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Planning a trip to see the Northern Lights: Tromsø vs. Abisko?

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Rostislav_55
Joined:
11.11.2022
Posts: 272
Topic Starter
21.01.2025 10:13
My partner and I are finally planning a bucket-list trip to Scandinavia this winter to hunt for the Aurora Borealis. We are torn between staying in Tromsø for the variety of tours or heading to Abisko for the supposedly clearer skies. Has anyone been to both and can offer a recommendation on which location offers a better chance of actually seeing them? We are also wondering if it's worth renting a car or if we should just stick to guided group excursions. Any tips on gear or timing for mid-January would be greatly appreciated!
11 replies in this topic
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Zhivko_D
Joined:
05.05.2020
Posts: 2297
16.03.2025 10:58
I've been to both. Tromsø is amazing for the culture and food, but Abisko definitely wins on the 'clear sky' factor because it's in a rain shadow. If your priority is 100% chasing the lights, go to Abisko.
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Iva_R
Joined:
28.02.2021
Posts: 1073
23.03.2025 00:04
In reply to a previous post
Totally agree with the above. We stayed at the STF Abisko Turiststation and saw the lights right outside our cabin. Tromsø felt way more 'touristy' compared to the quiet vibe in Abisko.
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Oli_S
Joined:
29.05.2023
Posts: 1587
05.07.2025 16:35
Whatever you do, don't rent a car unless you have experience driving on sheer ice and in total darkness. The roads in Northern Norway can be treacherous in January.
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otgovor_BG
Joined:
25.10.2023
Posts: 1746
24.07.2025 07:25
In reply to a previous post
Exactly! I second this. Unless you are a rally driver, just book the guided tours. They have local knowledge and will drive you wherever the sky is clear.
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iztrit_potrebitel
Joined:
05.12.2021
Posts: 1472
01.09.2025 15:56
Mid-January is peak season, so make sure you book your accommodation months in advance. Everything sells out fast.
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Yani_Z
Joined:
07.11.2022
Posts: 1161
03.09.2025 18:20
Don't forget to pack high-quality thermal base layers. You'll be standing still in the dark for hours, and the cold starts to seep through your boots pretty quickly.
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seba_bg
Joined:
11.06.2025
Posts: 2070
12.09.2025 10:59
Does anyone know if Abisko has enough to do during the day? I'm worried we'll get bored if the weather is bad.
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gost_nedelq
Joined:
03.06.2025
Posts: 2117
02.10.2025 08:34
In reply to a previous post
To answer the person asking about daytime: Abisko has dog sledding and snowshoeing, but it's very quiet. If you want museums and shopping, stick to Tromsø and just take a bus tour out of the city.
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Iva_R
Joined:
01.12.2024
Posts: 1776
10.10.2025 04:13
I personally loved Tromsø because you can just walk to the Fjellheisen cable car for an amazing view. It's a great mix of city life and wilderness.
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Igor_Tech
Joined:
11.10.2022
Posts: 2120
06.01.2026 15:11
In reply to a previous post
If you go to Tromsø, check out 'Chasing Lights' for tours. They were super professional and actually drove us all the way to the Finnish border to find clear skies when the coast was cloudy.
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Zhivko_D
Joined:
11.10.2024
Posts: 635
08.01.2026 18:14
It really comes down to what you want: city vibes or a remote, frozen wonderland. Either way, you're going to have an incredible time!

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