Planning family day trips from Abisko is a great way to experience Swedish Lapland without changing accommodation every night. The area offers easy walks, waterfalls, mountain views, cultural attractions and even cross border adventures, with many places reachable by train or car. This guide covers the best nearby attractions for kids, how to get there and what families should know before setting out.
Why Abisko is a good base for families
Abisko is a small mountain village beside Abisko National Park and Lake Torneträsk. It sits on the Malmbanan railway between Kiruna and the Norwegian border, making it one of the most convenient bases in northern Sweden for exploring the region.
Families benefit from the compact setting. You can reach several attractions without a long drive, and many activities begin close to the railway station or local accommodation. The landscape is dramatic, but you do not need to complete a demanding mountain hike to enjoy it. Short trails, viewpoints, nature exhibitions and lakeside walks are all available.
Travel times can change depending on the season, road conditions and train timetables. Check current transport information before leaving Abisko, especially if you are travelling with young kids. In winter, limited daylight and changing weather can also affect your plans.
1. Explore Abisko National Park
The easiest of the family day trips from Abisko is the one that begins right outside the village. Abisko National Park has a network of marked paths, boardwalks and scenic viewpoints suitable for families who want a gentle introduction to Swedish Lapland.
One popular option is a walk towards the Abiskojokka canyon. The river has carved a striking gorge through the landscape, and bridges and viewing areas provide good places to stop for photographs. The route is generally more manageable than a full day mountain hike, although some sections can be uneven or slippery.
Families can also follow shorter paths around the park and enjoy views of birch woodland, open mountain slopes and Lake Torneträsk. In summer, look for wildflowers and birds. In autumn, the changing foliage adds colour to the valley. During winter, the same area becomes a snowy landscape, but trails may require winter boots or organised transport.
Good to know for kids
- Bring snacks and water because services are limited once you leave the village.
- Keep children close to the path near the river and canyon viewpoints.
- Allow extra time for breaks, wildlife spotting and photography.
- Check whether the chosen route is suitable for a stroller before setting out.
2. Visit Naturum Abisko
Naturum Abisko is a visitor centre within the national park and one of the best nearby attractions for families. It introduces visitors to the area’s geology, wildlife, plants, climate and cultural history through exhibitions and educational displays.
A visit here works particularly well at the start of your stay. Kids can learn what animals may live in the region and understand why the landscape looks the way it does. The centre can also help you choose a walking route that matches your family’s time, fitness and interests.
Naturum is especially useful on a rainy or very cold day. Rather than cancelling your plans completely, you can spend time indoors and then take a short walk if the weather improves. Opening times vary by season, so check ahead before travelling.
Make the visit more engaging
- Ask children to choose one animal they hope to see during your trip.
- Use the displays to identify tracks, plants or birds seen outside.
- Combine the visitor centre with a short walk to the canyon or lake.
3. Take a lakeside trip to Björkliden
Björkliden is approximately 10 kilometres from Abisko and is one of the simplest family day trips from Abisko. You can travel by car, bus or train, depending on the season and timetable. The village sits above Lake Torneträsk and has wide mountain views in several directions.
In summer, families can enjoy short walks around the village and surrounding slopes. The area is also known for its golf course, mountain scenery and access to lifts and trails during the appropriate seasons. In winter, Björkliden offers snow activities and ski facilities, although the best choice for younger kids depends on their experience and the current conditions.
One of the most popular nearby sights is Silverfallet, a waterfall on the shore of Lake Torneträsk. The waterfall is close to the road and can be reached by a relatively short walk. Rocks and paths may be slippery, so sturdy footwear is important. The combination of water, mountains and lake views makes this a rewarding stop for families who want a scenic attraction without committing to a long hike.
Planning a Björkliden visit
- Check local transport times before relying on the train for your return.
- Pack warm layers, even in summer, because the lakeside can be windy.
- Allow more time at Silverfallet if children enjoy exploring rocks and streams.
- Look for seasonal cafés or restaurants, but carry backup snacks.
4. See Abisko and Lake Torneträsk from above
Families looking for a memorable mountain view can consider a chairlift or cable car experience in the Abisko or Björkliden area, when facilities are operating. Availability depends heavily on the season, weather and maintenance schedules. These rides provide a way to reach higher viewpoints without asking younger children to complete a long uphill climb.
At altitude, the weather can change quickly. Carry hats, gloves and extra layers, and follow staff advice about visibility and wind. Children may enjoy spotting the railway line, lake and surrounding valleys from above, while adults can take in the scale of the mountain landscape.
If a lift is not operating, a lower level viewpoint or a short village walk can still offer impressive scenery. The most important part of the day is choosing an activity that suits current conditions rather than trying to follow a fixed summer or winter plan.
5. Travel to Riksgränsen
Riksgränsen is close to the Norwegian border and roughly 30 kilometres from Abisko. It is best known as a ski destination, but it can also be an interesting day trip for families who want to see a different part of the mountain region.
In late spring, the area is popular with skiers because snow can remain well into the season. During summer, the open landscape and border setting provide a change of scenery from Abisko. The journey itself is part of the experience, with mountains and the railway corridor accompanying much of the route.
Riksgränsen is more suitable for families with older kids if you plan a longer outdoor activity. For younger children, keep the visit simple with a short walk, a meal and time to enjoy the surroundings. Do not assume that every shop or restaurant will be open outside the main season.
Border travel tips
- Carry valid travel documents if you continue into Norway.
- Check road and railway conditions before departure.
- Expect limited services in quiet periods.
- Bring food and drinks if you are travelling with children who need regular breaks.
6. Make a cross border day trip to Narvik
Narvik in Norway is one of the most ambitious family day trips from Abisko, but it can be worthwhile for families who want to combine mountains, fjord scenery and a town visit. The journey takes longer than trips to Björkliden or Riksgränsen, so it is best suited to families comfortable with a full day away from Abisko.
Narvik offers museums, shops, cafés, a harbour and views across Ofotfjord. The Ofoten Museum explains the region’s history, including the importance of the railway and the port. Families may also enjoy the Narvikfjellet area, where a cable car can provide high views over the town and fjord when operating.
Transport options include driving or taking the train towards Narvik. Check the exact timetable carefully, since services may be limited and a missed connection can significantly change your plans. If you drive, allow extra time for stops and border checks where relevant.
Is Narvik suitable for young kids?
Yes, but the day should be planned around their energy levels. Choose one or two main activities instead of trying to see the entire town. A museum visit, lunch and a scenic ride may be enough. Bring entertainment for the journey and confirm opening times before leaving Abisko.
7. Visit Kiruna for culture and family attractions
Kiruna is approximately 100 kilometres south east of Abisko and can be reached by car or train. It is a practical choice when the weather is poor in the mountains or when your family wants a day with more indoor options.
The town is known for its mining heritage and the relocation of parts of the city. Guided tours and exhibitions can help explain how the iron ore mine has shaped Kiruna, although some activities may be better suited to older children. Kiruna also has cafés, shops, a library and other facilities that are useful for a slower family day.
Families interested in Sami culture should look for responsible, locally run experiences and museums that present the region’s Indigenous history accurately. Book popular tours in advance, particularly during summer and the winter northern lights season.
When Kiruna is a good choice
- When rain, wind or cold makes a mountain walk uncomfortable.
- When children need indoor entertainment and regular facilities.
- When you want to combine culture, lunch and shopping in one day.
- When you have a car and can return to Abisko at your own pace.
8. Take a longer trip to the ICEHOTEL
The ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi is around 110 kilometres from Abisko and is possible as a long day trip by car. It is one of the region’s most recognisable attractions, with rooms and art created from ice and snow during the winter season. Some parts of the experience continue in a permanent form during warmer months.
Children often enjoy the unusual design, glowing ice sculptures and the idea of visiting a hotel made from frozen water. Temperatures inside the cold rooms are low, so warm clothing is essential. The attraction may also offer exhibitions, activities or seasonal experiences that appeal to families.
Because the drive is considerable, this trip is usually easier with a private car or as part of an organised excursion. Check ticket details and opening hours before leaving Abisko. If your children are very young, consider whether the travel time will leave enough energy to enjoy the visit.
9. Experience the midnight sun or polar night
Some of the most memorable family day trips from Abisko do not require a specific attraction. The region’s unusual light conditions create experiences that are easy to enjoy close to the village.
From late spring into summer, the midnight sun keeps the landscape bright late into the evening. Families can take a gentle walk after dinner, enjoy a picnic beside Lake Torneträsk or watch the mountains change colour without worrying about darkness. Bring sleep masks for children who find the constant daylight difficult.
In winter, the polar night brings long periods of darkness, although the sky is not always completely black during the day. This can make a short daytime walk feel atmospheric and special. Keep outdoor plans flexible, since cloud cover and weather determine what you can see.
10. Look for the northern lights
From roughly September to early April, Abisko is a well known destination for northern lights viewing. Clearer skies are possible in the Abisko valley than in some surrounding areas, but no one can guarantee a display. The lights depend on solar activity, darkness, cloud cover and patience.
Families can start with a short evening outing near the village rather than booking an all night excursion. Older kids may enjoy learning how auroras form, while younger children may prefer a warm drink and a brief look outside. Organised tours can provide transport, outdoor clothing and photography advice, but check the minimum age and expected duration.
Keeping children comfortable after dark
- Dress in several warm layers, including insulated boots and gloves.
- Bring hot drinks and simple snacks.
- Use headlamps carefully and stay on safe, marked routes.
- Set realistic expectations because the lights may not appear.
- Return indoors if children become cold or tired.
How to choose between nearby attractions
The best day trip depends on your family’s ages, transport and the season. For a short outing with young kids, choose Abisko National Park, Naturum Abisko, Silverfallet or Björkliden. These options allow you to return to your accommodation relatively quickly if the weather changes or children need a rest.
Riksgränsen and Narvik work well for families who want to see more of the border region. Kiruna and the ICEHOTEL provide a useful alternative when you want culture or an indoor attraction. Northern lights tours and midnight sun walks are flexible additions that can fit around other plans.
A simple planning guide
- Half day: Naturum Abisko, the canyon, Silverfallet or a short lakeside walk.
- Full day nearby: Björkliden, Riksgränsen or a longer national park outing.
- Long full day: Narvik, Kiruna or the ICEHOTEL.
- Evening activity: Northern lights viewing in winter or a midnight sun walk in summer.
Practical advice for family day trips from Abisko
Pack for changing conditions, not just the forecast at breakfast. A waterproof outer layer, warm mid layer, hat and gloves are useful even in summer. Comfortable shoes are essential because short walks may include rocks, roots, mud or wet ground.
Public transport can be convenient, but services are less frequent than in southern Sweden. Download or note your return options before leaving. If you are driving, fill up when possible and avoid assuming that every village will have an open shop or petrol station.
Wildlife encounters are possible, but animals should always be observed from a distance. Do not approach reindeer, moose or other wildlife, and keep food packed away. On mountain trails, stay on marked paths and take local warnings seriously. Mobile phone coverage may be limited in some areas, so tell someone about longer outings and carry a charged phone.
Finally, leave room for unplanned stops. A family day in Swedish Lapland is often most enjoyable when there is time to pause beside a lake, watch clouds move across the mountains or let kids investigate a patch of snow or woodland. With a little preparation, Abisko makes it easy to combine memorable scenery with manageable adventures.