This pretty part of Europe is the perfect place for a winter trip to get your new year off to an exciting start – and you might even get to see the Northern Lights while you’re there.

Abisko in Sweden is a great place to take a break and can be reached easily from the UK – despite being north of the Arctic circle.

While it might be a little chilly, the Swedish Lapland is no doubt an exciting place to visit.

The small town is also surrounded by an incredible National Park, which extends from the Torneträsk Lake and is also home to reindeer.

One person who visited the park said on Tripadvisor: “We visited Abisko for four nights and spent a few days around the park. We went husky sledging, walking and on a snow mobile. This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited.”

They added: “So serene and unspoilt. Lucky enough to see both the Northern Lights in the evening and the ‘snow crystal lights’ in the morning.”

The park is full of hiking trails that you can use even in the winter, but make sure you are prepared if you’re planning on taking to the wilderness. 

The area is known as one of the best places to see the aurora borealis due to the amount of clear nights it has.

If you are set on seeing the Northern Lights, your best bet is to visit the Aurora Sky Station. 

This space is set up specifically for viewing the lights and provides the best experience for those waiting to get higher up into the mountains to see them.

One visitor said: “The Aurora Sky Station is nothing short of remarkable. After a 30-minute chair lift to the top, you are at the top of the mountain where there is a nice warm room to watch a presentation on the Northern Lights, but also warm up between gazing outside.

“There is a patio to watch the lights from, but there is also the option to go with the guide to the top of the mountain – definitely do it!

“We were able to lay down and watch the Northern Lights and the stars for the entirety of the 4 hours.”

If you’re hoping to take a slightly different break this winter, Abisko could be an exciting retreat.