Winter journey to Swedish Lapland: Northern Lights over Abisko

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This trip is planned for 09 Feb – 26 Feb 2027.

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Day 1 · Tue 09/02 2:48 hr

Departure from Berlin and the first stage north

Departure

A short first day so you're well rested for the ferry on day two.

Start

Berlin

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

232 km · 2:45 hr
Camper stop

Motorhome pitch at Stadthafen Rostock

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.

15–22 € / night
Website
Day 2 · Wed 10/02 15:12 hr

Ferry crossing to Sweden

Baltic Sea crossing

The ferry makes for a relaxing day, followed by only a short driving stage.

A long stage — build in breaks.

8 km · 6 min
1
Ferry

Ferry Rostock–Trelleborg

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.

130–220 € in total
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

729 km · 9:07 hr
Campsite

First Camp Kalmar-Stensö

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.

30–45 € / night
Website
Day 3 · Thu 11/02 5 hr

Up the east coast heading north

Driving stage

Five hours of driving, but the evening is free for Stockholm.

387 km · 5 hr
Campsite

Bredäng Camping Stockholm

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.

35–50 € / night
Website
Day 4 · Fri 12/02 42 min

Stockholm in winter

City and museums

A rest day with no long drive, to recharge before heading further north.

12 km · 9 min
2
Sight

Vasamuseet

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.

22–25 € / person
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

1 km · 25 min
3
Town

Gamla Stan

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.

Website
Another night: Bredäng Camping Stockholm
Day 5 · Sat 13/02 5:36 hr

Up to Höga Kusten

Driving stage

Around five hours of driving, rewarded by a spectacular coastal mountain range.

282 km · 3 hr
4
Stop

Rest area in Hälsingland

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

View on map
233 km · 2:35 hr
Campsite

FriluftsByn Höga Kusten

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.

30–45 € / night
Website
Day 6 · Sun 14/02 2:54 hr

Höga Kusten and on to Umeå

Nature and driving stage

A nature stop in the morning, a short driving stage in the afternoon.

34 km · 25 min
5
Nature

Skuleskogen National Park

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.

0 €
Website
150 km · 2:30 hr
Campsite

First Camp Umeå

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.

30–45 € / night
Website
Day 7 · Mon 15/02 4:48 hr

Into Lapland: across the Arctic Circle to Jokkmokk

Driving stage into the Arctic

A long stage, just under the 8-hour limit; start early to arrive before dark.

382 km · 4:45 hr
6
Sight

Arctic Circle Monument, Jokkmokk

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.

0 €
Website
6 km · 5 min
Campsite

Jokkmokks Camping Center

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.

28–42 € / night
Website
Day 8 · Tue 16/02 6 min

Sámi culture in Jokkmokk

Museum and rest day

A deliberate rest day after the long drive into the Arctic.

2 km · 2 min
7
Sight

Ájtte, Svenskt Fjäll- och Samemuseum

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.

10–15 € / person
Website
Another night: Jokkmokks Camping Center
Day 9 · Wed 17/02 2:48 hr

Via Gällivare to Kiruna

Driving stage

A moderate stage with afternoon arrival, leaving time to settle in.

84 km · 1:03 hr
8
Nature

Dundret Gällivare

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.

0 €
Website
106 km · 1:45 hr
Campsite

Camp Ripan

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.

35–55 € / night
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 10 · Thu 18/02 6 min

Kiruna and the town on the move

Town and mining history

A compact town day with no change of location.

2 km · 2 min
9
Sight

Kiruna Kyrka

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.

0 €
Website
3 km · 2 min
10
Activity

LKAB Mine Tour (underground visit)

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.

35–45 € / person
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Another night: Camp Ripan
Day 11 · Fri 19/02 1:06 hr

Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi and Rávttas Sámi village

Ice and Sámi culture

An eventful day with short drives, easy to combine with Northern Lights in the evening.

20 km · 25 min
11
Sight

Icehotel Jukkasjärvi

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.

30–45 € / person
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

10 km · 8 min
12
Activity

Rávttas Sámi village

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.

90–150 € / person
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Another night: Camp Ripan
Day 12 · Sat 20/02 1:24 hr

From Kiruna to Abisko on Torneträsk

Arrival in Northern Lights territory

A short stage, arriving at midday, leaving the first evening free for the Northern Lights.

92 km · 1:15 hr
13
Nature

Torneträsk viewpoint near Stordalen

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.

0 €
View on map
11 km · 8 min
Stay

Abisko Turiststation (STF)

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.

40–70 € / night

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 13 · Sun 21/02 18 min

Aurora Sky Station on Nuolja mountain

Northern Lights

A quiet day, followed by the Aurora tour in the evening — the highlight of the trip.

1 km · 8 min
14
Sight

Naturum Abisko

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.

0 €
Website
4 km · 5 min
15
Activity

Aurora Sky Station

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.

70–95 € / person
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Another night: Abisko Turiststation (STF)
Day 14 · Mon 22/02 48 min

Winter hiking in Abisko National Park

Nature and hiking

An active hiking day; adjust distances to weather and daylight, as February offers only a few hours of light.

1 km · 15 min
16
Nature

Abiskojåkka gorge on the Kungsleden

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.

0 €
Website
13 km · 15 min
17
Nature

Nordkalottleden near Abisko

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.

0 €
Website
Another night: Abisko Turiststation (STF)
Day 15 · Tue 23/02 42 min

Björkliden and Torneträsk

Mountains by the lake

A quiet day with short drives and plenty of scenery.

9 km · 15 min
18
Town

Björkliden

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.

0 €
Website
15 km · 20 min
19
Nature

Lapporten viewpoint

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.

0 €
View on map
Another night: Abisko Turiststation (STF)
Day 16 · Wed 24/02

Husky tour and rest day in Abisko

Huskies and relaxation

Huskies in the morning, relaxation in the afternoon — the last full day in the far north.

1 km · 1 min
20
Activity

Husky tour from Abisko

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.

120–190 € / person
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Another night: Abisko Turiststation (STF)
Day 17 · Thu 25/02 1:54 hr

Excursion to Nikkaluokta and back to Kiruna

Kebnekaise gateway and start of the journey home

An excursion to the gateway of Kebnekaise; in winter, Nikkaluokta is only accessible as far as the village.

72 km · 54 min
21
Nature

Nikkaluokta

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.

0 €
Website
62 km · 1 hr
Campsite

Camp Ripan

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.

35–55 € / night
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 18 · Fri 26/02

Farewell in the far north

End of the trip in Lapland

Destination reached: the tour ends in Swedish Lapland. Allow enough buffer days and several stages for the journey home, as the return route is roughly as long as the outward one.

1 km · 1 min
22
Town

Kiruna

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.

0 €
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This trip is planned for 09 Feb – 26 Feb 2027.

Copy it and move it to your own dates.

Free account, no credit card. Copying, moving and adjusting are included.