Major city · Sweden
Abisko and BjörklidenAbisko och Björkliden
Give Abisko 3 nights: one for the aurora or midnight-sun hike, one for Kungsleden, one spare for weather. Björkliden is a ski add-on, not a base.
Abisko is a village and national park on Torneträsk, 100 km northwest of Kiruna on the Malmbanan railway, with a trailhead on the Kungsleden. Björkliden, 7 km northwest, is a small ski resort. Both sit inside the auroral belt and are reached by night train from Stockholm or by air via Kiruna or Narvik. Winter is for auroras and skiing; summer is for midnight-sun hiking.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- SEK
- Best months
- Feb–Mar (auroras, ski), Jun–Sep (midnight sun, hiking)
- avoid Nov–Jan (polar night, deep cold); Apr–May (wet snow, thin ice)
- Airports
- KRN · EVE
- Nights
- 3
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Nordic countries ↗Decide light or dark before anything else: summer trips (June–August) and aurora trips (September–March in the Arctic) need different countries, clothes and bases.
- Nordic countries ↗Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Faroes sell stronger alcohol only in state shops with short hours; buy before evening and before Sundays and holidays.
- Sweden ↗Sweden is in the EU and the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border.
- Sweden ↗Many shops, cafés, buses and even toilets do not accept cash: bring a card that works with PIN and contactless.
- Sweden ↗The right of public access (allemansrätten) lets you walk and camp for a night on most land; keep away from homes and leave no trace.
- Sweden ↗Drinks stronger than light beer are sold only at the state Systembolaget shops, which close in the evenings and on Sundays.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Abisko and Björkliden112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Abisko and Björkliden, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Swedish krona (SEK, kr); the euro is not used.Sweden-wide
- SIM or eSIMEU roaming applies for EU/EEA SIMs.Sweden-wide
- Tap waterTap water is excellent; ask for 'kranvatten', often free.Sweden-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Included; add 5–10% on the card terminal for good service.Sweden-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Sweden-wide
- SafetyVery safe for tourists; the risks are cold, weather and remoteness.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are clean but often card-paid (SEK 5–10 (≈ US$1–2)); cafés reserve them for customers.Sweden-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, fire, ambulance · 114 14 police non-emergency · 1177 Health advice (1177) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMuseums often close on Mondays outside summer; Systembolaget closes around 19:00 weekdays, 15:00 Saturdays and all Sunday.Museums often close on Mondays outside summer; Systembolaget closes around 7:00 PM weekdays, 3:00 PM Saturdays and all Sunday.Sweden-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportKRN Kiruna Airport (About 100 km (62 mi) southeast; daily flights to Stockholm Arlanda, then train or bus to Abisko.).KRN Kiruna Airport (About 62 mi (100 km) southeast; daily flights to Stockholm Arlanda, then train or bus to Abisko.).
- Getting aroundFoot and ski are the main ways outside the villages; roads follow the E10 only.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee40–60 kr
- BeerBeer in the pub / can from the shop80–110 kr25–40 kr
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week200–400 kr
- Budget bedCabin (up to 4), a night, per roomSEK 1,200 (≈ US$130)
- Mid-range bedHotel or lodge double room, a night, per roomSEK 1,500 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedHotel or lodge double room, a night, per roomSEK 2,600 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget SEK 700 (≈ US$75) · Mid SEK 1,300 (≈ US$140) · High SEK 2,400 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- KRN Kiruna Airport (About 100 km (62 mi) southeast; daily flights to Stockholm Arlanda, then train or bus to Abisko.) · EVE Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes (About 120 km (75 mi) west in Norway; flights to Oslo, Trondheim and Bodø, then road or rail.)KRN Kiruna Airport (About 62 mi (100 km) southeast; daily flights to Stockholm Arlanda, then train or bus to Abisko.) · EVE Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes (About 75 mi (120 km) west in Norway; flights to Oslo, Trondheim and Bodø, then road or rail.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
Feb
Best
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
Mar
Best
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Apr
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
May
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Jun
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Jul
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Aug
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Sep
Best
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Oct
not flagged
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Nov
Avoid
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Dec
Avoid
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
Best: Feb–Mar, Jun–Sep. Avoid: Apr–May, Nov–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)), coolest Jan (−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C) low), wettest Aug (12 rain days), driest Apr (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Abisko and Björkliden: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C)
9 rd
Feb
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
8 rd
Mar
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
8 rd
Apr
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
7 rd
May
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
8 rd
Jun
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Jul
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
Aug
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Sep
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
Oct
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
10 rd
Nov
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
9 rd
Dec
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Foot and ski are the main ways outside the villages; roads follow the E10 only. The Nuolja chair lift runs in summer and through the aurora season. The Abiskojåkka delta is closed in summer for nesting birds. A snowmobile route runs toward Abiskojaure and on toward Riksgränsen.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1.5 h by train
Train on the Malmbanan line, or bus
Nearest city; Icehotel side trip at Jukkasjärvi.
Riksgränsen
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Train on the Malmbanan line toward Narvik
Ski area near the Norwegian border; spring skiing into June.
Narvik, Norway
goDoor to door: About 2 h
Train on the Malmbanan line
Port town at the end of the line; bring your passport.
Kebnekaise and Nikkaluokta
overnightDoor to door: Multi-day on foot
Kungsleden south, or road via Kiruna
Sweden's highest mountain; Nikkaluokta is the closer trailhead.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Abisko Turiststation
STF mountain station at its own rail stop, 2 km (1.2 mi) west of the village; hostel, hotel and cabins, trailhead for Kungsleden and the Nuolja chair lift.STF mountain station at its own rail stop, 1.2 mi (2 km) west of the village; hostel, hotel and cabins, trailhead for Kungsleden and the Nuolja chair lift.
Abisko Östra (village)
Around the main rail stop; guesthouse, summer cottages, shop with petrol station and a restaurant.
Björkliden
Ski resort village 7 km (4.3 mi) northwest with its own rail stop; choose it only if you are skiing.Ski resort village 4.3 mi (7 km) northwest with its own rail stop; choose it only if you are skiing.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- 700–1,100 kr excl. bed
- Mid
- 1,100–1,900 kr excl. bed
- High
- 1,900 kr+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel or lodge double room1 × 3 nights × SEK 1,500 | SEK 4,500 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × SEK 1,300 | SEK 7,800 |
| Aurora Sky Station night visit, chair lift and guided tour2 × SEK 700 · check | SEK 1,400 |
| STF membership, one year2 × SEK 350 · check | SEK 700 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × SEK 250 | SEK 500 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | SEK 1,490 |
| Trip total≈ SEK 2,732 per person per day, bed included | SEK 16,390≈ US$1,800 |
2026 estimate in kronor; travel to Abisko excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | 40–60 kr |
| Lunch or cafeteria plate | 120–200 kr |
| Restaurant main, reindeer or fish | 250–400 kr |
| Beer in the pub / can from the shop | 80–110 kr / 25–40 kr |
| Mountain cabin bed, non-membercheck | about 470 kr |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | 200–400 kr |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter cold is the real hazard: −20 °C (−4 °F) and below is normal, so rent or buy proper layers before you arrive.Winter cold is the real hazard: −4 °F (−20 °C) and below is normal, so rent or buy proper layers before you arrive.
- The Abiskojåkka delta is off limits in summer to protect nesting birds.
- Camping inside Abisko national park is allowed only at the tourist station, Nissonjohka and the Abiskojaure cabins.
- Aurora Sky Station visits are seasonal and weather-dependent: check dates and book ahead.
- Distances are long and services thin: carry food and water for any full-day hike.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 112
- Police non-emergency
- 114 14
- Health advice (1177)
- 1177
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Abisko and BjörklidenAbisko och Björkliden
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Till den här adressen, tackTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance112
- Police non-emergency114 14
- Health advice1177
Embassy
No embassies here; most are in Stockholm. For emergencies abroad, contact your embassy in Stockholm or your consulate in Norway.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Night train Stockholm → Abisko: book a couchette; about 15–17 h (check)
- Train Abisko → Kiruna: about 1.5 h (check)
- Chair lift, Nuolja: summer and aurora season only (check)
Say or show
- Hej — Hello (hey)
- Tack — Thank you (tack)
- Hur mycket kostar det? — How much is it? (hoor mykket kostar deh)
- Kan jag betala med kort? — Can I pay by card? (kan yag betala med kort)
- Var är toaletten? — Where is the toilet? (var air toa-letten)
- Hjälp! — Help! (yelp)
English is widely spoken; mobile coverage is patchy on trails.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Abisko and Björkliden. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Feb–Mar (auroras, ski), Jun–Sep (midnight sun, hiking) · avoid Nov–Jan (polar night, deep cold); Apr–May (wet snow, thin ice) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares