Kiruna is a town in the far north of Swedish Lapland. It’s known for the huge LKAB iron ore mine and its underground visitors center with an exhibit on mining. Hjalmar Lundbohmsgården, the 19th-century former home of LKAB’s first managing director, is now a museum with a courtyard photography exhibit. Kiruna Church is notable for its bell tower and resemblance to the traditional huts of the indigenous Sámi people.
Best for: Northern Lights, dog sledding, snowmobiling, Icehotel, and winter landscapes
Temperatures can drop to −20°C or lower, so pack accordingly!
Best for: Midnight Sun, hiking, fishing, and outdoor adventures
Sun doesn’t set for several weeks around midsummer
Quieter, good for budget travelers or Northern Lights in early autumn
Some services may be limited
Kiruna Airport (KRN) — direct flights from Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) (~1.5 hours)
10-minute drive or shuttle to the city center
Overnight trains from Stockholm (~15 hours), also daytime routes from Luleå, Abisko, and Narvik (Norway)
Kiruna Central Station is close to the town center
Scenic drive via E10 highway, especially coming from Abisko or Narvik
World-famous ice and snow hotel rebuilt every winter
You can sleep in ice rooms or visit the art suites and ice bar as a day guest
Kiruna’s location above the Arctic Circle makes it ideal for viewing the aurora (Sep–Mar)
Join a guided tour for the best chances
One of Sweden’s most beautiful buildings, built from wood in 1912
The church is being relocated as part of the city’s massive urban relocation project
Great for hiking in summer, aurora watching in winter
Ride the Aurora Sky Station cable car for panoramic views
Sweden’s highest mountain, accessible via trekking expeditions from nearby Nikkaluokta
Dog sledding, reindeer sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling
Stay at or tour the Icehotel
Ice fishing and cross-country skiing
Photograph the Northern Lights with a local guide
Hike or camp in Abisko National Park
Go kayaking, fishing, or take a boat trip on Torneträsk Lake
Explore Sámi culture in Jukkasjärvi
Experience the Midnight Sun in June–July
Icehotel (winter ice rooms & year-round warm rooms)
Camp Ripan – spa hotel with cozy cabins and great food
Scandic Kiruna – newly built hotel in central Kiruna
Hotel Arctic Eden – close to the old town with a pool and sauna
SPiS Hotel & Hostel – comfortable and affordable with a restaurant and sauna
STF Kiruna Hostel – good for backpackers and hikers
Reindeer, moose, Arctic char, cloudberries, and Sámi dishes
Hearty, warming meals ideal for the cold
Icehotel Restaurant – fine dining with local ingredients and unique presentations
Camp Ripan’s Restaurant – excellent Nordic and Sámi dishes
SPiS Mat & Dryck – cozy spot known for its fresh, seasonal food
Stejk Street Food – burgers and local meat options from a food truck
Kiruna is home to the indigenous Sámi people, and you can visit Sámi villages, learn about traditional life, and try reindeer sledding
The city is undergoing one of Europe’s largest urban relocation projects due to mining operations
Life in Kiruna is deeply connected to nature, light, and silence — from the Midnight Sun to long Polar Nights
People are friendly and welcoming, with a strong outdoor and community spirit