Sweden’s northernmost city, Kiruna lies more than 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. Its name comes from the Sami dialect. Here, the “Kiruna” (or rock ptarmigan in French) is a bird species that is very common in the region!
This city of several thousand inhabitants has a very special urban project: by 2035, its town center will be moved completely eastwards to protect it from the impact of mining activity. With a reputation for being the best place to see the northern lights, you’re probably wondering what to do if you come to Kiruna. So what can you 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 descriptive video.
How long can 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, whether it’s a meal on the run or a large restaurant, 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 capital of the Norrbotten region.
What 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 sightseeing in the region that will set the pace for your trip to Swedish Lapland:
Snowmobiling
Do you love speed and adrenalin? 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 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 other 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 shores of Lake Thorne, 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. True working tools, they are considered by some to be fully-fledged members of their family!
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 rare meteorological phenomenon, explained by the collision of electrically-charged sun particles in the atmosphere, can be observed between September and March.
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.
Don't come to Kiruna with the certainty of seeing one, or you'll 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 15 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. The oldest wooden church in Lapland, it was built in 1608. It's famous for its altarpiece, created by Brother 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, Café Sápmi.
Finally, you can discover the Ice Hotel. This unique icehotelwas 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 we recommend that you visit.
Visit Abisko
Abisko is a mountain village located an hour north 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 adrenalin pumping as you explore the forest and Lake Abiskojaure, or enjoying a leisurely ride on a dog-drawn sleigh.
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 from Abisko to the south of Sweden.
Alternatively, head for the Abisko Sky Station, a viewpoint located at 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 Lappish nature? 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.
The guide will tell you all about the flora and fauna. He'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, renamed LKAB, is the world's largest 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 the emblematic 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 is due to be moved one day to the new town!
Admission is free.
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. By 2035, its town center will have moved a few kilometers to the east! 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 destined to disappear completely. Where a “new Kiruna” has appeared, with more modern buildings.
Initially, it housed the town hall, boutiques and restaurants, as well as a number of hotels. But it’s growing. There are even plans to move the church.
How many days can you devote to it?
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. On the other hand, if you’re not, 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.
Beware, however, of the length of the sunny days! These will have a major impact on your program, and therefore on the number of days you spend in Kiruna.
During the winter months, and especially in December, the days sometimes last no more than an hour! 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:
Scandic FerrumWith its 24-hour reception, the Scandic Hotel Kiruna offers modern, comfortable rooms. With a restaurant, all-you-can-eat buffet, sky bar, gym and even sauna, you'll find everything you need for a successful stay.
Best Western Hotel Arctic EdenThe Best Western Arctic Eden Hotel offers upscale, well-equipped rooms. Located just 10 minutes from Kiruna city center, you'll have access to a wide range of facilities, including a swimming pool, gym and buffet featuring local cuisine, so you'll enjoy discovering what the hotel has to offer.
Camp RipanCertified environmentally friendly, Camp Ripan is a hotel offering cosy rooms, mostly in the form of individual chalets. A spa is available at extra cost. Camp Ripan's restaurant is unique in that it serves only unique, 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 spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to eat!
Most restaurants are located in the center of Kiruna. Either in dedicated establishments, or in hotels, like the Scandic.
In fact, in many places, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet at lunchtime, or unique dishes served in hotel dining areas. These allow you 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 5pm!
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 truck restaurant loved by all!
For more recommended addresses, 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 depart from Sweden’s capital (Stockholm) or even from other Swedish destinations (such as Malmö or Göteborg, for example). Via SJ, you can book a seat or sleeper and set off on a 15-hour overnight journey through the Swedish countryside.
To get there by plane, you’ll need to make a stopover. The two main airlines serving Kiruna are SAS and Norwegian. However, be careful when you buy your tickets: use a flight comparator, as stopovers 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 flights scheduled into the country every day.
For the more athletic, you can also take the famous Sverigeleden circuit, which crosses the whole of Sweden. From Helsingborg to Karesuando, you’ll cover almost 2000 kilometers of Swedish countryside.
Just follow the green signs to reach your destination. What’s more, the right of free access to nature 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 content of your stay in Kiruna and your habits, renting a car may or may not be useful. Apart from that, for a sedentary stay where you book activities with pick-up included, such as those mentioned earlier in this article, a car is not an obligation.
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 vehicle comparison service. 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 snowploughs. 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
A central point in the region, you can’t come to northern Sweden without passing through Kiruna. 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!
