Björkliden/Abisko: Night Sky Snowmobile Tour

Chase the sky on a moving snowmobile. This 2.5-hour evening trip from Abisko or Björkliden combines a thrilling ride through snowy northern Sweden with a serious search for the Northern Lights. I like the small group of up to eight people, which keeps the outing personal, and I like that warm clothing, boots, gloves, a balaclava, and helmet are supplied. The main drawback is simple: the aurora is never guaranteed, even after you pay $198.

I also like the quiet pause halfway through the ride, with a crackling fire, hot lingonberry juice, cookies, and time to watch the sky. You share a snowmobile with another person, though you can usually pay extra on site for a private machine. A driving license is required, and the pickup may take up to 30 minutes, so this is not a casual stroll from your hotel door.

Key points at a glance

• Shared snowmobile seating: Two people normally share one machine, with an optional private upgrade usually available for an added fee.
• Mountain viewing point: The ride heads toward a mountain location chosen for good conditions during the polar night.
• Warm stop by the fire: Expect a break with hot drinks and something sweet while your guide explains the Aurora.
• Winter gear supplied: Boots, warm clothing, gloves, balaclava, and helmet are included, though you should still bring warm layers.
• Small English-speaking group: The outing is limited to eight participants and led by a certified guide.
• Late-night bonus: Your guide gives advice on nearby places where you can continue looking for the Northern Lights on foot.

Setting out from Abisko or Björkliden

The evening begins with pickup from one of six locations: Abisko Fjällturer AB, Hotell Fjället, Abisko Mountain Lodge, Gammelgården Ski Lodge, STF Abisko Turiststation, or Abisko Guesthouse. The return transfer uses the same general group of stops, with drop-off at six listed locations in Abisko.

The van ride is scheduled to take about 15 minutes each way. That is short enough to keep the outing focused, but pickup can take up to 30 minutes, so I would be ready early and keep your phone nearby. A missed pickup would be especially frustrating because the tour runs on a tight evening schedule.

Once you reach the snowmobile departure point around Björkliden, the guide gives safety and driving instructions. This matters more than it might sound. You are not simply sitting in a vehicle while someone else handles the route. If you want to drive, you need a valid driving license and must pay attention to the briefing before heading into the dark.

The tour is offered from December through March, when darkness and snow create the right conditions for the ride. Available departure times vary, so check the date and starting time carefully when booking.

Two people, one snowmobile

The standard arrangement is one snowmobile shared by two people. That works well for friends, couples, or family members who are happy to take turns driving. It also keeps the listed price from rising even higher, since a private machine normally costs extra.

The shared setup is worth thinking about before you book. If both people want a long turn at the controls, you will need to switch during the ride. If one person mainly wants to watch the sky and enjoy the scenery, sharing can be a practical arrangement.

You can usually upgrade to a private snowmobile on site for an additional charge. The supplied information does not state the exact upgrade price, so ask the provider before departure if riding alone matters to you. A private machine gives you more control over the pace and avoids negotiating turns, but the standard shared option is likely enough for many people.

Snowmobile driving adds real fun to the aurora hunt. You feel the cold air, hear the engine, and move through the snowy surroundings instead of waiting beside a road or standing outside a hotel. Still, this is a guided outing, not a free-form ride. You follow the route and the guide’s instructions.

Why the mountain stop matters

The ride heads up toward a mountain area selected for better polar-night viewing conditions. The point is not just to get higher. The guide is trying to place the group away from the brighter built-up areas and in a spot where the night sky has a better chance to show its detail.

That makes this tour different from simply walking outside your accommodation for five minutes. You are making a deliberate trip into a darker setting, with transport, equipment, and someone watching the conditions.

The guide parks the snowmobiles in a suitable place with protection from wind and weather. This is a useful detail in northern Sweden, where standing still can feel much colder than moving. You get time to settle down, look upward, and let your eyes adjust instead of rushing through a quick photo stop.

The aurora itself remains unpredictable. A clouded sky or weak solar activity can spoil the show, and no tour can change that. What you are paying for is a well-planned search in a strong viewing area, not a guaranteed green curtain overhead.

The fire, lingonberry juice, and waiting time

The pause by the fire is one of the best parts of the evening. You get a hot drink and a snack while the group waits for the Northern Lights. The supplied snack is described as sweet bread, and a guest specifically enjoyed lingonberry juice and cookies during the break.

That small detail matters. Aurora watching involves waiting, and waiting in winter can become uncomfortable quickly. A fire, warm drink, and something sweet turn the pause into part of the experience rather than dead time.

The guide also tells stories about the Aurora and explains how to look for it. You can use this time to ask questions, check the sky, and prepare your camera. The tour is not only about speed and machinery. It gives you a chance to understand what you are watching and why conditions may change.

One practical point: bring water even though a hot drink is provided. The activity information also asks you to bring warm clothing. Use the supplied gear as extra protection, not as a reason to arrive in ordinary indoor clothes.

Included clothing and cold-weather comfort

The tour provides warm clothing, boots, gloves, a balaclava, and a helmet. That is a major benefit for anyone arriving in Abisko without a full Arctic wardrobe. Proper boots and hand protection can make the difference between enjoying the fire stop and counting the minutes until the return journey.

A particularly useful feature noted by one guest was the snowmobile’s built-in hand warmers. That is exactly the sort of practical comfort you appreciate when your hands are holding the controls in freezing air.

You should still dress in layers and bring your own warm clothing. The supplied gear protects you, but winter conditions vary, and you may stand still for a long period while watching the sky. A layer that can be removed is better than one bulky coat that leaves you too warm during the ride and too cold once you stop.

Do not bring alcohol or drugs. The tour includes vehicle operation, darkness, cold, and mountain conditions, so clear judgment is essential.

A small group with useful local advice

The group is limited to eight people, which is a good size for this kind of outing. You should have room to hear the guide, ask questions, and stop without feeling part of a large convoy.

The certified guide leads the safety talk, directs the snowmobile route, shares information about the Aurora, and chooses the stopping point. The tour is conducted in English.

The advice at the end may be just as useful as the guided ride itself. After returning, you can continue your own aurora search on foot. The guide can point you toward nearby viewing areas that are reachable from your accommodation.

That is especially valuable if you have several nights in Abisko or Björkliden. One evening may bring clear skies, while another may be cloudy. Knowing where to walk later can help you make better use of the rest of your stay without booking another paid excursion.

What the $198 price really covers

At $198 per person, this is not a bargain activity. The price makes more sense when you count what is bundled into the evening: pickup and return transport, a certified guide, two hours of snowmobile riding, shared equipment, winter clothing, a helmet, a warm stop, snacks, and aurora guidance.

You are also paying for access to a mountain viewing area without arranging your own snowmobile rental or figuring out winter routes in the dark. For a first visit to the region, that convenience has real value.

The cost is easier to justify if you need the supplied clothing or want to drive a snowmobile. If you already own proper winter equipment and only want a place to watch the sky, walking from your accommodation may be cheaper, though it will not provide the ride or guided search.

The standard price covers a shared machine. Budget more if you want to ride alone, since a private snowmobile upgrade is usually available for an additional fee. Ask about that option before the tour begins if it is important to you.

Who should book this outing

I would recommend it to adults and older children who want an active way to search for the Northern Lights. It suits people who like the idea of combining a snowmobile ride with a quiet period beside a fire, rather than choosing between adventure and sky watching.

It is also a good choice if you are staying at one of the listed Abisko or Björkliden accommodations and want pickup included. The short van transfers keep the evening simple, and the guide’s later advice can help you continue viewing on your own.

Families need to read the age rules carefully. Children under five are not allowed, and there can be a maximum of one child aged 5 to 15 per adult. A driving license is required for anyone operating a snowmobile.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart problems. The supplied information does not give further medical guidance, so anyone with a health concern should contact the provider before booking.

Things to consider before you commit

The biggest consideration is the uncertainty of the sky. You may get a wonderful display, or you may spend the evening enjoying the ride, fire, and dark mountain setting without seeing the Aurora. Book this as a complete winter experience, not as a guaranteed light show.

The second issue is the travel schedule. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes, and the tour has fixed departure times. Be ready at the correct pickup point and allow plenty of time.

The third is the shared machine. Two people per snowmobile is standard, and the private upgrade costs extra. If control time matters to you, settle that detail early.

Finally, flight delays can create a serious problem. One customer missed the excursion after a delayed Ryanair flight and was unhappy with the lack of a partial refund or replacement voucher. The policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, but a last-minute transport delay may not receive the same flexibility. Avoid scheduling this tour too close to an arrival flight if you can.

Should you book the Björkliden night snowmobile tour?

Book it if you want a small-group Arctic outing that gives you more than a quick aurora stop. The combination of snowmobile driving, warm winter gear, a mountain viewing point, fire, lingonberry juice, and practical viewing advice makes the $198 price easier to understand.

Skip it if your only goal is a guaranteed Northern Lights display, if you dislike sharing a snowmobile, or if your schedule leaves no room for a delayed pickup or missed connection. The sky decides the headline event.

For most people who want an active evening in Abisko, I think it is a strong choice. Go prepared for cold, bring your license, arrive early, and treat the Aurora as a gift rather than a promise.

FAQ

How long does the snowmobile tour last?

The full activity lasts about 2.5 hours, including the transfers. The guided snowmobile portion in Björkliden lasts about two hours, with the van ride taking around 15 minutes each way.

Where can I be picked up?

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

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off in Abisko or Björkliden are included. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes, so you should be ready at your selected location on time.

Do I need a driving license?

Yes. A driving license is required if you take part in the snowmobile driving.

Is the snowmobile private?

No. The standard arrangement is one shared snowmobile for two people. You can usually upgrade to a private machine on site for an additional fee.

What clothing and equipment are supplied?

Warm clothing, boots, gloves, a balaclava, and a helmet are supplied. You should still bring warm personal layers and water.

Can children join the tour?

Children under five cannot join. A maximum of one child aged 5 to 15 is allowed per adult. The activity is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart problems.