Loop in Abisko from Turiststation to Östra

Parking at Abisko Turiststation station.

(S/E) Head to the far end of the car park and take the path that starts to the south-east, signposted "Paddus". Visit the Sami Camp. This is a settlement of several traditional Sami dwellings.

(1) Then take the Paddus path through the boreal forest interspersed with clearings. Look to the south-east to see Lapporten (the Lapp Gate), shaped like a trough between two mountains, which is often depicted in Swedish art. You will come to a fork in the path.

(2) Leave the Paddus trail by turning left, then join a road and a crossroads.

(3) Turn right onto the road, walk along the left-hand side of the road and go under the railway line, turning left. After the railway line, you will come to a street.

(4) Turn left and stay on this street until you reach the road at the end of the village.

(5) Pass under the road and follow the path to the left, northwest, below the road, until you reach the Touriststation. At the beginning of this straight road, the only buildings on the right are those of the Abisko Natural Science Station, a scientific station that studies geology, glaciers, the Northern Lights and climatic conditions beyond the Arctic Circle. You will come to a fork in the road.

(6) Turn right downhill to arrive at a land art installation called "Sensing The Arctic". This is an outdoor scientific installation consisting of five small areas protected by glass walls, allowing visitors to simulate different scenarios of the future Arctic climate.

(7) Continue along the road and go around the STF Touriststation buildings until you reach a fork.

(8) Turn right and descend towards the Abiskojokk River. Cross the footbridge and admire the gorges, both upstream and downstream, until you reach Lake Torneträsk. You will come to another fork.

(9) Turn left and follow the path that runs along the left bank of the river. There is a small viewpoint overlooking the gorge. You will come to a crossroads.

(10) Turn left and take the underpass on the right to cross the E10 road and the railway line. The walls are decorated with frescoes depicting the wild animals of this Arctic region, and music plays as you pass through! You will then arrive at a road.

(11) Turn left onto this small road and continue to the station car park (S/E).

This hike was completed in February without snowshoes, as the snow had been compacted by other hikers.

Depending on snow conditions and temperature, snowshoes or crampons may be necessary.

Always be careful and plan ahead when hiking. Visorando and the author of this page cannot be held responsible for any accidents or inconveniences that may occur on this route.

Visit to the Sami Camp, 200 m after the start of the route, examples of traditional Sami dwellings.

Visit to Sensing The Arctic, a land art and scientific installation.

The Abiskojokk River Gorge.

Off this route, but nearby, are the shores of Lake Torneträsk.