Have you always wanted to experience speed and adrenalin? Then let us guide you to one of the most popular activities in Kiruna. In this article, we’ve compiled all the information you need to prepare for this snowmobile excursion in Kiruna.
You’re sure to fall in love with the snowy landscapes and the route you’re about to follow. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s nothing to worry about. The guide will adapt to your pace, so you can enjoy the ride.
Focus on this snowmobile trip to Kiruna, with its unique route between lake and forest, in the heart of Sweden’s far north!
Practical information about snowmobiling in Kiruna
In this section, we’ll talk you through the essentials you need to know before booking this sporting activity in Kiruna.
What’s the right season for snowmobiling in Kiruna?
As you’ll be going through the forest and over frozen lakes, it’s essential to book this activity between November at the earliest andApril at the latest.
As a rule, seasonal workers accompany you, and the activity is closed when conditions are no longer optimal for snowmobiling.
Alternatives and prices
Of course, there are many alternatives to the classic snowmobile ride. Even if it’s still a complete change of scenery, you may want to see more. Whether you’re looking for a dawn hunt or a lunch with a view, here are some other offers that might appeal to you:
Enjoy 3 hours of Lapland nature and scenery. Crossing lakes and forests, you'll enjoy a unique panorama of Lake Thorne. Then enjoy a well-deserved fika break on the shores of Lake Väkkäräjärvi.
Once night has fallen, hop on your snowmobile in search of a phenomenon unique to the region: the Northern Lights. Enjoy snow-covered landscapes and a starry sky untouched by light pollution.
Enjoy a snowmobile ride along the banks of the Thorne River. After admiring the tranquility of the snow-covered natural landscape near Kiruna, you'll finally arrive at the mythical Ice Hotel, which you can visit.
How do I get there?
All-inclusive support
If you don’t have a car, you’ll be picked up in front of your hotel in a van, included in the price of the snowmobiling activity. Alternatively, you can meet in front of the Kiruna Lappland Tourist Center, the epicenter of all activities in Kiruna, or at another meeting point arranged in advance with your guide.
Drive to the starting point
If you want to get there on your own, you can also get there by car. The snowmobile activity is located at 8, Timmerstigen in Kiruna. It takes about 20 minutes to get there from Kiruna. The road is perfectly clear, and you’ll have no trouble getting there or parking.
Once on the E10, take the first left towards Marknadsvägen, then left again towards Lintanenvägen and right again towards Oinakkavägen.
These are small roads, but with a GPS you’ll arrive at the address you gave when you booked.
It’s quite rare, but if you want to come by bus, line 501 has a stop about twenty minutes’ walk from the activity, called Laxforsen Södra.
How long does snowmobiling in Kiruna last?
Between the time you get kitted up, the instructor’s explanations, the ride, the break and the return, allow 3 full hours for your activity. That way, you won’t be stressed by the weather, and you’ll be able to enjoy your snowmobiling to the full .
How is snowmobiling in Kiruna?
We’re now going to describe snowmobiling in Kiruna in detail, so that you can get to grips with the situation, especially in terms of equipment, to get the most out of the activity.
Video of snowmobiling in Kiruna
To get you straight into the mood, here’s a video of the activity:
Arrival at meeting point
When you arrive at the meeting point, the first thing you’ll be asked to do is suit up. Firstly, against the cold, in case the temperature is too extreme.
In this case, you’ll have access to a sheltered hut, where you can borrow overalls to slip on over your clothes, lined boots if yours aren’t warm enough, and gloves.
Then, in any case, you’ll be lent a helmet, which is compulsory for snowmobiling in Kiruna.
Once properly equipped, the instructor will explain the safety instructions and how to drive the snowmobile.
Safety instructions
First of all, for your own safety, keep your feet firmly on the platforms provided. Under no circumstances should you leave your feet dragging to avoid injury from the skis.
The person sitting behind the driver also needs to hold on tightly to the handles on either side of the rear seat. They must not hold on to the driver’s waist, to avoid obstructing the driver while driving.
Similarly, when cornering, it’s imperative that the passenger leans to the same side as the driver. Otherwise, the snowmobile could roll over.
In this case, don’t panic, accidents are very rare and not really serious. Most of the time, they happen because drivers don’t respect safety distances.
So remember to keep the equivalent of a snowmobile (or 2 if you’re going very fast) between you and the person in front, to give yourself enough time to react.
In addition, you’ll have a security bracelet linked to the vehicle key. Place it on your wrist. In the event of a fall, this will bring your snowmobile to an instant stop, so that it doesn’t continue on its course and injure anyone.
Driving
Nothing could be simpler. To start the snowmobile, simply pull the big red button on the right-hand handle.
Then simply press the orange button on the left of the handlebars (the same as for reversing) for a few seconds, and the snowmobile will start.
If you’re used to driving, you won’ t need to shift gears! You’ll have two handles: one to move forward, on the right, and one to brake, on the left.
All you need to do is become comfortable with the impulse you give the vehicle, and you’ll be able to enjoy the whole ride!
During your ride, you may come across an obstacle, especially the first few times you negotiate a bend. If this happens, simply press the orange button on the left handle once.
You’ll then hear a buzzer, and you’ll be able to reverse your snowmobile to get out of the way. If you’re really stuck, the instructor can help you handle your snowmobile to get back on track.
Finally, be aware that you may come across sled dogs. In this case, you’ll be asked to step aside and switch off your snowmobile, to let the dogs pass without frightening them or risking injury.
Snowmobile departure and fika break
You’ll then spend an hour exploring Kiruna’s surroundings by snowmobile. Lake, forest, you can enjoy the scenery and the speed. Make the most of it, because time flies!
At the halfway point, the instructor will take you to the shores of Lake Väkkäräjärvi. You’ll park and enjoy anhour’s break on the banks, in a chalet in the heart of a small village created especially for local guides and their dogs.
You can warm up around the stove while admiring the view from the bay window. You can also enjoy the famous fika break!
What is the fika break?
Typically Swedish and derived from the word kaffe (“coffee”), it represents a social coffee break, where people gather around a hot drink to forge links at work, with friends, family… At different times of the day.
It’s a tradition very dear to Swedish hearts. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to try it out on your outings in Kiruna.
A variety of hot drinks and snacks will be available. Enjoya moment with the guide, who can answer your questions and discuss a myriad of topics.
During this break, the guide will be looking after some “retired” dogs staying near the chalet. You’ll have no trouble petting them and taking photos with them if you feel like it. You’ll also have the chance to take photos of the landscape if you’ve brought your camera.
Back to the starting point at Jukkasjärvi
Then it’s time to set off again. On the same principle, you’ll set off again through the forests and lakes of the Kiruna region, ending your tour at the same point where you started.
You will then be asked to separate from your equipment and collect any belongings left in the crate. Finally, you can either drive back to your hotel or the instructor will take you to a meeting point agreed with him!
Frequently asked questions
Although the answers to these questions are covered in the previous section, here you’ll find a summary about snowmobiling in Kiruna. They are presented in the form of a list so that you can quickly find the information you’re looking for.
What clothing and equipment do you need for snowmobiling?
Make sure you dress warmly if you want to go snowmobiling in Kiruna. Even though the outside temperature can be quite mild, you should be aware that with the speed and wind, you can quickly get very cold, which would spoil your experience.
We recommend that you protect your extremities with several pairs of gloves, socks and, if necessary, a balaclava.
Don’t worry, your instructor will also provide you with the appropriate equipment: very warm wetsuit to wear over your outfit, lined boots, helmet and gloves.
And if you’re bringing bulky or fragile items, you can put them in a large bin at the back of the instructor’s snowmobile. Here you can store fragile items such as cameras.
Similarly, there’s no need to pack a snack for the break. In case of hunger, everything will be provided during the fika break, explained earlier in the article.
Can we take photos during the excursion?
Because of the speed, bumps and turns, we advise you to be very careful with your camera equipment. Cameras are definitely not recommended when you’re on the snowmobile.
As explained above, however, you can put your camera equipment in the tray on the back of the guide’s snowmobile to take photos during the break.
We advise you to use a go pro if you have one, or to take photos with your phone, being careful not to let it fly away!
In any case, your equipment remains your responsibility. But if you really value your phone, you may want to avoid taking it out during your activity in Kiruna.
How long is the exit?
The time it takes to get kitted out, for the instructor to give you safety instructions and show you how the snowmobile drives, and then for you to go driving, allow 3 hours, so that you don’t get stressed out and can enjoy this activity in Kiruna to the full.
What level of skill do you need to practice this course?
This is a“tailor-made” activity, where you and any accompanying persons go off alone with the instructor. So it all depends on the level of the people you’re going with.
Getting to grips with the snowmobile is fairly straightforward. If you’ve never been on a snowmobile before, you’ll feel much more at ease in just a few minutes.
Is the Kiruna snowmobile route suitable for children?
Children under the age of 8 are not allowed on this activity in Kiruna. In any case, as the snowmobile is an imposing and fast machine, we strongly advise you not to go with children who are too young.
In any case, make sure your child is comfortable with the speed. As for the rear seat, it’s large and comfortable enough, and the handles on the sides will give your child a good grip.
You now have all the practical information you need to embark on this snowmobile tour of Kiruna. If you like speed and snow-covered landscapes, you won’t be disappointed by this trip, which will provide you with unique memories!
