Narvik vs Abisko

Narvik vs Abisko – Why Choose One When You Can Experience Both?

Northern Lights, spectacular fjords, Arctic mountains and unforgettable adventures across two countries. Discover why Narvik and Abisko are even better together.

Planning an Arctic holiday and wondering whether to visit Narvik in Northern Norway or Abisko in Swedish Lapland?

It's a question many travellers ask when planning their Northern Lights adventure.

Both destinations are extraordinary. Both offer breathtaking scenery, unforgettable winter experiences and excellent opportunities to discover the magic of the Arctic.

But here's something many visitors don't realise:

Narvik and Abisko are surprisingly close to each other, and you don't have to choose between them.

In fact, experiencing both destinations can make your Arctic holiday even more memorable.

At Arctic Moments Tours, we're based in Narvik, but our adventures take us across the entire region – from the spectacular Norwegian fjords to the mountain landscapes of Riksgränsen, Björkliden and Abisko in Swedish Lapland.

These aren't two separate destinations to us. They're part of one incredible Arctic playground.

Narvik – Where the Mountains Meet the Fjords

There's something truly special about Narvik.

Surrounded by dramatic mountains rising directly from deep Arctic fjords, this small Northern Norwegian city offers a combination of coastal scenery, mountain adventures and authentic Arctic experiences.

Few destinations offer such a striking contrast between sea and mountains.

Within a short drive from the city, you'll discover spectacular fjords such as Skjomen, Rombaken and Efjord, with towering mountain walls, beautiful viewpoints and constantly changing Arctic light.

Narvik is also a wonderful destination for travellers who appreciate photography, history, skiing and exploring places beyond the traditional tourist routes.

What makes Narvik special?

Spectacular fjords surrounded by dramatic mountains.

Beautiful coastal landscapes and extraordinary Arctic light.

Opportunities for Northern Lights hunting.

Guided fjord excursions and scenic sightseeing.

Mountain adventures and skiing.

Arctic Floating and experiences on the Ofotfjord.

Fascinating history and the famous Ofoten Railway.

A welcoming small city with hotels, restaurants and local experiences.

Narvik is also an excellent base for exploring the wider region, including Swedish Lapland.

Abisko – The Magic of Swedish Lapland

Travel east from Narvik, and the landscape gradually transforms.

The deep Norwegian fjords give way to mountain plateaus, vast wilderness and the spectacular scenery of Swedish Lapland.

Welcome to Abisko.

Located near the beautiful Lake Torneträsk and surrounded by impressive mountains, Abisko is internationally known for its natural beauty and Northern Lights experiences.

The region is home to Abisko National Park, a remarkable landscape of mountains, valleys, forests and Arctic wilderness.

During winter, the scenery becomes a beautiful world of snow-covered mountains, frozen landscapes and peaceful Arctic surroundings.

Abisko is also famous for its opportunities to observe the Northern Lights, thanks in part to weather patterns that can sometimes create clearer skies than along the Norwegian coast.

What makes Abisko special?

Beautiful mountain landscapes and vast Arctic wilderness.

Excellent opportunities for Northern Lights viewing.

Abisko National Park and its spectacular natural surroundings.

The famous Lapporten mountain valley.

Beautiful views across Lake Torneträsk.

Snowshoeing, skiing and other winter activities.

Peaceful surroundings far from larger cities.

For travellers looking for wilderness, mountain scenery and the unique atmosphere of Swedish Lapland, Abisko is a wonderful destination.

Narvik vs Abisko for Northern Lights – Which Is Better?

This is probably the question we hear most often.

And our answer is simple:

Both can be fantastic – but the best location depends on the weather that particular evening.

Narvik and Abisko are both located in an excellent geographical region for experiencing the Aurora Borealis.

The biggest difference is often the weather.

Narvik's coastal location means that clouds and changing weather conditions can sometimes make Northern Lights viewing challenging.

Abisko, located further inland, may experience clearer skies when clouds cover the Norwegian coast.

However, this doesn't mean Abisko is always better.

There are plenty of evenings when the sky is clear around Narvik and the fjords, while clouds cover parts of Swedish Lapland.

That's why flexibility is so important.

At Arctic Moments Tours, we don't limit ourselves to one destination.

Our Northern Lights experiences can take us towards the fjords around Narvik, through the mountain landscapes of Bjørnfjell and Riksgränsen, or further into Swedish Lapland towards Abisko.

We study the weather forecasts, cloud cover and aurora conditions before deciding where to go.

Our goal isn't simply to take you to a famous Northern Lights location. It's to find the best possible conditions for experiencing the aurora that evening.

And sometimes, the best place is somewhere between Narvik and Abisko.

Two Countries – One Extraordinary Arctic Landscape

One of the most fascinating aspects of this region is how dramatically the scenery changes over a relatively short distance.

In Narvik, you're surrounded by fjords, coastal mountains and the waters of the Norwegian Sea.

Travel east, and the landscape gradually opens into the wide mountain areas around Bjørnfjell and Riksgränsen.

Continue towards Björkliden and Abisko, and you'll discover the vast landscapes surrounding Lake Torneträsk.

The journey itself is one of the highlights.

There are countless beautiful viewpoints, interesting places to stop and extraordinary opportunities for photography along the way.

For visitors who enjoy exploring, it's difficult to imagine a better combination of Arctic landscapes.

Discover Both Destinations with Arctic Moments Tours

At Arctic Moments Tours, we're fortunate to have this entire region as our natural playground.

Our guides know the landscapes around Narvik, the Norwegian fjords and the mountains of Swedish Lapland from years of exploring, photographing and travelling through the region.

We offer several experiences that allow visitors to discover the best of both countries.

Northern Lights Hunting – Norway & Swedish Lapland

Join our local photographer-guides on a Northern Lights adventure where the route is determined by the conditions.

We may explore beautiful locations around Narvik or travel east towards Swedish Lapland in search of clearer skies.

Small groups, professional photography, warm drinks and personal service are all part of the experience.

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Swedish Lapland Day Trip – Abisko & Björkliden

Discover the extraordinary landscapes of Swedish Lapland on a scenic day trip from Narvik.

Travel through the mountains towards Riksgränsen, Björkliden and Abisko, with beautiful viewpoints and photography stops along the way.

This experience is ideal for travellers who want to discover the contrast between Norwegian coastal landscapes and Swedish mountain wilderness.

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Fjords & Arctic Light – Discover Northern Norway

Experience the other side of the Arctic.

Our Fjords & Arctic Light experience takes you into some of the spectacular fjord landscapes around Narvik, including areas such as Skjomen and Efjord.

Discover towering mountains, quiet roads, beautiful coastal scenery and the extraordinary Arctic light that makes Northern Norway so special.

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ICEHOTEL & Swedish Lapland Experience

Looking for an even longer adventure?

Join us on a full-day journey from Narvik through Swedish Lapland to the world-famous ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, near Kiruna.

The journey combines beautiful Arctic scenery with the opportunity to explore one of Scandinavia's most extraordinary attractions.

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Where Should You Stay – Narvik or Abisko?

Both destinations offer wonderful experiences, and the best choice depends on the type of holiday you're planning.

Stay in Narvik if you want:

A combination of fjords, mountains and Arctic wilderness.

Hotels, restaurants and city facilities.

A wider selection of guided activities.

Easy access to Norwegian fjord landscapes.

The opportunity to explore Swedish Lapland on day trips.

A convenient base for a varied Arctic holiday.

Stay in Abisko if you want:

A quieter atmosphere surrounded by wilderness.

Easy access to Abisko National Park.

Mountain landscapes and winter outdoor activities.

A strong focus on Northern Lights experiences.

A peaceful retreat into Swedish Lapland.

For travellers who have several days available, combining the two destinations is a fantastic option.

And if you're based in Narvik, you can experience much of Swedish Lapland without changing accommodation.

Our Suggested 3-Day Arctic Adventure

If you're planning a short winter holiday, here's how we would recommend combining the best of both regions.

Day 1 – Discover Narvik and the Arctic Fjords

Spend the day exploring Narvik's spectacular fjord landscapes with Arctic Moments Tours.

Discover beautiful viewpoints, quiet locations and the extraordinary meeting between mountains and sea.

In the evening, join a Northern Lights Hunting experience, with the route chosen according to the latest conditions.

Day 2 – Swedish Lapland, Björkliden & Abisko

Travel across the border into Sweden and discover the mountain landscapes around Riksgränsen, Björkliden and Abisko.

Enjoy photography stops, spectacular viewpoints and the peaceful atmosphere of Swedish Lapland.

Day 3 – Choose Your Own Arctic Adventure

Explore more of the Narvik region, enjoy a guided ski experience, try Arctic Floating or join a longer excursion towards Kiruna and the famous ICEHOTEL.

For travellers looking for a complete holiday, our partners at Your Horizon can help arrange tailor-made packages combining activities, accommodation and local experiences.

Adventure Hub Narvik – Your Gateway to Two Arctic Countries

Located in the heart of Narvik at Dronningensgate 51, Adventure Hub Narvik is an excellent starting point for discovering both Northern Norway and Swedish Lapland.

Here, several local adventure companies work together to offer memorable experiences across the region.

Arctic Moments Tours specialises in Northern Lights hunting, fjord experiences, Swedish Lapland day trips, ICEHOTEL excursions and private guided adventures.

Gálav Skiguides offers guided skiing, mountain experiences and longer adventures across the Arctic mountain landscapes.

RIB Narvik offers exciting experiences on the Ofotfjord, allowing guests to discover Northern Norway's spectacular coastline from the sea.

Your Horizon creates tailor-made travel experiences and complete packages, combining accommodation, transportation and activities into personalised Arctic holidays.

Together, we can help visitors discover far more than a single destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Abisko from Narvik?

Abisko is approximately 80 kilometres from Narvik by road. The journey normally takes around one to one and a half hours, depending on weather and road conditions.

Can you visit Abisko on a day trip from Narvik?

Absolutely. Abisko and the surrounding Swedish Lapland region are excellent destinations for a guided day trip from Narvik.

Is Narvik or Abisko better for Northern Lights?

Both can offer excellent conditions. Abisko sometimes benefits from clearer inland skies, while Narvik offers beautiful fjord landscapes and access to several different weather regions. The best location varies from evening to evening.

Do you need to stay overnight in Abisko?

Not necessarily. Many travellers choose to stay in Narvik and explore Abisko and Björkliden on a day trip.

Can Arctic Moments Tours take us to both Norway and Sweden?

Yes. Our guided experiences cover the Narvik region and Swedish Lapland, including areas around Riksgränsen, Björkliden and Abisko.

Is the journey between Narvik and Abisko scenic?

Very much so. The route passes through beautiful mountain landscapes and offers wonderful views along the way.

Why Choose One When You Can Experience Both?

Narvik and Abisko aren't competing destinations.

They're two extraordinary parts of the same Arctic region, each offering something unique.

Narvik gives you dramatic fjords, coastal mountains, local history and a wonderful variety of activities.

Abisko offers vast wilderness, beautiful mountain landscapes and some of Swedish Lapland's most remarkable natural surroundings.

Together, they create an Arctic experience that's difficult to match.

At Arctic Moments Tours, we believe the best adventures don't stop at the border.

From the fjords of Northern Norway to the mountains of Swedish Lapland – we'd love to show you both.

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