Abisko: Ski Touring, Snowshoe Hikes and Nature in the National Park

Abisko combines winter activities with a high-Arctic mountain landscape. In winter, you can go ski touring from the Aurora Sky Station and enjoy views of the Abisko Alps and Lake Torneträsk. From there, the “Glidaren” route heads southward, descending gently for a stretch towards Kårsavagge. Abisko Adventure also offers guided ski tours for beginners, as well as guided off-piste skiing in the Abisko mountains.

Winter activities with different focuses

The Aurora snowshoe hike is aimed at visitors who want to experience winter away from skiing. Snowshoes and hot drinks are included in the tour. Along the way, you may spot tracks left by Arctic hares, willow ptarmigans, foxes and lemmings; with some luck, you may also see moose tracks. Many animals live in Abisko’s birch forest during winter. These offerings complement the ski tours with a documented alternative, without implying that they are suitable for every travel group or that wildlife sightings are guaranteed.

Abisko Canyon and Lake Torneträsk

The Abiskoeatnu Canyon lies in Abisko National Park near Naturum Abisko and the tourist station. An accessible path runs along the canyon. The wooden boardwalk, with railings, provides views of steep rock walls and clear water below. If you prefer a short route to the lake, you can reach the shore of Lake Torneträsk via a route of approximately 1.2 kilometres in one direction. In the surrounding birch heath, yellow wagtails and bluethroats can be observed. There is also an accessible fire pit with benches on the shore.

Hiking trails, viewpoints and traces of history

The Kungsleden passes through the area and runs southward between Lapporten (Čuonjavággi) and Mount Njullá (Nuolja). The Njakajaure nature trail follows the orange-marked path and the Kungsleden for just under three kilometres to Marmorbrottet. Some marble was quarried there in the 19th century. A suspension bridge crosses the Nissonjohka; on the other side lies the Nisson campsite.

There are further clearly distinct trails for different hiking preferences. The Hälsoslingan Fågelkullen passes the deep canyon and offers expansive views from the wind shelter on Fågelkullen. The trail is relatively easy to walk, but includes roots, stones and a few short, steep climbs. The Hälsoslingan Njakajauristigen runs through Abisko National Park and provides insights into several habitat types. In summer, for example, mountain avens and Lapland rosebay may bloom there; the trail also offers views of the Abiskojokk and Lapporten.

Naturum, Samevistet and the Aurora Sky Station

Naturum Abisko presents the plant and animal life, geology and history of Abisko National Park in a permanent exhibition. Guided tours and other activities are offered there in summer. Samevistet is a reconstruction of life in an autumn and spring settlement, with storage buildings, kåtas and drying racks. STF Abisko sells guided tours to Samevistet.

A cable car takes visitors up Nuolja to the STF Aurora Sky Station. The summer cable car reaches an altitude of 900 metres above sea level in around 20 minutes. Several hiking trails start there; the guided midnight sun hike leads to the summit of Nuolja at an elevation of 1,164 metres and includes a return cable car ticket. From the summer cable car, there are views of the Abisko Alps, Lapporten and Lake Torneträsk.

Abisko turist railway station is located in Abisko National Park. From there, it is approximately 800 metres to the STF Abisko Turiststation and the Naturum Abisko visitor centre.

For practical orientation on site, the shop at STF Abisko Turiststation sells and rents outdoor clothing and equipment. The Kungsleden restaurant at STF Abisko Turiststation uses local ingredients wherever possible. Also observe the protection rule at the delta at the mouth of the Abiskojåkka: entering the bird sanctuary is prohibited from 1 May to 31 July.

If you would like to compare Abisko with other destinations in the same comparison group, you can also consider Riksgränsen and Kiruna.

For the higher-level travel overview: Kiruna Municipality.