable conditions for optimal viewing. Firstly, the winter landscape is stunning, with frozen lakes and snowy forests creating a perfect setting for the Northern Lights.
Additionally, the limited daylight hours in January increase the darkness, making the Northern Lights more visible. Lastly, January attracts fewer tourists than other peak months, allowing for a more calm and peaceful experience.
What are the best places to see the Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland?
KIRUNA
As the “capital” of Swedish Lapland for Northern Lights viewing, Kiruna offers several advantages. Firstly, its location within the Arctic Circle provides a higher chance of witnessing the Aurora Borealis. Secondly, Kiruna benefits from minimal light pollution, enhancing the visibility of the Northern Lights. Lastly, Kiruna offers a variety of excellent spots for Northern Lights viewing, including:
1. Esrange Space Center: Located just outside Kiruna, this rocket range and research center offers dark skies and open spaces, providing excellent views of the Northern Lights.
2. Kiruna Church: The iconic Kiruna Church serves as a unique backdrop for admiring the Northern Lights within the city.
3. Kalix River Valley: Go to the outskirts of Kiruna and explore the picturesque Kalix River Valley, where you can see the Northern Lights in a beautiful natural setting.
4. Luossavaara Mountain: Hike up this mountain near Kiruna for a higher vantage point, enhancing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
5. Kiruna City Center: Even within the city limits, you can often catch glimpses of the Northern Lights, especially during intense displays.
Find the best Northern Lights tours in Kiruna here:
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ABISKO
Abisko is a small village located next to Abisko National Park, very close to Kiruna. Experienced Northern Lights hunters often regard Abisko as a superior location for spotting them compared to Kiruna. So, here are some of the best spots to see the Northern Lights within Abisko:
1. Aurora Sky Station: Situated atop Mount Nuolja, the Aurora Sky Station offers guided tours and clear Northern Lights views.
2. Torneträsk Lake: The vast Torneträsk Lake near Abisko offers unobstructed views of the Northern Lights reflecting on its calm waters.
3. Abisko Turiststation: The Turiststation provides comfortable accommodation and convenient access to prime Northern Lights viewing spots within Abisko.
4. Abisko Village Center: You can wander around the village and find a spot away from the lights to observe the Northern Lights overhead.
Find the best Northern Lights tours in Abisko here:
Find the best places to stay in Abisko here:
JOKKMOKK
Jokkmokk may not be the most famous destination of Swedish Lapland, but it is indeed one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. This small and beautiful village offers excellent spots to witness this spectacular phenomenon, such as the nearby lake, where you can spend your nights surrounded by stunning scenery. Jokkmokk also holds cultural significance due to its connection with the indigenous Sami people, adding an enriching cultural experience to your Northern Lights adventure.
Find the best places to stay in Jokkmokk here:
LULEÅ
Luleå is a beautiful coastal city in Swedish Lapland. It offers a more urban environment compared to remote locations, allowing you to see the Northern Lights while enjoying the amenities of a city. It also provides easy access, making it convenient for travelers to reach and explore. Finally, the city benefits from minimal light pollution, enhancing the visibility of the Northern Lights.
Find the best places to stay in Luleå here:
PAJALA
Located in the northern part of Swedish Lapland, Pajala is very close to Kiruna and Gällivare. It is a good spot for Northern Lights viewing because it offers absolute calm and quiet, with fewer crowds than more popular destinations. This peaceful environment allows you to fully engage yourself in the beauty of the Northern Lights without distractions.
Find the best places to stay in Pajala here:
JUKKASJÄRVI
Located in the heart of Swedish Lapland, Jukkasjärvi is renowned for its incredible landscapes and the famous Icehotel. This unique hotel offers an extraordinary experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the Northern Lights amidst its icy and artistic creations. Jukkasjärvi also benefits from minimal light pollution, providing optimal conditions for observing the displays of the Northern Lights.
Find the best places to stay in Jukkasjärvi here:
KVIKKJOKK
Kvikkjokk is a small village located 125 kilometers northwest of Jokkmokk. It is also a great remote location that offers optimal conditions for Northern Lights viewing. Its secluded setting, away from urban areas, provides minimal light pollution, allowing for clear views of the Aurora Borealis. Moreover, Kvikkjokk serves as a convenient base for exploring Sarek National Park.
Find the best places to stay in Kvikkjokk here:
Can you see the Northern Lights in Abisko National Park?
Yes, Abisko National Park is a great place to see the Northern Lights. It is located in Swedish Lapland, near the village of Abisko. The park offers excellent spots within its boundaries, such as Abiskojaure, where you can get clear views of the Northern Lights when they appear.
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Abisko National Park is during the dark winter months, from September to April. But sometimes they appear in other seasons too, even during summer. To visit the park, you can stay at the Abisko Turiststation, which provides plenty of accommodation options. Camping within the national park is also allowed in designated areas.
Conclusion
To sum up, Swedish Lapland offers some of the best locations for chasing the Northern Lights. It is an Arctic location with minimal light pollution, pristine natural landscapes, and long winter nights. In other words, Swedish Lapland provides an ideal setting to capture this magical natural phenomenon at its best. So if you are a fan of the Northern Lights and Sweden, don’t think twice. Grab your warmer clothes and prepare for an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life!