Under Arctic Light: A Snowshoe Photo Hike Through Abisko
A guided snowshoe and photography tour through Abisko’s frozen landscapes—short, accessible, crisp with Arctic light.
You step out of the warm glow of the tour van and the Arctic air meets you like a clean sheet—sharp, bright, and impossibly clear. Snow crunches underfoot, not the brittle crack of city ice but a deep, honest hush that softens sound and sharpens detail. A guide clicks your snowshoes into place; a professional photographer checks light and lens. For the next three hours you move through a landscape that looks designed for pictures: ice-stitched lakes, skeletal birch groves, and mountains that stack into the horizon like layered cards. But this is more than a photo-op. It’s a paced, sensory-rich exploration of Abisko’s winter heart where the camera is a reason to look closely, and the trail is the way you stay in the moment.
Trail Wisdom
Layer for Arctic Variability
Use moisture-wicking base layers, a warm midlayer, and a breathable shell; guides provide outer clothing but personal layers keep you comfortable.
Protect Camera Batteries
Carry at least one spare battery in an inside pocket—cold can halve battery life quickly.
Stabilize Your Shots
Bring a compact tripod or monopod for landscape and low-light shots; the photographer can advise quick setups.
Mind Footing and Pace
Snowshoeing uses different muscles—start conservatively and match the guide’s pace to avoid early fatigue.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •A frozen inlet above the valley (quiet and usually free of footprints)
- •Short detour to a birch grove with natural ice sculptures after a heavy snowfall
Wildlife
Reindeer, Ptarmigan
Conservation Note
Respect marked routes, avoid disturbing reindeer or lichen, and pack out all waste—tour operators emphasize low-impact travel in the park.
Abisko National Park was established in 1909 to protect the unique mountain-and-tundra ecosystem; the area is also historically used by Sámi communities for herding.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Longer daylight hours, Crisp late-winter light
Challenges: Unpredictable melt, Variable tracks and slush
Late winter/early spring offers more daylight and stable cold snaps, but warming days can make trails icier or slushy.
summer
Best for: Hiking and midnight sun, Wildflower viewing
Challenges: Not applicable for snowshoe tours, Snow-free landscape
Summer is outside the scope of this snowshoe tour—come for hiking and the midnight sun instead.
fall
Best for: Autumn colors in lowland birch, Fewer tourists
Challenges: Early snow possible, Shortening days
Fall is transitional; trails can start to harden with early snow, but clear days offer crisp photographic opportunities.
winter
Best for: Snowshoeing and winter photography, Aurora viewing
Challenges: Short daylight windows, Severe cold and occasional storms
Winter is prime for this experience—expect deep snow, stark contrasts, and the best conditions for Arctic photography.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Insulated GlovesEssential
Protects hands from cold while allowing dexterity for camera controls.
Spare Camera BatteryEssential
Cold drains batteries quickly; keep a warm spare in an inner pocket.
Compact Tripod
Stabilizes long exposures and low-light landscape shots—useful but optional.
Moisture-Wicking Base LayersEssential
Keeps you dry and warm under provided outerwear during vigorous movement.
Common Questions
Do I need experience with snowshoes?
No—this guided tour is designed for beginners; your guide will show you basics like stride and braking.
What’s provided and what should I bring?
Snowshoes, outer waterproof clothing, and warm drinks are provided; bring base layers, gloves, a charged camera battery, and a small daypack.
Are the photos included?
Yes—digital photos taken by the professional photographer are provided after the tour.
How cold does it get and how should I dress?
Temperatures can range well below freezing; dress in layers with an insulating midlayer and warm hat, and use provided outerwear as a windproof layer.
Is this safe for children or older adults?
Suitability depends on fitness and balance; family members who can walk on snow for a few kilometers at a steady pace should be fine—check with the operator for child-age limits.
What happens in bad weather?
Guides monitor conditions and may reschedule or modify the route for safety; cancellations often allow for refunds per the tour’s policy.
What to Pack
Insulated gloves (warmth and dexterity), spare camera battery (cold protection), moisture-wicking base layer (manage sweat), small daypack (carry essentials)
Did You Know
Abisko National Park was established in 1909 and is known for unusually high numbers of clear nights thanks to a local rain shadow—one reason it’s popular for aurora viewing.
Quick Travel Tips
Fly to Kiruna Airport (KRN) then transfer by train or car to Abisko; book trains in advance during winter; expect limited cell service outside village centers; dress in layers and bring cashless payment methods.
Local Flavor
After the hike, warm up at STF Abisko Turiststation for hearty reindeer stew or a hot berry soup; for more options, a short trip to Kiruna adds Sámi cultural exhibits and craft coffee shops.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Kiruna Airport (KRN). Nearest train station: Abisko Östra/Abisko Turiststation. Driving distance from Kiruna: ~100 km (≈1.5 hours). Cell service: reliable in Abisko village, limited on remote trails. Permits: none required for guided day tours.
Sustainability Note
This area lies within Abisko National Park—stay on marked routes, avoid disturbing reindeer herds and lichen, and pack out all trash; choose guides who adhere to Leave No Trace principles.