The Call of the Arctic Night

The Arctic has always been a place of extremes, a land where the sun refuses to set in summer and barely rises in winter. As a former Arctic researcher, I’ve spent countless nights under the vast, starry skies, but the allure of the Northern Lights never fades. When I heard about the Northern Lights Tour from Kiruna to Abisko, I knew it was an experience I couldn’t pass up.

The journey began with a call from Cristina, the owner of Lights of Vikings. Her voice was warm and reassuring as she explained that the weather forecast for our original tour date was less than ideal. She offered to reschedule us for a night with clearer skies, a gesture that spoke volumes about their commitment to providing the best possible experience. We decided to extend our stay in Kiruna, a decision that would soon prove to be fortuitous.

On the night of the tour, Onur, Cristina’s husband and fellow guide, picked us up from our hotel. The air was crisp, biting at the edges of our clothing, but the promise of witnessing the Aurora Borealis kept our spirits high. As we drove through the Arctic landscape, the anticipation was palpable. The guides’ knowledge of the region and the Northern Lights was impressive, and their enthusiasm was infectious.

A Dance of Light and Shadow

The Arctic night is a canvas, and the Northern Lights are its brushstrokes. As we arrived at the viewing spot, the sky was a deep indigo, dotted with stars that seemed to twinkle in anticipation. The guides set up a campfire, its warmth a welcome reprieve from the cold, and handed out warm drinks and cookies. The camaraderie among the group was immediate, a shared excitement that transcended language and culture.

As we waited, Cristina and Onur regaled us with stories of the Northern Lights and the Vikings, weaving a tapestry of history and science that enriched the experience. The wait, often the most challenging part of any Northern Lights tour, was transformed into a time of learning and laughter.

Then, as if on cue, the sky began to change. A faint glow appeared on the horizon, growing stronger and more vibrant with each passing moment. The Aurora Borealis danced across the sky, ribbons of green and purple undulating in a cosmic ballet. It was a sight that defied description, a reminder of the raw, untamed beauty of the Arctic.

Capturing the Moment

In the Arctic, moments are fleeting, and the Northern Lights are no exception. Cristina, ever the professional, was ready with her camera, capturing the ethereal display in a series of stunning photographs. For those of us with older phones, her expertise was invaluable, ensuring that we had tangible memories of the night.

The tour was more than just a chance to see the Northern Lights; it was an opportunity to connect with the Arctic in a way that few experiences allow. The guides’ passion for the region and their dedication to their craft were evident in every aspect of the tour, from the carefully chosen viewing spots to the thoughtful touches like warm overalls and hot drinks.

As we made our way back to Kiruna, the sky still aglow with the remnants of the Aurora, I reflected on the night’s events. The Arctic is a harsh, unforgiving place, but it is also a land of unparalleled beauty and wonder. The Northern Lights Tour from Kiruna to Abisko had been a reminder of why I fell in love with this region in the first place, and why I continue to return, time and time again.