Things To Do
in Kiruna
Kiruna is Sweden’s northernmost city, perched above the Arctic Circle in Lapland. It sits beside vast forests, lakes, and the expansive LKAB iron ore mine that shapes much of the town’s landscape. The city is famous for its bold urban relocation project and its proximity to pristine Arctic wilderness.
Visitors come for aurora viewing, Sami culture, and access to dramatic winter landscapes around Abisko and Jukkasjärvi Icehotel.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wake up to the soft glow of the arctic dawn and enjoy a hearty Swedish breakfast at a cozy café overlooking the town square. Stroll along the snow-dusted streets of Kiruna as you inhale crisp, pine-scented air. Admire brightly colored wooden buildings set against the pristine white landscape.
Visit the iconic Kiruna Church, marveling at its unique pointed architecture inspired by Sami tents. Explore the local Sami museum to learn about indigenous traditions and hear stories of Lapland culture. Wander through small artisan shops and pick up handcrafted souvenirs.
Savor a dinner of traditional reindeer stew paired with lingonberry jam in a warm, candlelit restaurant. Take a leisurely walk under the starlit sky, listening to the soft crunch of snow beneath your boots. End the night with a cup of hot chocolate by a roaring fire.
Drive to the village of Jukkasjärvi, where the famous Icehotel emerges from the frozen Torne River each winter. Step inside grand halls sculpted from pure ice, illuminated by multicolored LED lights. Admire intricate ice carvings that blend whimsical fantasy with arctic motifs.
Join an ice sculpting workshop led by professional artists and learn how to shape towering pillars and delicate ornaments. Sip hot berry juice as you carve your own miniature ice creation to take home. Warm up in the Icehotel’s warm room with panoramic views of the surrounding snowfields.
Dine in the Icehotel’s crystal-clear ice restaurant on gourmet cuisine served on ice plates. Toast to the Arctic night with a cocktail from an ice glass at the Icebar. Finally, retreat to your ice suite and sink into a thermal sleeping bag for a once-in-a-lifetime sleep on a bed carved from ice.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $3-5 |
| 🍺Beer at bar | $6-9 |
| 🚌Public transit ticket | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $120-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning Arctic scenery and frequent Northern Lights
- Compact, walkable town with easy access to wilderness
- Unique mining history and Sami culture nearby
- Wide range of winter activities and summer nature experiences
- Very cold winters and long dark periods in winter
- Remote location can mean higher costs and longer travel times
- Limited nightlife and fewer big-city amenities
- Seasonal variability in aurora visibility and daylight hours
- "Hej" - Hello
- "Tack" - Thank you
- "Ursäkta" - Excuse me
- "Kan du hjälpa mig?" - Can you help me?
- "Var ligger kyrkan?" - Where is the church?
- "Hur mycket kostar det?" - How much does it cost?
- "Jag skulle vilja ha..." - I would like to have...
- "Kan jag få notan?" - Can I have the bill?
Places to Visit in Kiruna
Visit one of these nice places.
A striking modern brick church with a tall tower, set against snowy backdrops and winter skies.
A hill overlooking Kiruna and the surrounding landscape; ideal for panoramic city and mine photos, especially at sunset.
Iconic ice architecture and art in the nearby village of Jukkasjärvi; a must-shot in winter and a striking daytime subject in summer.
Informational plaques and woodland trails around the relocated streets and housing, offering unique urban-arctic compositions.
Renowned site for aurora photography with elevated vantage points; reachable on day trips from Kiruna for dramatic night skies.
Food in Kiruna
Kiruna Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thinly sliced reindeer meat sautéed with onions, typically served with mashed potatoes, lingonberries, and sour cream.
Must-Try!
Swedish hash of potatoes, meat, and onions, usually topped with a fried egg and served with pickled beets.
Pan-fried Arctic char, often served with potatoes, dill, and a light cream sauce.
Cured salmon served with a mustard-dill sauce and bread or potatoes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market stalls offering berries, local cheeses, reindeer products, and crafts; great for tasting regional specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
You may roam freely in nature, but respect private property, avoid damaging vegetation, and take care not to disturb wildlife.
Embrace the social coffee break; it’s a staple of Swedish culture and a good chance to connect with locals.
Being on time is appreciated in both public and social settings.
Be mindful when visiting Sami areas; seek consent when engaging with cultural demonstrations and respect local traditions.
Safety
Tipping in Kiruna
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not required; most service charges are included, and rounding up is common in casual settings.
Credit/debit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted; mobile pay options (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common; cash usage is declining.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Midnight sun means long daylight hours for hiking and outdoor photography; mosquitoes can be abundant; temperatures are mild and comfortable.
Cool, crisp air with vivid fall colors; daylight shortens; layer for changeable weather and possible rain.
Polar nights and long nights with spectacular northern lights; temperatures can plunge well below freezing; plan for warm layers and limited daylight.
Snowmelt and rising daylight bring re-emergence of wildlife and accessible trails; weather can be variable with late-season snow.
Kiruna at Night
Hiking in Kiruna
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate hike to a panoramic overlook of Kiruna and the surrounding mine and forested landscape.
Iconic trails through Arctic terrain; suitable for winter snowshoeing and summer alpine walks; renowned for aurora photography options.
Self-guided woodland trails around the relocated city core offering informative plaques and scenic viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Kiruna by plane.
Primary local airport with domestic connections and some seasonal international flights; short drive to the city center.
Larger regional airport offering more international and domestic connections; about a several-hour drive or quick domestic flight options from Kiruna via connections.
Smaller regional airport offering seasonal and regional flights; convenient for northern trips in the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population with a strong local identity and high standard of living.
Indigenous people with cultural and economic ties to reindeer herding in the wider region.
Tourists drawn to the Arctic landscape, Northern Lights, and winter activities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Extensive Nordic trails around Kiruna and beyond; accessible to beginners and seasoned skiers.
Winter season local leagues and public rink activities; a common winter pastime.
Open winter spaces for wind-driven snow sports in clear, wide landscapes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kiruna.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist in most places; look for vegetable stews, mushroom dishes, and berry sides; ask for meat-free preparations or substitutions.