A Travel Guide to Visiting Abisko in Autumn (Sept, Oct, & Nov)

Until recently, I had visited Abisko in every season except fall. I finally made it to Abisko in autumn and I can now declare my love for the place in my favorite season. I am already planning a trip back next year during this time to see the colors of Swedish Lapland all over again!

In this guide, I am giving a look into what it is like to spend autumn in Abisko. I will share some weather and daylight information, as well as a few things to do to keep you occupied throughout September, October, and November.

Having visited in every season, I now know that autumn (and some parts of spring) are the low season in Abisko. Summer was fairly crowded with hikers embarking on the Kungsleden and winter is brimming with northern lights travelers.

But autumn is the most beautiful (when the leaves are changing). I am sure of that. And you can still see the northern lights throughout this period, so it is an absolute win in my eyes. Let me know if you have any questions about visiting Abisko during autumn in the comments. Thanks!

Autumn Weather in Abisko (Snow & Temperatures)

Since this is the shoulder season, temperatures vary drastically from the start of September until the end of November. Here is a glance at the averages:

• Abisko in September: highs of 9C (49F), lows of 3C (37F)
• Abisko in October: highs of 3C (38F), lows of -3C (27F)
• Abisko in November: highs of -1C (29F), lows of -8C (18F)

Abisko actually experiences its wettest days during the summer and it starts to dissipate throughout autumn. September and October average 6 wet days and November only 5.

One thing that is not talked about enough is that Abisko sits in a microclimate that is kind of desert-like throughout certain parts of the year. It is clear and dry but it can get quite cold. It kind of reminds me of Svalbard during spring.

Another perk of this is that Norway experiences its wettest months during autumn… so combining Abisko with a trip to the fjords can give you the best of both worlds in a way!

Snow arrives in Abisko in autumn. Expect the first snowfall anytime throughout the end of September into October.

Daylight Hours in Abisko in Autumn

The midnight sun has ended and the polar night hasn’t quite started. But the days get progressively shorter throughout autumn. Here is a look at the daylight hour situation throughout fall:

• September 1: sunrise at 5:09am, sunset at 8:07pm
• September 15: sunrise at 6:01am, sunset at 7:16pm
• October 1: sunrise at 6:58am, sunset at 6:08pm
• October 15: sunrise at 7:50am, sunset at 5:08pm
• November 1: sunrise at 7:59am, sunset at 2:55pm
• November 15: sunrise at 9:03am, sunset at 1:53pm
• November 30: sunrise at 10:28am, sunset at 12:37pm

Polar night begins around December 6 and will end around January 6 in Abisko. While the days will be dark toward the end of fall, there will still be a sunrise and a sunset.

Peak Autumn in Abisko

I was keen to visit during peak autumn in Abisko and I got the days just right! It happens around the middle of the month and can last for merely a couple of weeks. The autumn photos from this guide were taken from around September 15 until September 20 (for reference).

How to Get to Abisko

Getting to Abisko is surprisingly easy compared to other places in Northern Sweden! You can take the train there (all the way from Narvik, Norway aboard the Arctic Train or even from Stockholm). You can also drive to Abisko or fly into Kiruna Airport (KRN), which I have also done before.

The train journey from Stockholm takes about 17 hours with a possible change in Boden along the way, depending on your ticket. These trains can be high in price if you don’t book ahead, so I would also consider checking plane ticket prices if you’re on a budget. They might surprise you and be the cheaper option!

If you are coming from Narvik to Abisko, you can take one of the two trains daily that head in that direction. This is a unique experience and the train is called the Arctic Train. The journey is anywhere from 1.5 hours to just over 2 hours, depending on the train. You will need to take the train in the direction of Kiruna. See more here.

For those looking to drive to Abisko, here are the distances and approximate times from other destinations:

• Stockholm to Abisko: 14.5 hours
• Gothenburg to Abisko: 19.5 hours
• Rovaniemi to Abisko: 5 hours
• Tromsø to Abisko: 4 hours, 15 minutes
• Narvik to Abisko: 1 hour, 8 minutes
• Svolvær (start of Lofoten Islands) to Abisko: 4 hours, 15 minutes

There is only one place to get gas in Abisko (plenty more in Kiruna, however), so be sure to fill up there if you need to. You can find the Bilisten at the supermarket in Abisko. They only take credit cards and the pump is open 24/7.

Things to Do in Abisko in the Fall

Abisko has a plethora of tours to take during the winter months for adventurous travelers (husky safaris, northern lights tours, snowmobile excursions, etc). In autumn, there are not as many options, so the season lends itself to the independent traveler and hiker.

1. Head out on a northern lights tour.

You can see the northern lights in Abisko if the skies are clear and the light pollution isn’t too heavy (which it usually isn’t). But it may be worth joining a northern lights tour to give yourself an even better opportunity!

Your evening will begin by enjoying dinner in Abisko (usually at the Abisko Mountain Lodge, which I rave about below) before heading out to search for clear skies. You will be guided by an expert who will have all the apps to help find those patches of clear skies and perfect viewing spots. This is a great option for those who have never seen the aurora or do not have their own personal vehicle on their trip.

2. Go hiking in Abisko National Park.

One of my goals is to complete one of the more challenging hikes in Abisko National Park but that has not happened just yet. Here are a few of the more popular hikes in Abisko:

🥾 Abisko-Kårsavagge: A 14 km (8.7 mi) out-and-back of moderate difficulty.

🥾 Njakajaure Nature Trail: An easy 4.8-km (3-mi) loop that takes you to the Marmorbrottet Quarry after following along the Abiskojokk River.

🥾 Trail to the canyon combined with the trail to Lake Torneträsk: I have done this a few times, including during fall on my recent trip. The Trail to the Canyon is partially accessible and it is 1.4 kilometers (0.9 miles). You can either loop back around from here or cross the bridge to another trail. I crossed over to the trail to Lake Torneträsk. This trail is 1.4 kilometers (0.9 miles) and an out-and-back.

Abisko is the start (and end) of the Kungsleden, so you will meet some people who have completed (or are starting) the 440-kilometer (273-mile) trail. While most people do it during the summer months, there are still some travelers embarking on it during the fall as it is less busy and there are fewer mosquitoes.

Keep in mind that these would be best to do during the earlier part of autumn. You’re likely going to encounter snow at the end of October and most of November.

3. Take a day trip to Narvik, Norway.

One of the best things about being in Abisko is that you’re not far from the sea, either! Narvik, Norway is only 80 kilometers (50 miles) up the road and the drive there is nothing short of jaw-dropping. In Narvik, you will see the Norwegian fjords, which offer a contrast of scenery to Swedish Lapland.

Some of the best things to do in Narvik are to visit the Narvik Museum, the Narvik War Museum, go skiing, and more. I had dinner at Restaurant Fiskekroken and can highly recommend it if you visit (and it is open for lunch).

If you do not have a car with you on this trip, you can actually book a tour that takes you from Abisko to Narvik. I think this is probably a better way to see the highlights of Narvik as opposed to a self-drive adventure there. Click here to check Narvik day tour rates and availability.

4. Visit Silverfallet (Silver Falls) waterfall.

If you are traveling to Abisko independently and have your own car, I highly suggest heading just outside the park to a waterfall called Silverfallet (Silver Falls). It is situated right off the E10 by Björkliden and there is a large parking lot you can easily stop at.

The waterfall has several tiers until you get to the main cascade, which drops 30 meters (around 100 feet) into Lake Torneträsk. I have only visited during the fall and it was magnificent.

The trail is extremely easy, but it may be icy as the temperatures start to plummet in autumn. Bring microspikes if you visit in late autumn.

5. Check out the ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi.

One of the best things about Jukkasjärvi’s ice hotel is that a large component of it is open year-round! I have visited the entire complex in winter and it was rammed with tourists. 

Around since 1989, this is the world’s first ice hotel and one that has since created an exhibit that is open throughout the year. The only other ice hotel that has a year-round section is in Kirkenes, Norway and it is not nearly as impressive as Jukkasjärvi’s.

Ticket prices in 2025 are 315 SEK for adults (about $33.65). It is open from 11am until 6pm daily. The full art exhibition will be built and ready for visitors in mid-December.

Don’t have a car on your Abisko trip? No worries… you can still visit! There is a tour that takes guests a couple of times a week from Abisko to the ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi. Check rates and availability here.

Where to Eat in Abisko and Kiruna

Abisko does not have a lot of places to eat. At all. In fact, most people who visit prepare their own food for a large portion of their stay, or they eat at the same spots in the village. Here are the primary options for where to eat in Abisko and Kiruna (which, thankfully, has more options!):

Abisko

🥘 STF Abisko Turiststation: Not my favorite spot but one that is consistently open and serving guests. Restaurant Kungsleden is far better than the lunch buffet (Bistro Storstugan).

🥘 Brasserie Fjällköket: The restaurant at Abisko Mountain Lodge. Has superb food and many local options. Open in the evenings from 6pm until 10pm.

You will also find a grocery store in Abisko that will have pretty much everything you need! It is open daily from 10am until 9pm and it also contains a massive candy store inside. The nearest Systembolaget (alcohol store) is in Kiruna. You can, however, purchase beer inside this grocery store.

Kiruna

🥘 Camp Ripan: This Kiruna hotel has one of the best restaurants in town! They specialize in local ingredients and seasonal menus. I have eaten here on several trips and they serve lunch, as well as dinner.

🥘 Stejk Street Food: I have been here a few times and the value for money is insane. They are one of the highest-rated restaurants in Sweden and are located in an unassuming food truck in a gas station parking lot. They specialize in reindeer and moose meat and you can probably split a meal between two people. I love their mixed-meat plate with fries. They have a small lavvu where you can enjoy your food on-site.

What to Bring With You

It can be rather challenging to advise on what to bring, considering the autumn season changes so drastically from its start to its finish! If you’re visiting in early autumn, bring warmer clothes but you can leave the parka at home. Wool socks are sufficient with thick boots at this time of year. If you’re visiting in November, on the other hand, dress as you would for a winter trip.

Beware that nights will get cold and if you’re taking a northern lights tour or heading out at night on your own, it will be below freezing most of the fall season.

If you forget something and can’t make it to Kiruna to go shopping, you can head to STF Turiststation in Abisko where you’ll find a small shop that has some clothing and gear. You can find almost anything in there, so long as your budget isn’t too tight. You can also affordably rent clothing there if you don’t have your own.

Places to Stay in Abisko (and Nearby)

I have stayed at three different hotels in Abisko on my trip to the Swedish village. Here are the places I have stayed in Abisko:

Abisko Mountain Lodge: Located in Abisko Village and home to the best restaurant in Abisko! They have some luxury rooms, but most of the rooms are pretty basic.

Abisko Guesthouse & Activities: Accommodation in Abisko village. Offers a plethora of tours and activities and a variety of lodging options (suitable for all budgets). I loved staying here, but my room was one of the cheaper ones and had no windows, which left me slightly claustrophobic.

STF Abisko Turiststation: Closest to the national park and has a restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A small shop inside, lots of parking, and right next to the Naturum Visitor Center. Several options for accommodation here.

Do you have any questions about visiting Abisko in autumn? Let me know in the comments. Thanks!

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