Height matters when you are watching the sky. On a mountaintop above the forest, the horizon opens out in every direction, the air is often clearer than in the valley, and the lights of the town disappear completely. This tour takes advantage of that setting by bringing guests to a mountain location, serving dinner inside a heated tipi and then stepping outside to watch for the aurora. The tipi is a traditional shelter with a fire in the centre, and the combination of warmth, woodsmoke and low light makes it a cosy place to wait while the guides check the sky. Dinner is part of the plan, so the evening unfolds in stages: arrival, meal, then outside time. If the aurora shows early, the guides will usually invite everyone out immediately and finish the meal afterwards. On a clear night the view from the summit can be extraordinary, with the Milky Way above and the aurora rolling across the north. Even on a cloudy night, the setting, the food and the quiet make the trip worthwhile, and the staff can suggest a second try if you have spare time in your schedule.
How it works
You meet in Kiruna and travel by vehicle toward the mountain, with the last part of the route sometimes involving a short transfer in a tracked or four-wheel-drive vehicle. At the top, the guides welcome you to the tipi, serve dinner and explain the plan for the night. When the sky opens up, everyone steps out onto the snow to look north.
What to know
Mountain locations are windier and colder than the valley, so bring your best winter gear, including a windproof outer layer, insulated trousers, thick socks, boots and a warm hat. The ground can be icy, and headlamps with a red light setting are useful for moving about without ruining your night vision. Dietary needs should be noted at booking, since the menu is often built around reindeer and other Arctic ingredients.
The atmosphere
The quiet on a mountaintop is striking. Without traffic or town noise, you may hear only the wind, the fire and the creak of snow underfoot. When the aurora appears, the lack of light pollution makes it appear brighter and more detailed, with fine rays and moving folds that are hard to see from a lit area. Photographers will appreciate the open composition, which allows for wide-angle shots of the sky above a snowy ridge.
Pairing
This is a premium evening, so it suits a special occasion such as an anniversary or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Pair it with a restful day, and book early in your stay so that you have another chance if the weather turns.
Good to know
Group size, the exact mountain and the menu can vary by operator and season, so read the details on your voucher. The tour runs in most weather, and a clear sky cannot be promised. If conditions are poor, the guides may adjust the plan or offer an alternative viewing site.
A note on expectations
The summit setting makes the sky feel enormous, but it also means you are exposed to the wind, so judge your clothing by the wind chill rather than the number on the thermometer. Take a small thermos for the walk between the tipi and the viewing area, and keep chemical hand warmers in your pockets. Many guests are surprised by how long the aurora can dance when it finally begins, sometimes for an hour or more, so do not be tempted to retreat indoors at the first fading.
What to expect
The experience
A mountain-top aurora evening with a dinner in a heated tipi and a wide open view of the northern sky.
Best time
Dark, clear nights between late August and early April.
How long
Around five to six hours.
Tips
Bring a windproof layer, a red-light headlamp and mention dietary needs when you book.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and special occasions that deserve a dramatic setting.
- Families
- Best for older children who can handle the cold and a late night.
- Couples
- A romantic, fire-lit dinner followed by the sky.
- Pair with
- A quiet day and perhaps a sauna session.
- Time needed
- An evening.
Good questions
Where is the tipi?+
On a mountain outside Kiruna. The exact location and transfer method are given in your voucher.
Is dinner included?+
Yes, the tour includes a dinner in the tipi. Check the menu and dietary options when you book.
Is the aurora guaranteed?+
No. The aurora depends on solar activity and clear sky, and neither can be promised.
Is it very cold on the mountain?+
It can be colder and windier than in town, so wear full winter clothing.
Can I take photographs?+
Yes, and the open view is ideal for wide-angle shots. Bring a tripod and a spare battery.