At Lights Over Lapland, we’re always looking for new and meaningful ways to help our guests experience the Arctic. Sometimes, that means finding a new way to explore the landscapes right on our doorstep. Other times, it means building on long-standing friendships to offer experiences that would be difficult to arrange on your own.
This winter, we’re excited to introduce two brand-new activities: the Afternoon Panorama Hike in Abisko and Arctic Trekking to a Remote Sámi Village. One takes you into the spectacular landscapes of Abisko during the changing Arctic light, while the other offers a rare opportunity to visit a remote Sámi reindeer-herding village and learn about life from someone who lives it.
Both experiences offer a different way to discover the Arctic beyond the Northern Lights.
Afternoon Panorama Hike in Abisko: Discover the Arctic in a Different Light
Our Morning Hike has been a favourite with guests for years, and one request has come up time and time again: could we offer a similar experience in the afternoon?
We listened, and we’re happy to say the wait is over.
Launching this winter, the Afternoon Panorama Hike in Abisko takes the best parts of our popular morning hike and gives guests another opportunity to explore the surrounding wilderness, this time during the changing light of the Arctic afternoon.
A new perspective on Abisko’s landscapes
This guided hike covers approximately 3-4 kilometres, with the route selected by our team based on the conditions on the day. Depending on the weather, snow and ice, and the landscape we want to showcase, your guide may lead you across the frozen surface of Lake Torneträsk towards a small island and our teepee, to the panoramic viewpoint at Stornabben, or along the beautiful Abisko River Canyon.
Each route offers its own perspective on the area, from sweeping mountain views and frozen lakes to the dramatic scenery of Abisko National Park.
And then there’s the light.
Earlier in the season, you may experience the transition from daylight to the soft glow of Arctic twilight. As winter progresses, the afternoon can bring spectacular sunsets, dusky skies and, later in the season, the chance to experience the Arctic landscape in near darkness. If conditions are right, you might even spot the Northern Lights glowing above the horizon during the second half of the hike.
There’s no single view we can promise, because the route and conditions change throughout the season. That’s part of the adventure.
A relaxed way to explore the Arctic
The hike is designed to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery, learn about the region and look for signs of local wildlife. Your guide will share insights into the Arctic environment, the tracks animals leave behind, Sámi culture and what everyday life is like in this part of the world.
If time and conditions allow, there may also be an opportunity to light a fire and enjoy a warm drink and a light snack along the way.
The Afternoon Panorama Hike runs from December through March, with pick-up available from hotels in Abisko and Björkliden. It’s a wonderful option for anyone who wants to spend more time outdoors, discover the area beyond the village and experience Abisko from a different perspective.
Arctic Trekking to a Remote Sámi Village: A More Personal Cultural Experience
Our second new activity takes us beyond Abisko to Rautas, a small Sámi village approximately 45 minutes away. Here, guests have the opportunity to meet a local Sámi reindeer herder, spend time with his herd and learn about a way of life closely connected to the land and the changing Arctic seasons.
The experience has grown out of a long-standing friendship between Chad, our founder, and Simon, a Sámi reindeer herder he has known for more than a decade. Over the years, that friendship has helped create opportunities for us to share parts of the Arctic that visitors might not otherwise get to experience.
We’re especially excited to offer this trip because it’s rooted in a personal connection and gives guests the chance to spend time in a real reindeer-herding community.
Trek through the wilderness to meet the reindeer
The adventure begins in Rautas, where you’ll meet your guide and local Sámi host before setting off on a trek through the surrounding wilderness. With snowshoes on, you’ll follow the beautiful Rautas River through a landscape of ancient pine forest, mountain views and crisp Arctic air.
The walk typically covers between one and three kilometres, depending on snow conditions, and is led at a relaxed pace.
Your destination is the reindeer corral, where you’ll have time to spend with the herd and learn more about the animals and their importance to Sámi reindeer herding. You’ll also visit a traditional lavvu, or Sámi tent, where a crackling birch fire provides a warm place to sit, listen to stories and ask questions about life as a reindeer herder.
You may even have the chance to feed the reindeer their favourite food, lichen, while hearing directly from your host about the traditions, knowledge and daily realities involved in caring for a herd in the Arctic.
An experience shaped by real relationships
There are different ways to learn about Sámi culture, and each can offer its own valuable perspective. This experience is particularly special because it gives guests the opportunity to visit a remote village and spend time with a Sámi reindeer herder through a relationship built over many years.
Rather than simply observing from a distance, you’ll have time to listen, ask questions and gain a more personal understanding of reindeer herding and life in this part of Swedish Lapland.
We’re grateful to be able to share this experience through Chad’s long-standing friendship with Simon, and we’re excited for guests to meet him and discover a side of the Arctic that goes beyond its scenery.
The experience is also made possible by another of Chad’s long-time friendships, with Mikko, who owns and runs Máttaráhkká Lodge in Kiruna. After your visit to the village, you’ll travel to the lodge, where you can warm up by the fire before our coach picks you up for the continued journey back to Abisko. It’s a practical and comfortable end to a day that offers a glimpse into a part of Arctic life that many visitors wouldn’t otherwise get to experience.
If you’re considering spending a night in Kiruna before or after your stay in Abisko, we also highly recommend Máttaráhkká Lodge. It’s a welcoming place to stay while exploring the Kiruna area, and we’re always happy to recommend somewhere run by people we know and trust.
This activity runs from December through March, with transport from hotels in Abisko and Björkliden. Please note that lunch is not included, so guests should bring a packed lunch to enjoy during the day.
Discover Arctic Trekking to a Remote Sámi Village →
Two New Ways to Experience the Arctic
Whether you’re drawn to the changing colours of the winter sky, the sweeping views around Lake Torneträsk or the opportunity to meet a Sámi reindeer herder in his home community, these new activities offer two very different ways to make your time in Abisko even more memorable.
At Lights Over Lapland, we believe an Arctic adventure is about more than seeing a beautiful landscape. It’s also about understanding the place you’ve travelled to, meeting the people who call it home and discovering experiences you might not have found on your own.
We can’t wait to welcome guests on both adventures this winter.
Ready to explore?
