Do you believe in magic, mythology, or science? All three, or one or two? The Northern Lights in Sweden were into the tale of celestial spirits or mythological stories, but now they are explained from a scientific perspective. For UK travelers planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Sweden, the Northern Lights offer a perfect blend of goosebumps, magic, relaxation, and adventure.
If you are planning a visit to see the Northern Lights, you should know more about these magical, mythological, or scientific Aurora Borealis. Also, don’t forget that, being a UK resident, you should have a Sweden Tourist Visa from UK to explore the country and its sights.
This blog has everything from getting the best view of the Northern Lights to how to get there, and the Sweden visa procedure.
Before planning any trip to Sweden, do you know everything about it? Because Northern Lights in Sweden are not a guarantee on all days to get a perfect camera shot as a memory, not the whole day display. So, as a new traveler to Sweden, it is important to know everything about the Northern Lights, from timing, places, stay options, and camera tips.
If you are going to see the Northern Lights in Sweden, then first you should know what they are, why they appear, and what causes their appearance. Another name for these is Aurora Borealis.
When solar wind rushes towards the charged particles from the Sun, it interacts with Earth’s magnetic field, and these stunning, magical light belts occur in the sky. This reaction drives the particles toward the polar regions, including northern Sweden. Here they collide with atmospheric gases like oxygen and nitrogen and different colors like violet, red, green, and blue.
Which color of the Northern Lights in Sweden will be, depends on the type of gas and the altitude of the collision.
If you are planning a trip to Sweden but don’t know the perfect time to get a clear and alluring view of the Aurora Borealis. The best time to see Northern Lights in Sweden is between September and March, with peak viewing from December to February. If you want to increase your chances of viewing Northern Lights in Sweden, then longer nights with minimal light pollution spots in the northern regions like Abisko or Kiruna, where skies are perfect to stay and get a great view.
Fun Fact: In Finland, the Northern Lights are called *revontulet*, meaning “fox fires.” A magical fox runs so fast through the snowy hills that its tail throws sparks into the sky, creating the lights.
As a new traveler or revisitor, the best view comes only when they are completely updated about the places in Sweden, and the timing. So, if you are planning a Northern Lights Sweden tour, then you can start your tour from the far north from the following places.
These 6 top spots include:
If you want to see the Northern Lights in Sweden, then you have to follow some rules or tricks to get an amazing view.
Yes, it’s possible to see the Northern Lights in Stockholm, but it’s rare. Due to the city’s southern location and light pollution, you will get an infrequent view of these. However, during strong solar activity and on very clear, dark nights, you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. But if you want a clear view or a better chance to see, travel further north to places like Kiruna or Abisko. Because the north is the prime region for the Northern Lights.
Fun fact: The Swedes call the Northern Lights by a Swedish name – “Norrsken”. It is Sweden’s nickname for the Aurora Borealis.
When you are going to Sweden to watch the Northern Lights in Sweden, then the accommodation options must be planned before the tour.
| Region Name | Hotel Name | Per Night Cost | Benifits |
| Abisko National Park | STF Abisko Turiststation | €77.00 – €80 | Prime location for watching Northern Lights, Guided tours |
| Abisko | Abisko Mountain Lodge | €64.58 – €86.11 | Rustic comfort, Prime location, dog sledding, close to park trails |
| Hardas | Treehotel | €215.26 – €258.32 | Designer treehouses in the forest, dark skies, eco-luxury experience |
| Hardas | Arctic Bath | €516.63 – €602.74 | A floating spa hotel offers glass walls for aurora viewing with a wellness center |
| Jukkasjarvi | Icehotel 365 | €146.38 – €180.82 | Iconic ice art, year-round availability |
| Kiruna | Hotel Arctic Gourmet Cabin | €456.36 – €516.63 | Private luxury, exclusive northern lights deck |
| Near Kiruna | Aurora River Camp | €68.88 – €103.33 | Glass igloos, riverside location, minimal light pollution, access to winter activities |
| Porjus | Porjus Lodge | €51.66 – €68.88 | Dark skies, peaceful wilderness |
These are the prime locations and the accommodation near or in these places to give a UK traveler a unique experience of watching the Northern Lights in Sweden.
So, by comparing or observing the table, you can book or pick the hotel according to your convenience.
For UK travelers dreaming of the northern lights in Sweden, both Swedish and Finnish Lapland promise unforgettable skies. But with the clearest views and quieter surroundings, if you are seeking other benefits as a traveler, like more what to do in Sweden, then here is a table explaining the difference.
| Features | Swedish Lapland | Finnish Lapland |
| Location | Northern Sweden | Northern Finland |
| Main Cities/Towns | Kiruna, Abisko, Jokkmokk | Rovaniemi, Levi, Saariselkä |
| Northern Lights Viewing | Excellent – especially in Abisko with clear skies | Excellent, Rovaniemi and Saariselkä are popular places |
| Tourist Activities | Icehotel, dog sledding, hiking, and aurora watching | Santa Claus Village, skiing, reindeer safaris, and aurora sightseeing |
| Transportation | Fewer connections, mainly trains and buses | Better air and train connections, especially to Rovaniemi |
| Winter Sports | Less developed resorts, more nature-based | More ski resorts and winter sports infrastructure |
| Sami Culture | Strong presence, with museums in Jokkmokk | Very prominent, especially in Inari and Utsjoki |
Both regions are best to plan a trip in winter, but Swedish Lapland, especially Abisko, offers more solitude, quieter, wild, and raw nature, while Finnish Lapland is more structured and family-friendly with less natural access.
Train! Car! Bus! Flight! Ferry
While planning travel to Sweden from UK to watch the Northern Lights, finding the best route to reach Sweden can sometimes become a headache for travelers who are on a mid-budget. They were seeking a plan according to time, budget, and comfort, because the distance between these two countries is 1432 Kilometers.
| Transportation Type | Taken Time | Approx Cost | Imp Notes |
| Train | 24 Hours 48 Minutes | €150 – €250 | Multiple changes to reach |
| Car | 15 – 30 Hours | €300 – €600 | Fuel+ Tolls + Ferry + Parking Costs |
| Bus | 36 Hours 40 Minutes | €90 – €150 | Cheapest Option |
| Flight | 2 Hours and 30 minutes | €50 – €200 | Fastest option |
| Ferry | 18 – 24 Hours | €120 – €300 | Drive + Ferry + Drive |
Compared to the table, the best way is to take a flight from the UK to Sweden to fulfill the dream of watching the Northern Lights in Sweden.
In the final thought, Northern Lights in Sweden are the magic or scientific answer to the world, and people are crazy to see that magic. Every traveler should visit once in the north of Sweden to watch these colorful creations. From the prime location of Abisko to watching the Aurora Borealis from the glass window of the Arctic Bath hotel, including the Igloo home in Aurora River Camp, can be a lifelong memory for you.
So, if you also wanna join a guided tour to capture these magical light Belts in your camera, then apply to book an appointment at the SWEDEN VISAS for getting a Sweden Visa from UK on time. So, you can plan your trip and book accommodation.
Step into the glow of Northern Lights & let Sweden’s night sky tell you a story.
Yes, as a UK resident, you need a Sweden Schengen Visa to visit Sweden for tourism and business, and spouse purposes. So, you must apply before traveling.
You can apply to the SWEDEN VISAS reliable visa agency. The experienced visa experts here book your appointment in a fast-track procedure and help you in filling out the application with ease.
From September to March, especially between December and February, is the best time to get a clear view of the Northern Lights. The reason is that the longest & darkest nights.
Abisko, Kiruna, Jukkasjärvi, Porjus, Harads, and Swedish Lapland are the best places or spots with dark skies, low light pollution, and the best accommodation to watch the Aurora Borealis.
It’s rare due to light pollution and its southern location to see the Northern lights. But during strong solar activity and clear nights, you can sometimes get a view..
Yes, guided tours increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Sweden, because they give expert tips, transportation, and tell the best spots with approx perfect timing.
