STF Aurora Sky Station in Abisko
Almost at the very top of Nuolja mountain in Abisko National Park lies STF Aurora Sky Station – one of the world's most famous places to experience the northern lights and the midnight sun. A cable car takes you there, and you are rewarded with magnificent views over Torneträsk, Lapporten and Abiskodalen.
At the top, a large viewing terrace and a viewing tower await, with panoramic views over Čuonjávággi (Lapporten), Torneträsk and Abiskodalen. Indoors you will find a café, a souvenir shop and an exhibition about the fascinating history of the northern lights. Presentations about the aurora are held in the evenings, and in winter you can also book dinner as part of your visit.
Aurora Sky Station is open during two separate seasons – one in the dark part of winter when the northern lights are at their best, and one during the summer’s midnight sun, with a closed period in between. So check the current opening hours before you book.
The cable car
The easiest way up to Aurora Sky Station is by cable car from the base station, a 10-minute walk from STF Abisko Turiststation. The ride takes about 30 minutes and offers spectacular views all the way up.
We recommend that you book your ticket in advance, especially in high season. Tickets can also be bought on site, subject to availability.
Spectacular northern lights
Aurora Sky Station is considered one of the world’s finest places to experience the northern lights. Abisko is known for the so-called “blue hole” – a local weather phenomenon that often brings clear skies even when the surrounding area is cloudy. Dark winter evenings, dry air and the station’s high location combine to create excellent conditions for seeing the aurora.
The northern lights can be experienced from late August to April, but your best chance is from mid-November to mid-March. Read more about the northern lights in Sweden here.
Tips for your northern lights visit
Dress really warmly
You will often be standing still for long stretches while watching for the aurora. Wear several layers, warm boots, a hat, gloves and something to protect your neck.
Bring a headlamp with a red light
Red light disturbs your night vision far less than white light, making it easier to move around safely and spot the aurora in the sky at the same time.
Midnight sun
From around 25 May to mid-July, the sun never sets in Abisko. During these weeks the mountains are bathed in soft golden light around the clock. Read more about the midnight sun here.
Aurora Sky Station is a wonderful place to experience the midnight sun from above. From here you see Torneträsk, Lapporten and the mountain world spread out beneath the bright summer nights.
Activities Aurora Sky Station
Abisko – Aurora Sky Station Northern light dinner
Stay at STF Abisko Turiststation
Take the chance to combine your visit to Aurora Sky Station with a night at STF Abisko Turiststation. Here you stay right next to the national park and the cable car base station, with a restaurant, activities and hiking trails just around the corner.
Stay at a mountain station
STF’s mountain stations are the starting point for memorable mountain experiences. A mountain station is a comfortable mix of a mountain hotel, hostel and guesthouse. You choose the level of comfort and price that suits you.
More about our mountain stationsFAQ
During the Northern Lights season, warm overalls and winter boots are included for all guests who have booked the Northern Lights Dinner or Night Visit activities. These are available at the cable car base station, so please make sure to wear your own warm clothing for the short walk there.
The overalls are designed to be worn over your own warm clothes to help keep you comfortable during the cable car ride and while standing outdoors watching for the Northern Lights, as temperatures can be very low. Remember to bring your own warm hat, neck gaiter or balaclava, and insulated gloves or mittens.
It is always better to be slightly too warm and remove a layer if needed than to be cold during the cable car ride or miss out on the Northern Lights because you are unable to stay outside comfortably.
Yes! You can pay by Visa, Mastercard, Eurocard and Amex. We do not accept Diners. We do not accept cash.
The cable car ride takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the number of boarding and disembarking stops made while you are on the cable car.
The cable car chairs are open and seat two people, so please make sure to dress warmly.
During the summer, dogs are welcome on the cable car and at STF Aurora Sky Station during both daytime and evening operations. During the winter season, dogs are welcome during daytime operations only.
As the dog owner, you are responsible for ensuring that your dog is comfortable during the cable car ride. Dogs must sit beside you or on your lap in the open chairlift. In the unlikely event of an evacuation, you are responsible for your dog. Your dog must wear a harness approved for rope evacuation and a muzzle. Please also remember that dogs must always be kept on a leash within the national park.
During the Northern Lights season, we recommend booking in advance, as there is a limited number of places available each evening for both the Northern Lights Dinner and the Night Visit. Read more and book here. Read more and book here.
Contact
If you have other questions about Aurora Sky Station or would like help booking – contact STF’s booking department by phone: +46101902360.
Webcam
Check out the northern lights from Abisko Turiststation’s webcams.
Navigate past map or other external content.Read more
Northern lights in Sweden
Find out when, where and how to give yourself the best chance of experiencing the northern lights.
Midnight sun
The midnight sun is a unique natural phenomenon – here are our tips on how to experience it at its very best.
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