Winter journey to Swedish Lapland: Northern Lights over Abisko

This is where your trip begins. Fill up the tank, check the camper's winter equipment, and set off towards the Baltic Sea.

A centrally located motorhome pitch at the Stadthafen, well suited to a short first stage. From here you can easily reach the ferry terminals to Sweden the next morning. Water/waste disposal and electricity are available.

The TT-Line ferry carries you across the Baltic Sea to Trelleborg in around six hours. On board there's a restaurant and rest areas, a great chance for a long break from driving.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A year-round campsite on the Stensö peninsula, peacefully situated by the water. A good stopover for the long journey north, with heated sanitary buildings. Kalmar, with its Renaissance castle, is worth an evening stroll.

A year-round campsite on Lake Mälaren in south-west Stockholm, with direct metro access into the centre. Ideal for exploring the winter old town of Gamla Stan by public transport. Heated service buildings make the winter stay comfortable.

Scandinavia's most-visited museum displays the warship Vasa, which sank in 1628 and was later salvaged, almost completely preserved. An impressive indoor outing, especially pleasant and warm in winter. Audio guides available in German.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Stockholm's medieval old town, with narrow lanes, the Royal Palace and cosy cafés. Especially atmospheric in winter, when snow covers the cobbled streets. Easy to reach on foot and by metro.

Roughly halfway, a longer break along the E4 is a good idea. Snow-covered forests and coastal views accompany you on the way north.

A base camp at the foot of Skuleberget in the UNESCO World Heritage region of Höga Kusten. Winter-ready pitches and heated common rooms, ideal for a stopover. Snowy coastal mountains and hiking trails all around.

A coastal national park with dramatic cliffs and the famous rock cleft Slåttdalsskrevan. Short, well-marked winter walks in the snow are possible. Bring crampons or spikes, as the paths can be icy.

A year-round campsite on Nydalasjön near Umeå. A good stop before the last big stage into Lapland, with heated sanitary facilities. Umeå itself is a lively university town with cafés and museums.

Here you cross the Arctic Circle, marked by a simple monument on the E45. A symbolic moment on the way into the true Arctic. A good photo stop with views over the snowy landscape.

A winter-ready campsite on the Lule River, with electricity and heated service rooms. Jokkmokk is a centre of Sámi culture, with the well worth visiting Ájtte museum. Good early chances of Northern Lights under a clear sky.

The leading museum on Sámi culture and the natural history of the Swedish fjäll. Good preparation for the region, with exhibitions on reindeer husbandry, traditional dress and landscape. Warm and ideal for a quiet winter morning.

The local mountain Dundret offers sweeping views over the winter mountains and is a well-known viewpoint. A short stop on the way to Kiruna to stretch your legs. In good weather, the view stretches across the snowy fjälls.

A winter-ready resort with pitches, cabins and a spa on the edge of Kiruna. A good base for activities and Northern Lights watching, with a good restaurant. Quiet, yet close to the centre.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

One of Sweden's largest timber churches, built in the style of a Sámi kåta, moved to its new site in 2025. A landmark of the town, which is being relocated bit by bit due to the iron ore mine. A fascinating insight into Kiruna's unique relocation.

A guided tour into the world's largest underground iron ore mine, deep beneath the town. A warm, fascinating insight into the mining that shapes Kiruna's existence. Booking required via the tourist information office.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The world-famous Icehotel on the Torne River, rebuilt every year from ice and snow by artists. You can view the art suites and the ice bar and — with a comfortable budget — spend a night in an ice room. Don't forget warm clothing and gloves.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

On a visit to the Sámi village of Rávttas, you'll learn about reindeer husbandry first hand. Feeding the reindeer, a reindeer sled ride and storytelling by the fire in the lávvu offer insight into Sámi life. Small groups, booking required.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Along the E10 beside the huge lake Torneträsk, the view opens onto the vast, snow-covered winter landscape. The lake shapes the microclimate of the Abisko valley, famous for its often clear skies. A good photo stop before arrival.

The STF mountain station on the edge of Abisko National Park is the central starting point for hikes and Northern Lights tours. Winter campers park the vehicle in the station's car park and make use of its facilities. This is where the ascent to the Aurora Sky Station begins.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The Naturum at the tourist station provides information on the national park, its flora, fauna and unique climate. A good introduction to help you understand the region before setting out on tours. Free and sheltered from the weather.

A chairlift takes you up Nuolja mountain to the Aurora Sky Station, one of the best places in the world for Northern Lights watching. At the top, a viewing room, hot drinks and wide views over Torneträsk await. Warm overalls are provided.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The starting point of the famous long-distance trail Kungsleden leads through the deeply cut Abiskojåkka gorge. In winter, a short, easily accessible loop over bridges offers views into the frozen gorge. Ideal for a day hike with snowshoes or spikes.

The cross-border long-distance trail Nordkalottleden links Sweden, Norway and Finland and passes through the Abisko region. In winter, a section can be experienced as a guided snowshoe tour, with sweeping views over the Arctic mountains. A guide is recommended, as the route is demanding.

The small mountain village of Björkliden sits above Torneträsk and offers some of the finest panoramas in the region. From here, the view stretches across the frozen lake to the mountains on the Norwegian border. A quiet, elevated spot with clear night skies for the Northern Lights.

The U-shaped valley of Lapporten is the region's landmark, visible from many viewpoints around Abisko and Björkliden. A striking natural monument that reveals the power of the ice-age glaciers. A popular photo spot in any weather.

On a guided dog sledding tour, you'll steer your own team through the snowy landscape around Abisko. An intense Arctic experience with a break by the campfire. Warm clothing and sturdy gloves are essential.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The small Sámi village of Nikkaluokta is the gateway to Sweden's highest mountain, Kebnekaise. In winter it's a quiet spot amid vast fjäll landscape, with short walks in the surrounding area. The dead-end road ends here, at the edge of the wilderness.

An overnight stay in Kiruna as a comfortable close to the trip, with a spa and restaurant to unwind in. From here, the journey south the next day is easily managed. One last chance for the Northern Lights before you say goodbye.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The last day winds down in Kiruna before your trip comes to an end here in Arctic Lapland. Use the morning for a final stroll through town, a few last photos or a coffee. If you're continuing on, plan the long stage south afresh and at a relaxed pace.