The Call of the Arctic Night

The Arctic has always been a place of mystery and allure for me. As a former Arctic researcher, I’ve spent countless nights under the vast, starry skies, but the Northern Lights have always held a special place in my heart. When I heard about the Northern Lights Tour from Kiruna to Abisko, I knew I had to experience it firsthand. The promise of witnessing the Aurora Borealis in one of the best locations on Earth was too tempting to resist.

Our journey began in Kiruna, where we were picked up by Onur, our guide and driver for the night. His wife, Cristina, was the photographer, capturing the magic of the night. As we drove through the Arctic wilderness, Onur shared stories of the Northern Lights and the Vikings, weaving a tapestry of history and science that only heightened our anticipation.

The Arctic night is unforgiving, with temperatures that can chill you to the bone. But the heated bus and the promise of a roaring campfire kept our spirits high. As we ventured deeper into the night, the sky began to dance with the ethereal glow of the Aurora. It was a sight that never fails to take my breath away.

Chasing the Elusive Aurora

The Northern Lights are as unpredictable as they are beautiful. Onur’s determination to find the best viewing spots was nothing short of commendable. Even when the lights were faint, he didn’t give up. He drove us to different locations, each more breathtaking than the last, in search of the perfect view.

Our small group of six was filled with excitement as we watched the lights dance across the sky. The camaraderie among us was palpable, each of us sharing in the wonder of the moment. Onur’s optimism was infectious, and even when the skies were cloudy, he remained hopeful, driving us to clearer skies.

On our third night, as we dined at the cozy Abisko Mountain Lodge, light rain threatened to dampen our spirits. But Onur’s persistence paid off. He found a spot where the skies cleared, and we were treated to the most spectacular display of the Northern Lights I have ever seen. The colors were vivid and mesmerizing, a testament to the raw beauty of the Arctic.

A Feast for the Senses

The experience was not just a visual feast but a culinary one as well. We dined on traditional reindeer dishes at the Abisko Mountain Lodge, savoring the flavors of Swedish Lapland. Onur’s homemade lingonberry drink, served alongside cookies and chocolates by the campfire, was a delightful treat that warmed us from the inside out.

As we sat by the fire, the cold Arctic air biting at our cheeks, I couldn’t help but reflect on the beauty and harshness of this environment. The Arctic is a place of extremes, where survival is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Yet, it is also a place of unparalleled beauty, where the dance of the Northern Lights reminds us of the wonders of the natural world.

The Northern Lights Tour from Kiruna to Abisko was an unforgettable experience, one that I will cherish for years to come. It was a reminder of why I fell in love with the Arctic in the first place, and why I continue to be drawn to its icy embrace. For those seeking adventure and awe, this tour is a journey into the heart of the Arctic night, where the magic of the Northern Lights awaits.