Björkliden/Abisko: Night Sky Snowmobile Tour

The best part of this 2.5-hour outing is the ride itself: you leave the lights of Abisko or Björkliden behind and follow snowy mountain routes into darker country, where the Northern Lights have a better chance to show. I love the small group of up to eight and the way the tour pairs a real snowmobile trip with simple fire-side comfort. The included winter gear is another big plus, especially when the cold and wind arrive.

The main caution is that the Aurora is never guaranteed. You also need a valid driving license if you plan to drive, and two people normally share one snowmobile. A private machine may be available for an extra fee, but it is not included in the $198 price.

Key points to know before you book

• The ride reaches a darker mountain setting: You travel away from the settled areas of Abisko and Björkliden to improve your odds of seeing the sky.
• Two people share each snowmobile: You can drive with a friend, while a private machine may be available for an additional charge.
• Warm gear is supplied: Boots, gloves, warm clothing, a balaclava, and helmet are included.
• The fire-side pause matters: Hot drinks, sweet bread, and a snack give you a comfortable way to wait for the Aurora.
• Pickup is built in: The van serves six listed pickup points in Abisko and Björkliden, but pickup can take up to 30 minutes.
• It is a true winter activity: Departures run from December through March, and the tour is not suitable for children under five, pregnant women, or people with heart problems.

From Abisko lodging to the mountain road

Your evening begins at one of six pickup points: Abisko Fjällturer AB, Hotell Fjället, Abisko Mountain Lodge, Gammelgården Ski Lodge, STF Abisko Turiststation, or Abisko Guesthouse.

The pickup van ride takes about 15 minutes. The service covers both Abisko and Björkliden, which is useful if you are staying in one village and the activity begins near the other. Give yourself patience at pickup time. The van can take up to 30 minutes to arrive, so you should be ready at your stated point rather than waiting inside your room.

This short transfer is practical rather than scenic, but it keeps the evening easy. You do not need to arrange a taxi or find an unfamiliar starting point in the dark. At the end of the outing, the van returns you to one of the same six locations.

The tour runs in winter, from December through March. Starting times vary, so check the date and time offered when you reserve. Since the goal is to search the night sky, the experience naturally takes place after dark.

Safety instructions before you touch the throttle

Before setting out, your certified guide explains how to operate the snowmobile and covers basic safety. This is important even if you have driven one before. You will be riding at night, in cold conditions, and over snowy ground, so a careful briefing is more useful than a rushed start.

You need a driving license to operate a snowmobile on this tour. If you would rather not drive, contact the activity provider in advance. The normal arrangement is one shared machine for two people, giving you the option to take turns with a friend. The supplied information does not specify how long each person drives, so ask the guide about switching before departure.

A private snowmobile may usually be arranged on-site for an added fee. That option suits you if you want full control of the ride or do not want to share. It also raises the total cost, so the advertised $198 price should be understood as the shared-machine rate.

A two-hour snowmobile ride through the polar night

The main ride lasts about two hours. You head from the Björkliden area up toward a mountain location chosen for better conditions for viewing the Northern Lights.

The attraction here is not simply getting from one point to another. The snowmobile gives you a way to experience the winter country after dark, with the cold air, engine noise, and snow under the track forming part of the evening. I like that this is an active Aurora outing rather than a quick drive to a viewing field followed by a long wait.

The ride is shared, so this suits friends, couples, or family groups who are happy to take turns. A child between five and fifteen can join with an adult, but there can be no more than one child per adult. Children under five are not accepted.

You should expect genuine cold. Warm clothing is provided, including boots, gloves, a balaclava, and a helmet, but wear warm layers of your own and bring water. The supplied gear is a major practical benefit. One particularly useful touch is the built-in hand warmers on the snowmobiles, which help during the ride and while you wait outside.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart problems. You should also avoid alcohol and drugs, both for safety and because they are not allowed on the tour.

Why the mountain stop is worth the cold

The guide parks the snowmobiles in a spot that offers protection from wind and weather. This makes the waiting period more manageable, since a Northern Lights outing can involve standing around with no guarantee of immediate action in the sky.

The guide explains the Aurora and shares stories about it while you watch the night. You also get advice on how to continue looking for it after the tour. That advice is one of the most useful parts of the evening because the activity finishes while the night is still young. You can walk from your accommodation to nearby viewing spots later, using the guide’s suggestions.

Keep your expectations sensible. The tour takes you to a place selected for favorable viewing conditions, but no guide can promise an Aurora display. Cloud, weather, and solar activity all affect what you see. The tour remains worthwhile if you value the mountain ride and the winter setting, but it is a poor choice if you want a guaranteed show.

Fire, lingonberry juice, and sweet bread

During the stop, you gather around a crackling fire and receive a hot drink, snack, and sweet bread. Lingonberry juice has been served on the tour, along with cookies, and it is a welcome break after the ride.

This pause gives the outing its human side. You are not just staring upward in silence while your toes go numb. You have a warm drink in hand, something sweet to eat, and a guide who can explain what you are looking for.

The fire-side stop can also be the most memorable part if the Aurora takes its time. A clear sky is beautiful even without green lights, and a quiet mountain fire makes the waiting feel like part of the experience instead of a delay.

The food is a snack, not a meal. Eat beforehand if you need dinner, particularly because the tour lasts two and a half hours including transport and preparation.

What the $198 price really covers

At $198 per person, this is not a cheap way to look for the Northern Lights. The value depends on how much of the bundled service you would otherwise need to arrange.

Your price includes:

• A certified English-speaking guide
• A shared snowmobile for two people
• Pickup and return transport
• Warm clothing, boots, gloves, balaclava, and helmet
• Snacks and a hot drink
• A small group limited to eight participants

The transport and equipment make the price easier to justify. You are not just paying for access to a viewing area. You receive winter clothing, instruction, a guided mountain ride, food, and local advice for later Aurora watching.

The value is strongest if you are already staying in Abisko or Björkliden and want an active evening without renting equipment. It is weaker if you only want to stand outside and watch the sky, since you could search for nearby viewing points on your own at no tour cost.

The shared snowmobile also keeps the base price from climbing higher. If you want a private machine, ask about the extra fee before you commit. A private ride gives you more independence, but it changes the value calculation.

The small group makes a difference

With a maximum of eight participants, the guide can give clearer driving instructions and keep the group together more easily. A small group also works better around the fire, where a large crowd would make the stop feel less personal.

The experience is still shared. You do not get a private guide, and two people normally ride each machine. If you prefer a quiet, independent outing, a private snowmobile upgrade may be worth asking about. If you enjoy meeting a few other people and want the reassurance of a guide in the mountains, the group size is a strong feature.

The available rating is 4.6 out of 5 from nine reviews, which points to a generally strong experience but not a flawless one. One complaint involved a delayed flight and a missed connection, followed by frustration over the refund request. That is a useful warning: protect your schedule, and do not assume an airline delay will automatically qualify for a special refund outside the stated policy.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility while planning.

Who should book this Aurora outing

I would choose this tour if you want more than a passive Northern Lights wait. It suits you especially well if you:

• Want to drive a snowmobile through snowy mountain country
• Are staying in Abisko or Björkliden
• Prefer a small group rather than a large coach outing
• Need winter gear supplied
• Like the idea of a fire, hot drink, and snack during the wait
• Want practical advice for finding Aurora viewing spots later on foot
• Are comfortable sharing a machine with a friend or family member

It is less suitable if you dislike cold-weather activity, do not have a driving license, or want a guaranteed Aurora display. It also may not suit very young children or anyone with the health restrictions stated for the activity.

Bring your license, warm personal layers, and water. Even with supplied clothing, winter comfort improves when you arrive dressed for the conditions. Do not bring alcohol or drugs.

My call: book it for the ride, not just the lights

I recommend this tour if you see the Northern Lights as one part of a full winter evening. The snowmobile ride, dark mountain setting, fire, lingonberry juice, sweet bread, and guide’s advice give you several good reasons to go even if the sky stays quiet.

Book it when you can accept the basic Aurora gamble and when the shared-machine arrangement suits you. If you need a private snowmobile, ask about the added cost before booking. And if your only goal is to see the lights as cheaply as possible, walkable viewing points near your accommodation may be the better choice.

For an active, well-equipped outing from Abisko or Björkliden, the package is solid. Just bring the right expectations: you are paying for a guided Arctic night and a strong chance to search in a dark mountain setting, not a promise written in green across the sky.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

Pickup is available from Abisko Fjällturer AB, Hotell Fjället, Abisko Mountain Lodge, Gammelgården Ski Lodge, STF Abisko Turiststation, and Abisko Guesthouse.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is about 2.5 hours. The van ride takes about 15 minutes each way, and the guided snowmobile portion lasts about two hours.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and return transport are included from the listed Abisko and Björkliden locations.

How many people share one snowmobile?

Two people normally share each snowmobile. You may usually upgrade to a private machine on-site for an additional fee.

Do I need a driving license?

Yes, a driving license is required if you drive on this tour. Contact the activity provider if you do not want to drive your own machine.

What winter equipment is provided?

The tour includes warm clothing, boots, gloves, a balaclava, and a helmet.

What should I bring?

Bring your driving license, warm clothing, and water. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Can children join the tour?

Children under five cannot join. A maximum of one child aged five to fifteen is allowed per adult.

Is the Northern Lights display guaranteed?

No. The tour takes you to a mountain area selected for good viewing conditions, but the Aurora depends on weather and natural conditions, so a display cannot be guaranteed.