Is Hemavan good for northern lights?

Hemavan offers good aurora conditions at 65.82°N with the added advantage of mountain scenery. The alpine landscape creates dramatic aurora photography with peaks silhouetted against the sky. At KP 3, aurora activity is visible from the mountain setting.

What is the Kungsleden trail?

The Kungsleden (King's Trail) is Sweden's most famous hiking trail, stretching about 440 km from Abisko in the north to Hemavan in the south. It passes through some of Sweden's most dramatic mountain scenery. Hemavan marks the southern terminus. In winter, sections near Hemavan are accessible for skiing and snowshoeing.

Can you ski and see aurora in Hemavan?

Yes, Hemavan-Tärnaby offers excellent skiing with mountain views during the day and aurora viewing opportunities in the evening. The mountain setting means elevated dark-sky positions are readily accessible.

How do I get to Hemavan?

Fly to Hemavan Tärnaby Airport (limited service) or drive from Umeå (about 4 hours via E12). The drive through the Ume River valley is scenic and well-maintained in winter.

Northern Lights Destination

Northern Lights in Hemavan, Sweden

Hemavan offers mountain aurora at the southern end of Sweden's famous Kungsleden trail - dramatic peaks and alpine valleys create a unique Swedish northern lights setting.

Updated January 15, 20258 min read

Hemavan: Alpine Aurora

Hemavan is a small mountain village at 65.82°N in the Tärnaby-Hemavan area of western Swedish Lapland. It sits at the southern terminus of the Kungsleden (King's Trail), Sweden's most famous long-distance hiking path. The surrounding Scandinavian mountain range, on the border with Norway, provides dramatic alpine scenery unusual for Swedish aurora destinations, which tend to be flat and forested.

At 65.82°N, Hemavan needs a KP index of 3 for aurora viewing. The mountain setting means above-tree-line viewing is accessible, and the clear mountain air produces crisp aurora displays. Check the aurora forecast.

Aurora Viewing in Hemavan

Hemavan Ski Slopes: The ski area provides elevated mountain viewpoints. Outside operating hours, the slopes offer dark, elevated viewing platforms with mountain panoramas.

Kungsleden Trail Start: The initial sections of the Kungsleden accessible from Hemavan lead into open mountain terrain with unobstructed sky views.

Syterskalet: A dramatic mountain valley accessible from Hemavan offering sheltered viewing with peaks on either side.

Lake Views: Several mountain lakes near the village freeze in winter, providing flat viewing platforms surrounded by peaks.

When to Visit Hemavan

Aurora season overlaps with ski season from October through March. Ski conditions are excellent, and evening aurora viewing provides a perfect complement to daytime mountain activities. February-March offers the best all-around conditions. See our timing guide.

Getting to Hemavan

Getting There: Hemavan Tärnaby Airport (HMV) has limited flights from Stockholm. Most visitors drive from Umeå (about 4 hours via E12). The scenic drive through the Ume River valley is spectacular in itself.

Accommodation: Hemavan Fjällstation and Hemavan Lodge are the main options. Cabin and apartment rentals are available. The village is small but well-equipped for winter visitors.

Skiing: Hemavan-Tärnaby offers good downhill and exceptional cross-country skiing. The area has produced numerous Olympic and World Championship skiing medalists. Combining mountain skiing with evening aurora is a compelling winter sports experience.

Plan the trip

Getting to Hemavan

Aurora trips need three things booked together: a flight into the right airport, somewhere dark to stay, and usually a car, because the sky you get is the sky above wherever you can drive to that night.

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Live fares into Hemavan Tärnaby Airport (HMV), the closest airport to Hemavan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

: Hemavan offers good aurora conditions at 65.82°N with the added advantage of mountain scenery. The alpine landscape creates dramatic aurora photography with peaks silhouetted against the sky. At KP 3, aurora activity is visible from the mountain setting.
: The Kungsleden (King's Trail) is Sweden's most famous hiking trail, stretching about 440 km from Abisko in the north to Hemavan in the south. It passes through some of Sweden's most dramatic mountain scenery. Hemavan marks the southern terminus. In winter, sections near Hemavan are accessible for skiing and snowshoeing.
: Yes, Hemavan-Tärnaby offers excellent skiing with mountain views during the day and aurora viewing opportunities in the evening. The mountain setting means elevated dark-sky positions are readily accessible.
: Fly to Hemavan Tärnaby Airport (limited service) or drive from Umeå (about 4 hours via E12). The drive through the Ume River valley is scenic and well-maintained in winter.