15 Best Things to Do in Kiruna, Sweden | 2024 (with Photos)
Kiruna is a small town in the northernmost part of Sweden, located about 145 km north of the Arctic Circle.
Known for its stunning natural beauty and unique Swedish culture, this amazing place is a winter wonderland for any traveler looking to experience the wonders of the Swedish Lapland, the home of Santa Claus.
As you prepare to visit Kiruna Sweden, knowing what to expect and what makes this town so special is important.
From the famous Ice Hotel to the stunning Northern Lights and midnight sun, there's no shortage of sights and experiences during your trip.
Let's explore what are the 15 fun things to do in Kiruna
Most Recommended Thing to Do
Icehotel
Top Choice Hotel
Icehotel
Our Top Choice Restaurant
Bord 13
Our Top Choice Bar for Nightlife
Best Time to Visit
Northern lights, winter wonderland, snow, dog sledding, ice hotel
Average Temperature
Cold, snowy, subzero temperatures; typical for Kiruna, Sweden.
Transportation Options
Buses, taxis, snowmobiles, and dog sledding available.
Average Cost ($, $$, $$$)
$$
My Top Recommendation
Immerse yourself in the magical winter wonderland by embarking on an unforgettable dog sledding adventure, where you can embrace the thrill of gliding through snow-covered forests and witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights dance across the night sky.
To add a touch of cultural immersion to your trip, pay a visit to the spectacular Icehotel, a marvel of ice and snow that is meticulously sculpted and created anew each year. Spend a night in one of its magical ice rooms for a truly unique experience, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the surrounding Arctic landscape during the day with activities such as ice sculpting and reindeer sledding.
What You'll Need to Bring
- Warm clothing (including thermal layers, waterproof jacket, and pants)
- Comfortable winter boots
- Warm gloves and hat
What Not to Miss
- Kiruna Ice Hotel
- Kiruna Church
- Abisko National Park
- Sami culture experiences
- Northern Lights viewing
What to Avoid
- Avoid relying solely on public transportation to explore the city
- Avoid underestimating the weather conditions
- Avoid missing out on experiencing the mesmerizing Northern Lights
Table of Contents
1. Witness the Northern lights and midnight sun trail
The Northern Lights are one of the most breathtaking natural wonders on the planet. Kiruna in winter is one of the best places in the world where you can book a Northern Lights tour to witness the Aurora Borealis.
In this wonderful place, you can witness the spectacular display of shimmering northern lights, dancing across the sky. Some Northern Lights tours in Kiruna are conducted on foot, while others involve transportation by bus or snowmobile to more remote locations where the Northern Lights are visible.
Your Northern Lights tour may also include activities such as ice fishing, reindeer sledding, or a visit to a traditional Sami tent.
2. Visit the Ice Hotel in Kiruna, Sweden
The Ice Hotel in Kiruna, Sweden is an iconic attraction, made entirely of snow and ice from the Torne River. Here you can have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sleep a polar night in an astounding ice room with temperatures as low as -5C.
The magical atmosphere of the Ice Hotel is truly unforgettable and is guaranteed to be a highlight of your winter vacation. But the Ice Hotel is much more than just a place to sleep – it's a wonderland filled with exciting activities and adventures.
3. Try Ice Fishing at Kiruna in Winter
Ice fishing in Kiruna Sweden is a popular winter activity during the long winter months. The frozen lakes and rivers offer a unique opportunity to catch a variety of fish, including Arctic char, trout, and pike.
Visitors can go ice fishing with their own dog sled, stop at a nice ice bar for some hot coffee, and finish the day watching the Northern lights.
4. Explore the Kiruna Church
Kiruna Church, also known as Kiruna Kyrka, is the main building and a famous landmark in the town of Kiruna. Designed by the renowned Swedish architect Gustaf Wickman, the church was completed in 1912 in a neo-Gothic style.
However, what makes Kiruna Church unique is its location. Due to the expansion of the nearby iron ore mine, the town of Kiruna and its town hall had to be relocated, and the church was moved in 2018 to a new location about 3 kilometers east of its original site.
5. Go Dog Sledding in Kiruna
Dog sledding and riding in a reindeer sleigh are quintessential winter activities in Sweden's northernmost town. Popular trails here offer a thrilling way to explore the snowy landscape.
This is a fun and exciting activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and a great way to create unforgettable memories.
Dog sledding has been a traditional mode of transportation for the Sami people and local inhabitants of Lapland for thousands of years, and by participating in this adventure, you will be able to experience a part of local cultural heritage.
6. Hike or ski in the Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park is a stunning wilderness area in the Swedish Lapland. Here you can do cross-country skiing and explore the arctic circle on your own, as well as enjoy skiing. Of course, they have a rental shop where you can rent cross-country skis.
Overall, cross-country skiing at Abisko National Park is an excellent activity for Kiruna visitors because of the national park's amazing scenery, varied terrain, reliable snow conditions, professional guides and instructors, and easy accessibility.
Abisko National Park is definitely one of the best national parks in Sweden and visiting Kiruna implies this trip as well. Abisko National Park is the ultimate attraction in Swedish Lapland.
7. Visit a Reindeer Farm
The indigenous Sami people have a rich culture and history in Swedish Lapland, and a visit to a reindeer farm is a great way to learn more about Sami culture.
At a reindeer farm, visitors can get up close and personal with the animals, feed them, and even take a reindeer sleigh ride. This can be a memorable and exciting experience for tourists, especially for those who have never seen or interacted with reindeer before.
8. Visit the Kiruna Mine
The Kiruna Mine is one of the largest Lkab mines in the world and is a marvel of modern engineering.
Visitors can see the massive scale of the mine and learn about the techniques used to extract iron ore from deep beneath the earth's surface.
This Lkab mine offers a chance to see what life is like for miners who work in challenging conditions to extract valuable minerals from the earth.
You can take a tour of the famous working Kiirunavaara mine by booking a tour at the Lkab's Visitor Center.
9. Go Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling in Kiruna is an absolute must-do activity for snow adventure seekers and winter sports enthusiasts.
With vast stretches of terrain full of snow and some of the most scenic landscapes in the world, Kiruna offers an unparalleled snowmobiling experience.
Picture yourself zooming across frozen lakes and snow-covered forests, feeling the rush of adrenaline as you speed over the undulating snowdrifts and weave your way through the winding snow trails.
So why not take the ultimate snowmobiling adventure in Kiruna, and discover the awe-inspiring beauty of this winter wonderland?
10. Try a Wildlife Safari
A wildlife safari in Kiruna Sweden is an opportunity to explore the rich and diverse ecosystem of northern Sweden and get up close and personal with some of the region's most iconic wildlife.
There is a good chance for you to spot moose while enjoying a wildlife safari. Depending on the season, the tours can be conducted by foot, snowmobile, or even dog sled.
Visitors can take a reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy landscape, enjoy fun things like husky sledding or snowmobiling, and explore the frozen Torne River on a cross-country skiing trip.
11. Enjoy the Swedish Sauna of Futuristic Design
The egg-shaped Swedish sauna in Kiruna Sweden is called the Solar Egg and is a unique and innovative concept that has become a popular attraction for visitors to the area.
This sauna, with a futuristic design, is made of stainless steel and gold-colored mirror glass. It has become a popular attraction for visitors of Kiruna and a unique way to experience the Swedish sauna culture while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
12. Learn About Local Sami Culture
The Sami people have a long and fascinating history in the Kiruna Sweden region, and there are many opportunities to learn about their culture and traditions.
Whether you're interested in history, anthropology, or simply curious about the world, a visit to the Sami Museum is an enriching and memorable experience of Sami culture.
One way to experience Sami culture is to visit the mini museum. This is a fascinating cultural institution that provides visitors with a glimpse into the rich and ancient heritage of the indigenous Sami people. Here you can see Sami tents and wooden huts, for example.
13. Try Ice Sculpting
During the winter months, you can try your hand at ice sculpting in Kiruna Sweden. The activity involves using special tools to carve and shape blocks of ice into stunning works of art.
There are several places in Kiruna that offer workshops and classes on this activity
Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and memorable activity, ice sculpting in Kiruna is a great choice.
14. Experience Reindeer Racing
For a truly unforgettable experience, visitors can watch or even participate in reindeer racing in Kiruna. Reindeer racing in Kiruna is generally considered safe for both the animals and the participants.
The reindeer used for racing are specially trained for the sport and are well-cared for by their handlers. The races are typically held in a controlled environment, with safety measures in place to ensure the well-being of both the animals and the participants.
15. Enjoy Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a fun and accessible activity that allows visitors to explore the stunning wilderness of Kiruna in the winter months. Among other places, Luossavaara Mountain is known for its trails for snowshoeing.
With snowshoes strapped to your feet, you can trek through deep snowdrifts and explore the pristine forests and mountains of northern Sweden for several hours.
FAQs Regarding Things to Do in Kiruna
Let's look at some frequently asked questions about things to do in Kiruna.
Is Kiruna worth a visit?
Kiruna is a unique and fascinating destination that is definitely worth a visit. With its unique blend of natural beauty, local wildlife, cultural heritage, and thrilling activities, Kiruna offers a truly unforgettable experience for visitors of all interests.
What is Kiruna Sweden known for?
Kiruna is known for the Kiruna Snow Festival, the Northern Lights, ice climbing, ice skating, jukkasjärvi church, ice church, the Sami village, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and more.
How to get to Kiruna?
Kiruna Airport (KRN) is the most convenient way to get to Kiruna. It is served by several major airlines, including SAS, Norwegian, and Lufthansa, with regular direct flights from cities such as Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Helsinki.
What is the best time to visit Kiruna?
Winter is the most popular time to visit Kiruna, as it is the perfect time for winter sports such as skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice climbing. Make sure to bring warm clothes as temperatures in Kiruna in winter can drop well below freezing.
Summing Up: Fun Things to do in Kiruna
Kiruna, located in northern Sweden, offers a unique and enchanting experience for visitors seeking adventure and natural beauty.
One of the must-do activities in Kiruna is witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, which are visible during the winter months.
Visitors can also explore the breathtaking landscapes of Abisko National Park, with its snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and pristine wilderness. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice fishing.
In Kiruna, Sweden, visitors with a sweet tooth are in for a treat. The city boasts a delightful array of confectionery and dessert options to satisfy any sugar craving.
