Sweden’s northernmost city, Kiruna lies about 145 kilometers (90 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. Its name comes from the Northern Sami word Giron (kiiruna in Finnish), meaning rock ptarmigan, a bird species that is very common in the region!
This town of around 23,000 inhabitants has a very special urban project: its town center is being moved about 3 km east (with 2035 as the target date) to protect it from the impact of mining activity. Kiruna is reputed to be one of the best places to see the northern lights, so you’re probably wondering what to do during your stay. So, what are the best things to do in Kiruna? What do you need to know to prepare for your visit?
In this guide, we’ll give you all the information and places you need to know before you go. How much time to spend there, what to do and visit in Kiruna and where to stay, you’ll find all our advice and recommendations here, as well as a video at the end of the article.
How long should I stay?
People come to Kiruna mainly to enjoy outdoor activities such as dog sledding or snowmobiling, but also for the cultural sights.
Find out how long you’ll need to stay to get the most out of it.
Where to stay?
Kiruna is lively and offers a wide range of activities. You’ll be tempted to spend a few days here.
The options for your stay are many and varied. You’re bound to find the perfect place to relax at the end of the day.
Where to eat?
Kiruna has a multitude of restaurants, scattered throughout the city.
Depending on your budget and what you want to eat, from a quick bite to fine dining, you’re bound to find a suitable establishment.
How do I get there?
Despite its location, Kiruna has both a train station and an airport, making it very well served.
In this section, we’ll show you how to plan your trip to the largest town in Swedish Lapland.
Things to do in Kiruna
For some years now, Kiruna has been welcoming travelers from all over the world thanks to its infrastructure. Here are just a few of the must-do activities and sights in the region that will set the pace for your trip to Swedish Lapland:
Snowmobiling
Do you love speed and adrenaline? Take advantage of the vast expanses of frozen water to speed through Kiruna's snow-covered landscapes, while admiring the view. In the forest, you'll need all your skill to maneuver your snowmobile.
This is one of Kiruna's most popular activities. Whatever your level, your guide will be able to adapt to make your trip unforgettable. Driving is very intuitive, and even if you've never been on a snowmobile before, you'll quickly get the hang of it!
Halfway through the tour, you'll even have the opportunity to stop at a camp on the shores of Lake Väkkäräjärvi for a fika break. While enjoying a breathtaking panorama of Lapland nature, you can enjoy hot drinks and snacks while warming up around a stove.
If you're looking for a change of scenery and a thrill, snowmobiling is for you.
Dog sledding in Kiruna
Come and discover dog sledding in the heart of Lapland. Pulled by a dozen dogs, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the Lapland tundra, wrapped up in the sled. Once underway, you'll be able to admire the scenery as it unfolds before you.
You'll also enjoy a well-deserved break on the banks of the Torne River, in a traditional Sami tepee. Here, you can warm up around an open fire.
In Kiruna, and more generally in the far north, mushers have a very close relationship with their dogs. Real working partners, they are considered by some to be fully-fledged members of their family!
The dogs are very friendly and accustomed to human contact, so you'll have no trouble taking photos and petting them.
Very popular and appreciated in the region, this activity is sure to please!
Watching the northern lights
This luminous phenomenon, caused by electrically charged particles from the sun colliding with the upper atmosphere, can be observed from late August to mid-April.
From green to red to violet, their appearance depends on a host of conditions: clear skies, geomagnetic activity, luminosity...
Many excursions in the region can take you to see them. The hunt can be done by car, snowmobile, dog sled or over dinner at the Aurora Sky Station. But the most effective way is with a professional guide who is used to hunting and photographing them.
The northern lights are frequent here but never guaranteed: don't come to Kiruna expecting to see them for sure, or you may be disappointed. Be patient and take the opportunity to admire the starry sky, free of any artificial light, in the heart of the extreme cold.
If you're lucky enough to see one, make the most of it, as they may only last a few moments!
Visit Jukkasjärvi
Located about 20 minutes east of Kiruna, Jukkasjärvi is a small, typically Swedish village. There are many activities and places to visit here.
For starters, there's the Jukkasjärvi church. It is the oldest church in Lapland, with parts dating back to 1608. It's famous for its altarpiece, a carved triptych by Bror Hjorth, and its red color, typical of its rich architecture and history.
You can also visit the Sami Museum, the Márkanbáiki, where you can learn about the way of life of the local population: the Sami, and discover the traditions and customs of this nomadic people. You can even pet reindeer and enjoy a traditional meal in an authentic restaurant, Ovttas.
Finally, you can discover the Icehotel. This unique ice hotel was created in 1989 by Yngve Bergqvist. Come and discover the frozen sculptures, whose theme changes every year, and the famous cold rooms made of snow and ice where you can stay.
Jukkasjärvi is a small village, but there's plenty to do, and it's well worth a visit.
Visit Abisko
Abisko is a mountain village located about 95 km (1 hr 15 min by car) northwest of Kiruna. There are many outdoor activities to be enjoyed here:
Discover the snow-covered landscapes of Abisko National Park in a variety of ways. Either aboard a snowmobile, getting your adrenaline pumping as you explore the forest and Lake Abiskojaure, or enjoying a leisurely ride on a dog sled.
You can also take advantage of the park's unspoilt wilderness by wandering into the heart of the park on a variety of hiking trails to see Lake Torneträsk, one of Sweden's largest, Lake Trollsjön, or follow the famous Kungsleden trail, which runs some 440 km from Abisko to Hemavan.
Alternatively, head for the Aurora Sky Station, a viewpoint located at about 900 meters above sea level and reputed to be the ideal vantage point for observing the northern lights.
Abisko is a remote village, but there's plenty to do here, and you'll enjoy spending a few days here.
Snowshoeing in Kiruna
Would you like to learn more about the nature of Lapland? Then this walk may be for you. Head to the edge of town, into the woods and enjoy a snowshoe walk, immersed in the Kiruna landscape. Following in your guide's footsteps, you'll head deep into the forest to discover what it has to offer.
Your guide will tell you all about the flora and fauna. They'll also introduce you to some of the techniques you'll need to get by if you ever find yourself out here on your own, and tell you about some of the special features of these landscapes.
At the halfway point, you can enjoy a fika break with a 360° view of the Kiruna region. The guide will explain what you can see. You'll then return to the starting point by a different route.
If you want to enjoy an invigorating and instructive activity in Kiruna's natural environment, we recommend you put on your snowshoes and book this activity!
Visit the LKAB mine
The Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag mine, known as LKAB, is the world's largest underground iron ore mine still in operation today. Located on the Kiirunavaara mountain, its construction was decisive in the development of Kiruna.
Put on your miner's helmet and plunge into the heart of the Kiruna mine, more than 500 meters below level 0. Take a guided tour and discover how magnetite has been mined for over a century.
Through the maze of mining tunnels, you'll learn more about the impact of mining on Kiruna and how LKAB is committed to the future. You'll also discover a museum, in which the history of the miners and all the mine's innovations are recounted. You can even enjoy the famous fika break in the mine restaurant.
Originally a mining town, Kiruna is now diversifying into tourism and industry. Don't miss the chance to take this unique cultural tour, and book now!
Discover Kiruna's iconic church
Built at the beginning of the 20th century, this building stands out for its atypical architecture and its red color.
Inspired by traditional Sami huts, it is considered one of the country's most beautiful churches. Its special features include an exterior bell tower and works by Swedish artists.
Despite its imposing structure, it was moved in one piece to the new town center on August 19–20, 2025! It is closed to visitors until 2027 while restoration work is carried out.
Admission will be free when it reopens.
Practical guide to visiting Kiruna
Here’s what you need to know before booking your stay in Kiruna.
Downtown Kiruna
As mentioned above, Kiruna has a distinctive feature. Its entire town center is being moved about 3 kilometers to the east, with 2035 as the target date! This is linked to mining activity, which over the decades has led to subsidence, now posing safety problems.
The historic center, now known as “old Kiruna”, is set to disappear completely, while a “new Kiruna” with more modern buildings has emerged.
It is home to the Kristallen town hall (opened in 2018), stores and restaurants, as well as several hotels, and it keeps growing. Kiruna Church was even moved there in August 2025 (it remains closed to visitors until 2027).
How many days should you spend in Kiruna?
Kiruna’s surface area is rather vast, and even more so if you include Jukkasjärvi, where some of the activities are located. If you go there, it’s usually to take advantage of the outdoor activities, often off the beaten track in the surrounding countryside.
So if you have a car, you’ll have no trouble getting there. If you don’t, don’t worry: the vast majority of activities include a pick-up from your hotel.
So you can easily stay a few days in Kiruna to enjoy what the region has to offer. This is what some tourists do to complement a winter stay in Stockholm.
But we recommend that you stay for around a week. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the city, its surroundings and its many activities.
Keep an eye on daylight hours, though! They will have a major impact on your plans, and therefore on the number of days you spend in Kiruna.
In winter the days are very short, and from roughly mid-December to early January the sun doesn’t rise at all (polar night)! You can consult our guide for concrete information on when to go to Kiruna.
Where to stay in Kiruna?
There are several accommodation options in Kiruna. For a full description of the different possibilities and our recommendations, please consult our guide to hotels in Kiruna. But to get straight to the point, here’s our selection:
Best Western Hotel Arctic EdenThe Best Western Arctic Eden Hotel offers upscale, well-equipped rooms. Located just 10 minutes from Kiruna city center, the hotel offers a wide range of facilities, including a swimming pool, a gym and a buffet featuring local cuisine.
Scandic KirunaLocated in Kiruna's new town center, Scandic Kiruna opened in 2022 and offers 231 modern, comfortable rooms on 13 floors. With its 24-hour reception, Mommas Bar & Kök restaurant, rooftop Skybar, gym and sauna, you'll find everything you need for a successful stay.
Camp RipanCertified environmentally friendly, Camp Ripan is a hotel offering cozy rooms, mostly in the form of individual chalets. A spa is available at extra cost. Camp Ripan's restaurant stands out by serving only set, seasonal dishes to avoid waste.
Where to eat in Kiruna?
Kiruna has a number of establishments offering a variety of cuisines. Traditional, on-the-go, upscale or spectacular… You’ll be spoiled for choice!
Most restaurants are located in the center of Kiruna, either standalone or inside hotels, such as the Scandic Kiruna.
In fact, in many places, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet at lunchtime, or a dish of the day in hotel restaurants. It’s a way to eat outside your hotel for less, without needing to make a reservation.
Otherwise, be sure to make reservations, as restaurants are often fully booked. What’s more, Swedes are used to eating (very) early: some reservations start at 5 pm!
So don’t be surprised if you’re offered these times, and perhaps try to adapt to them. You’ll then be able to enjoy your evening to the full.
Alternatively, you can enjoy eating out in the more typical places frequented by the locals. For example, we can recommend the Bishops Arms, a typical pub, or Stejk Street Food, a food truck loved by all!
For more recommendations, see our guide to restaurants in and around Kiruna.
How do I get there?
Despite its size and location, Kiruna is very well served. So you’ll have no trouble getting there in any number of ways.
By train, you can travel from Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, on SJ’s night train: book a seat or a sleeper berth and set off on a 16- to 18-hour overnight journey through the Swedish countryside. Until December 2026 you change trains in Boden; from December 2026 the train runs direct from Stockholm to Kiruna and on to Narvik.
To get there by plane, you’ll usually connect in Stockholm Arlanda, from where SAS and Norwegian fly to Kiruna year-round (about 1 hr 30 min). In winter, SAS also runs seasonal direct flights from Copenhagen (December to March). However, be careful when you buy your tickets: use a flight comparison site, as layovers can sometimes last a whole day!
Apart from that, you should find it easy to get to this city in the far north, thanks to the many daily domestic flights. An airport bus meets every flight.
For the more athletic, you can also take the famous Sverigeleden cycle route, which crosses the whole of Sweden. From Helsingborg to Karesuando, you’ll cycle more than 2,000 kilometers of Swedish countryside.
Just follow the green signs to reach your destination. What’s more, the right of public access (allemansrätten) means you can camp wherever you like, and the water is pure in most watercourses, so make the most of it!
If you’re planning to drive, Swedish roads are in excellent condition, and you’ll have no trouble getting to Kiruna, even in snowy conditions. Just take the E4 towards Luleå, then the E10 towards Kiruna.
Car rental
Depending on the kind of trip you’re planning and your habits, renting a car may or may not be useful. If you’re staying in town and booking activities with pick-up included, such as those mentioned earlier in this article, you don’t really need a car.
In this case, you can easily get around by bus, even in the surrounding area, where bus stops are recognizable by their red and blue colors.
If you’re looking for autonomy to move around the area or hunt for the northern lights on your own, you’ll need one. The usual rental companies are located directly at the airport, and it’s easy to pick up your vehicle there.
In order to find your vehicle at the best price, we recommend that you use a car rental comparison site. We recommend using this one for its ease of use and the possibility of cancelling right up to the last minute.
Cars are fitted with snow tires and the roads are regularly cleared by snowplows. Driving is therefore relatively easy. Only bends and traffic circles need to be taken with care to avoid skidding.
A video preview of what you can do in Kiruna
As the hub of the region, Kiruna is a must on any trip to northern Sweden. Both for its outdoor activities and its cultural life, it’s an ideal base for discovering the region.
With excellent transport links, you’re sure to find a travel package to suit your needs, for an unforgettable stay in Lapland!
