A snowmobile ride beats waiting in the cold. This Abisko/Björkliden night sky tour takes you out into the polar-night darkness on a machine, then up to a mountain spot where aurora conditions can be better. I love that you’re fully kitted out—warm layers, boots, gloves, balaclava, and a helmet—so you’re not forced to gamble on rentals or suffer in the wind.

I also love the “pause for warmth” rhythm. There’s a stop with hot drinks by a crackling fire plus snacks like sweet bread, and even a break that feels like a highlight in itself. In the best moments, you’re watching the sky while the cold stays outside your jacket.

One thing to consider: this is a shared setup, and you’ll need a driver’s license for the machine. If you don’t want to drive, you’ll have to talk to the provider ahead of time, and the tour isn’t suitable for everyone (including people with heart problems, pregnant women, and kids under 5).

Key things to know before your Abisko night sky snowmobile tour

• Shared snowmobile (2 people per machine): plan on riding together and rotating driving only if the provider allows it
• Full cold-weather gear included: boots, gloves, balaclava, helmet, and warm clothes are part of the deal
• Built-in comfort details you’ll notice: hand warmers on the snowmobiles show up on this ride
• A real mid-tour warmth break: hot drinks and snacks (including cookies and lingonberry juice) keep you steady while you wait
• English live guide with aurora guidance: you’ll get tips you can use later on
• Small group size: limited to 8 participants, so you’re not lost in a crowd

Abisko and Björkliden for Northern Lights: Why driving matters

Abisko and Björkliden sit in Sweden’s far north, in Norrbotten County, where winter nights can stretch long and dark. This tour leans into that reality. Instead of hoping you’ll see the aurora from one spot, you’re actually moving through the winter terrain with a guide, then heading up to a mountain area where conditions for a good polar-night display are the focus.

That “go up to a mountain” piece matters because your eyes and your body both need help. Higher, darker, and wind-managed viewpoints often make it easier to spot faint aurora movement. Even when the aurora isn’t doing its brightest show, you still get a guided night-sky experience with practical viewing tips.

The other big reason driving is worth it: you’re not trapped in one place. Your guide can time the stop for what the sky seems to be offering, then you’re back down early enough to keep searching on your own afterward.

Where the pickup really is: Six Abisko meeting points

Your night starts with pickup from Abisko or Björkliden. In Abisko, there are multiple options, which is great if you’re staying somewhere central—or annoying if you show up late and the van can’t wait. Plan to be ready at your exact pickup point on time, since pickup can take up to 30 minutes depending on the group.

Abisko pickup options include:

• Abisko Fjällturer AB
• Hotell Fjället
• Abisko Mountain Lodge
• Gammelgården Ski Lodge
• STF Abisko Turiststation
• Abisko Guesthouse

You’ll ride in the van for about 15 minutes before you join the guided snowmobile portion. On the way back, there’s another van ride (also about 15 minutes), and then you’re dropped at locations including:

• Abisko Mountain Lodge, STF Abisko Turiststation, Abisko Guesthouse, Hotell Fjället, Gammelgården Ski Lodge, and Abisko Fjällturer AB

This matters because you’re not just paying for the snowmobile. You’re also paying for a smooth route from lodging to winter trails and back.

Gear and helmets: What’s included (and what you still should bring)

Cold-weather tours can be either stress-free or frustrating, and the difference is the gear. This one is built to keep you warm. You get warm clothes, boots, gloves, a balaclava, and a helmet. That means you can travel lighter, and it also means the provided gear is designed for the same conditions you’ll face on the night ride.

I love that even if you arrive with your own gear, you’ll likely be tempted to use theirs. People often assume their own boots are already good enough, but the included footwear and warm layers are part of why this tour works so well in real life. Hand warmers built into the snowmobiles add another layer of comfort you’ll feel quickly once you start moving.

What you should still bring:

• Your driver’s license
• Warm clothing (even though gear is included, bring layers that fit you comfortably)
• Water

Also, keep it clean: alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed. That’s not just about rules; it’s about safety and keeping you steady in cold conditions.

Safety talk first, then the snowmobile ride up

Before you head out into the dark, the tour begins with safety and driving instructions. That’s a key part of the value here. Snowmobiling in winter isn’t just fun—it’s also controlled movement on low-traction terrain. Getting the basics right means you enjoy the ride more and worry less.

Then you head out to the mountain area where the aurora search happens best. Along the way, you’re driving through snowy terrain from the Abisko/Björkliden region, guided the whole time. When you arrive at the viewing spot, you park the snowmobiles in a suitable place protected from weather and wind, then shift into “watch and wait” mode.

Shared snowmobile driving: Thrill level, and the one drawback

This tour uses shared snowmobiles, with 2 people per machine. In practical terms, it’s a different energy than solo riding. You’re with your partner (or friend), and the setup is designed for people to ride together rather than each person hopping onto their own vehicle.

Here’s the big upside: sharing can be more cost-effective and it keeps the group compact. You also get to experience the thrill as a duo, which feels great during the first gusts of cold air once you realize you’re actually moving.

Here’s the potential drawback: the tour requires a driver’s license. If you want to drive, you’ll need it. If you don’t want to drive, you’ll have to contact the provider to arrange how that works for your group. There’s also an on-site private snowmobile upgrade option for an extra fee, but you’d need to ask directly at the time.

If you’re someone who hates sharing gear or being dependent on another person’s comfort level, shared driving is the one thing you should think through before you book.

The van rides and the two hours that matter

Your timing is built around two short van segments and a longer guided snowmobile block. After pickup, you ride about 15 minutes by van. Then you reach Björkliden, where the guided portion begins, including the snowmobile ride lasting around 2 hours.

Those two hours are where the tour earns its ticket price. You’re not just driving in circles. You’re actually taking the route up to a viewing area, stopping when it makes sense, and switching between motion and stillness so you can enjoy both the ride and the sky.

After the snowmobile time, you return by van for about 15 minutes and then finish with drop-off at your original pickup area.

It’s a neat structure: you get enough time outside to feel the night as an event, but you’re back early enough to keep exploring if you want.

Fire, hot drinks, and a break that feels like a highlight

One of the most memorable parts of this tour is the warmth pause. You park, then settle in with snack time. You’ll enjoy hot drinks and sweet bread, and the guide keeps the mood going while you wait for the Northern Lights to show.

This is also where little details matter. People describe the break as magical, especially when the tour includes warming drinks like lingonberry juice and cookies during that mid-point stop. That kind of refresh isn’t just about calories—it’s about resetting your hands, your face, and your attention so you can stay focused on the sky without constantly checking your own comfort.

If you’re the type who gets impatient waiting for the aurora, this tour helps. The fire and snacks turn the waiting into a shared, guided moment instead of an awkward stand-still in the cold.

And yes—there’s also time to take pictures. Even if you’re not a serious photographer, having scheduled moments to step away from the snowmobile and frame the scene is useful.

Northern Lights education you can use later

The goal here isn’t only to get you to a dark spot. It’s to help you understand what you’re looking at. Your guide tells stories about the Aurora and explains what’s going on in the sky—then gives practical viewing tips you can use during your own aurora hunt afterward.

This is one of the smartest parts of the tour because it doesn’t end when you get dropped off. When you return, the night is still young, and you can continue searching on your own. You’ll leave with guidance about where you can reach good aurora viewing spots by foot from your accommodation.

That means you’re not starting from scratch at midnight. You’re using someone else’s local knowledge to reduce guesswork.

Price and value: Is $198 worth it?

At about $198 per person, you should judge this tour by what’s bundled, not by the snowmobile ride alone. You’re getting:

• a certified guide
• pickup and drop-off
• a shared snowmobile (2 people per machine)
• full cold-weather gear (warm clothes, boots, gloves, balaclava, helmet)
• snacks

That’s a lot you’d otherwise have to arrange yourself: guide expertise, transportation to the right starting area, and winter gear that actually fits the conditions. For many visitors, that bundled comfort is the real value.

Also, small group size matters. Limited to 8 participants, you get a more personal experience and better chances for the guide to manage safety and help you watch the sky without a chaotic crowd.

If you already plan to rent snow gear and arrange a private guide to move you to a mountain viewpoint, this price starts to look more reasonable. If you’re mainly looking for a basic ride with minimal instruction, you might find you can get cheaper options. But for a guided Northern Lights night with included equipment and learning, this is priced in the “you’re paying for the whole experience” category.

Who this tour suits best—and who should skip it

This snowmobile aurora tour is a strong fit if you:

• want the Northern Lights hunt paired with real winter riding
• prefer a small group with live English guidance
• appreciate included gear so you don’t stress over packing
• are comfortable driving (or at least have the required license)

It may not fit you if:

• you’re under 5 (not suitable)
• you’re pregnant (not suitable)
• you have heart problems (not suitable)
• you can’t or don’t want to drive and you haven’t arranged a solution with the provider

You should also be ready for the fact that it’s a night activity in winter darkness. Even with gear included, you’ll feel the cold. That’s why the included warmth pause (hot drinks, snacks, and fire) is more than a perk—it’s a core part of how the tour keeps you comfortable.

Should you book the Björkliden/Abisko Night Sky Snowmobile Tour?

Book it if you want more than a quick photo stop. This is a night ride with expert aurora talk, a planned mountain viewpoint, and a genuine warmth break that helps you stay alert for the sky. The included gear and hand-warming comfort details make it feel much less like a gamble and more like a well-run winter outing.

Skip or reconsider if shared riding feels like a hassle for you, or if you know you can’t meet the driver’s license requirement and haven’t checked what the provider can do instead.

If you’re visiting Abisko or Björkliden in December to March, and you want a guided Northern Lights experience that keeps moving (without leaving you stranded cold), this is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the night sky snowmobile tour?

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours in total, with a snowmobile ride time of about 2 hours.

Where does the tour pick you up?

Pickup is available from several Abisko locations (including Abisko Fjällturer AB, Hotell Fjället, Abisko Mountain Lodge, Gammelgården Ski Lodge, STF Abisko Turiststation, and Abisko Guesthouse) and also from Björkliden.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. A driver’s license is required on this tour.

Is there a private snowmobile option?

You can usually upgrade to a private snowmobile on-site for an additional fee.

What gear is included?

Warm clothes, boots, gloves, a balaclava, and a helmet are included.

Does the tour include pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included, and pickup can take up to 30 minutes.

Is the guide available in English?

Yes. The live tour guide speaks English.

How many people are in the group?

The group is small, limited to 8 participants.

Is the tour suitable for young children or pregnancy?

No. It is not suitable for children under 5 years, and it is not suitable for pregnant women.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Doha: Night Desert Safari with Stargazing & Camel RidePisco Elqui: Mountaintop Stargazing and Night PortraitGround Zero 911 Memorial+ Optional One World ObservatoryThe View at The Palm Jumeirah Dubai Observatory Deck Tickets