Chase the aurora in Abisko
The Aurora Sky Station above Abisko sits in a rain shadow with the clearest skies in Lapland. Book a night, hike the chairlift up, and wait.
Winter · Month 1 of 12
Januari — Deep quiet, deep snow.
The year opens under a blue winter light. Cities exhale after the holidays and slip into their most cinematic month — frozen archipelagos, lantern-lit cafés, and the last real chance to catch the aurora above the Arctic Circle.
The Aurora Sky Station above Abisko sits in a rain shadow with the clearest skies in Lapland. Book a night, hike the chairlift up, and wait.
Long-distance ice skating (långfärdsskridsko) opens up when the salt water finally freezes. Go with a guided tour — locals read the ice, you don't.
Frihamnen's public sauna is free, wood-fired, and floats over the harbour. Alternate 90°C heat with a plunge into 2°C water.
Nomad tips
Daylight is short — anchor deep-work blocks to the 9–14 window when it's actually bright.
Coworking passes are cheap in January; most spaces run 20–30% off after the holidays.
Rent a proper down jacket in Kiruna rather than flying with one; local outfitters do weekly rentals.
Where to work
Stockholm
Big windows, quiet booths, a café that stays open past midnight in dark months.