REVIEW · ABISKO
Abisko: Northern Lights Hike with Husky Puppies
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by AbiskoHikes · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Huskies meet the aurora in Abisko. This 3-hour winter hike blends two big Arctic draws: a walk into the Abisko Valley and hands-on time with playful husky puppies, all while your guide talks Northern Lights and mountain life. Northern Lights fans get the chance to chase the sky, while husky puppies make the experience feel playful and human.
Two things I really like: first, the warm-up setup in a Sámi-style tipi. You’re not just outside freezing and waiting—you gather by a fire, sip a hot drink, and settle into the evening. Second, this is a small group tour (limited to 8), so the guide can keep an eye on the dogs and you can actually enjoy the quiet.
One consideration: the aurora is never guaranteed. You can still have a great night, but plan for the real possibility of clouds or mist, and remember you’re hiking in winter—about 1.5 km each way.
In This Review
- Key Points That Make This Tour Worth Your Time
- Abisko: Why This Is a Smart Place to Chase the Northern Lights
- The 3-Hour Rhythm: How This Night Stays Comfortable
- Meeting at Abisko.net: What to Expect Before You Walk
- The Hike Through Abisko Valley: Puppies, Quiet, and Real Winter Air
- A small drawback to plan for
- Sámi-Style Tipi Warm-Up: Fire, Hot Drinks, and Arctic Stories
- Aurora Chances: What You Can Hope For and What You Should Accept
- The Human Touch: Local Hosts and a Calm, Friendly Tone
- What’s Included: The Gear and Comfort Pieces That Add Real Value
- What You Should Bring (So the Cold Doesn’t Win)
- Price Check: Is $142 Worth It?
- Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want to Skip It)
- Should You Book This Abisko Northern Lights Hike with Husky Puppies?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- Where does the tour start?
- How far do we hike?
- Do we see the Northern Lights for sure?
- What is included with the tour?
- What languages are the guides?
- What should I bring?
- Is there free cancellation?
Key Points That Make This Tour Worth Your Time

- Abisko Valley is a top aurora zone in Sweden, so you’re hunting in one of the best areas for sightings.
- Husky puppy time is built in, with cuddly, curious dogs that add energy to the walk.
- Warm drink + fire inside a Sámi-style tipi turns the “waiting game” into an actual event.
- Small group size (up to 8) keeps the night calm and manageable, especially with pups around.
- 1.5 km each way is not long, but you do need winter footing and warm layers.
- English and Swedish guide support means you can follow the science and stories without guessing.
Abisko: Why This Is a Smart Place to Chase the Northern Lights

If you’re aiming for the aurora, Abisko is one of the names you’ll keep hearing for a reason. It’s widely known as a strong area for seeing the Northern Lights, and this tour leans into that advantage by taking you out into the Abisko Valley where the sky has room to show itself.
The practical win here is simple. You’re not doing a random walk around town lights. You’re heading away from the village and into a darker, quieter setting. That matters because the aurora is subtle until it isn’t. When conditions line up, the sky can look alive, and when they don’t, at least you’re outside with a plan rather than stuck staring at a dim horizon.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Abisko.
The 3-Hour Rhythm: How This Night Stays Comfortable
This tour runs about 3 hours, which is a sweet spot for an aurora hunt. Long enough for the evening to settle and for the sky to become more dramatic. Short enough that you’re not stuck out in cold misery all night.
You’ll start at the reception in Abisko.net Hostel & Huskies. After meeting up, the plan is to hike into the valley, then warm up by the fire inside a Sámi-style tipi. You’ll come back to the original meeting point afterward, so you’re not juggling transfers late at night.
There’s also a built-in pacing benefit: the puppy time and the fire break up the evening. Even if the sky is slow, you’re doing something the whole time, not just waiting for a cloud to clear.
Meeting at Abisko.net: What to Expect Before You Walk

Meet at the reception in Abisko.net Hostel & Huskies. Once you’re with the group, you’ll be guided through what to wear and how to handle winter conditions.
What I like from a planning standpoint is how the tour handles gear. You’re provided winter overalls, warm boots, and mittens during the tour, and you can use headlamps if needed. That lowers the stress of traveling with a full winter kit, especially if you’re coming from warmer climates.
Still, you should bring your own warm base layers and warm clothing. The tour provides key items for the hike, but you’ll want a full system under the overalls so you stay comfortable.
The Hike Through Abisko Valley: Puppies, Quiet, and Real Winter Air

The walking part is straightforward: about 1.5 km each way, so you’re looking at roughly 3 km total on the trail. It’s a real winter walk, but it’s not a survival hike. The goal is atmosphere and aurora chances—not endurance training.
What makes the hike feel different is the husky puppy element. From the kennel, the puppies are brought along, and they’re described as curious, cuddly, and full of energy. That changes your mindset immediately. Instead of freezing your hands and scanning the sky every 10 seconds, you’re also watching playful dog antics and getting the cozy moments that make the night memorable even in imperfect weather.
You also get to be in the valley at a slow pace. The Abisko Valley experience is about quiet and darkness. Your guide helps you connect the dots—what you’re seeing in the night sky and what you’re moving through on the ground.
A small drawback to plan for
Because it’s winter and you’re outside for the hike, you’ll feel the cold if you dress light. Even with provided outer gear, your comfort depends on warm layers underneath and steady footwear in snowy or icy conditions.
Sámi-Style Tipi Warm-Up: Fire, Hot Drinks, and Arctic Stories

The warm-up stop is a big part of why this tour works. You’ll arrive at a traditional Sámi-style tipi, where you gather around the fire. This is where the night stops feeling like a checklist and starts feeling like a shared Arctic evening.
You’ll get a hot drink, and the vibe is cozy and social. People also mention cinnamon buns roasted over a warm fire, which is the kind of detail that turns a simple break into an actual memory. You’re not just warming up—you’re settling into the atmosphere of the Arctic, guided by someone who can explain what’s happening in the sky and why the mountains matter.
The guide also shares stories about life in the Arctic and the aurora itself. That matters because it helps you see the experience as more than an Instagram moment. You learn what to watch for, and you understand that aurora hunting is partly nature and partly timing.
Aurora Chances: What You Can Hope For and What You Should Accept
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings can’t be guaranteed. That’s not a marketing problem; it’s just how aurora nights work. Conditions like cloud cover and haze can spoil even the best plans.
That said, the tour is designed so the night doesn’t collapse if the sky stays quiet. The hike, the puppy time, and the tipi fire all keep the experience moving. People who come specifically for aurora still often get what they want, but you’re not gambling your entire evening on one single moment.
This balance is the real value of the tour. It’s structured so your night stays meaningful even when the aurora doesn’t show up as strongly as hoped.
The Human Touch: Local Hosts and a Calm, Friendly Tone

A big strength here is the way the guides host the night. Names mentioned include Fredrik and Ana, described as warm and welcoming. That matters more than you’d think. When you’re cold and out after dark, the guide’s tone sets the pace—whether you feel relaxed and cared for or rushed and stressed.
The guide is also there for the aurora talk and the dogs. You’re dealing with two variables at once: winter outdoors and lively pups. Having a professional local guide helps keep things smooth and safe.
What’s Included: The Gear and Comfort Pieces That Add Real Value

This tour isn’t just a guided walk. It includes a set of practical comforts that reduce friction for you:
- Professional local guide
- Transfer from Abisko STF Tourist station
- Guided hike through Arctic landscapes
- Warm drink
- Cozy campfire inside a traditional Sámi-style tipi
- Time with playful husky puppies
- Winter overalls, warm boots, and mittens (loan during the tour)
- Headlamps if needed
When I look at value, this is the heart of it. You’re not paying extra to figure out clothing, safety, and warmth. The tour covers the basics needed for a comfortable winter outing, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
What You Should Bring (So the Cold Doesn’t Win)
Even with loaner gear, you should show up with the basics:
- Warm clothing
- Personal winter base layers
If you’re coming from elsewhere, treat this like you’re dressing for serious cold. You’ll be outside during the hike and you’ll spend time waiting for aurora conditions. Warm layers matter more than fancy gear.
Price Check: Is $142 Worth It?
At $142 per person, this tour sits in the mid-to-upper range for short aurora activities. The question is what you get for the money.
Here’s the value math that makes sense: you’re paying for a guided winter experience in a high-odds aurora area, plus time with husky puppies, plus a warm-up inside a Sámi-style tipi with a hot drink. You’re also getting loaner winter gear and headlamps if needed.
If you were to do the same outing on your own, you’d likely spend time and effort coordinating gear and finding a safe, dog-focused setup. You also wouldn’t have a guide to explain what to look for in the sky or how the Arctic landscape works.
So for me, the price is easier to justify because it includes more than just “stand outside and hope.” You get structure, comfort, and a memorable Arctic interaction beyond the aurora chase.
Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want to Skip It)
This is a great fit if you want an aurora experience that feels social and warm, not just silent staring. The husky puppy element makes it family-friendly in spirit and especially appealing if you’re traveling with kids or you simply want a lighter mood in the dark.
It’s also good if you don’t want a long overnight plan. Three hours is manageable, and the hike distance is short.
You might think twice if you’re the type who wants a highly technical, sky-focused aurora session. This isn’t described as a long pursuit with advanced equipment. It’s a winter evening with stories, dogs, and a cozy fire—built to feel magical whether the aurora shows up or not.
Should You Book This Abisko Northern Lights Hike with Husky Puppies?
I’d book it if you want the best of three worlds: Abisko aurora timing, a guided winter walk, and puppy cuddles by a fire. The structure is smart. You get movement, warmth, and context, so the experience stays rewarding even when the sky is stubborn.
If you’re on a tight schedule and you want one guided outing that covers aurora vibes plus comfort, this is a strong choice. Just dress for winter fully, accept that sightings aren’t guaranteed, and you’ll be set for a night that feels genuinely Arctic.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours.
Where does the tour start?
It meets at the reception in Abisko.net Hostel & Huskies.
How far do we hike?
The hike is about 1.5 km each way.
Do we see the Northern Lights for sure?
No. Northern Lights sightings are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed.
What is included with the tour?
Included items are a professional local guide, transfer from Abisko STF Tourist station, guided hike, warm drink, time at a campfire in a traditional Sámi-style tipi, husky puppy time, winter overalls, warm boots, and mittens (loan during the tour), and headlamps if needed.
What languages are the guides?
The tour is guided in English and Swedish.
What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing and your personal winter base layers.
Is there free cancellation?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.












