Kiruna travel guide

In Kiruna, like much of Sweden, most locals speak English fluently and are comfortable communicating in it. However, it's always appreciated when tourists make an effort to learn some basic Swedish phrases. For example, 'Hej' (Hello), 'Tack' (Thank you), and 'Ursäkta mig' (Excuse me) are handy. If you're dining out, 'Jag är allergisk mot...' (I'm allergic to...) followed by the ingredient could be a lifesaver.

Remember, the Swedish language has a rhythmic tone and pronunciations may not always be as they seem. Resources such as language apps or pocket phrase books can be helpful. Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for help if you're struggling with the language - Swedes are generally patient and willing to assist.

Kiruna, located in the far north of Sweden, experiences a subarctic climate. The city has long, extremely cold winters and short, mild summers. The average temperature in winter (December through March) can drop below -15°C (5°F), with the coldest month being January. Snowfall is abundant, and the ground is usually covered in snow from October to May.

Summers are relatively short, lasting from June to August, with average temperatures around 12-17°C (54-63°F). The sun does not set in Kiruna from late May to mid-July due to the phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun, allowing for extended daylight hours. Contrarily, from early December to mid-January, the city experiences the Polar Night, where the sun does not rise above the horizon.

Given the extreme cold in winter and the constant daylight or darkness in summer and winter respectively, travellers should pack accordingly. Adequate cold-weather gear is essential for winter months, while eye shades could be helpful for the continuous light in summer. Despite the extreme conditions, the weather provides unique opportunities to witness the Northern Lights in winter and enjoy endless daylight in summer.

With its blend of traditional and modern culture, Kiruna is more than just a wonderful town in Sweden. It's a hub for diverse experiences, boasting top attractions that range from historical landmarks to modern marvels, offering a glimpse into Sweden's rich heritage and innovative spirit.

Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the town, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn't miss on your trip to Kiruna.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Kiruna, check out our list of top attractions below. Discover the best places to visit in Kiruna, including the fascinating Kiruna Church.

Take a closer look at the town map below for the exact locations of all the top attractions in Kiruna.

A visit to Kiruna gets more exciting with memorable experiences. And the town is just perfect for that, with plenty of fun activities. Bus Tours, Half-day Tours, Snow Sports, and more are just some of the options you could explore to fully immerse yourself and make the most of your time.

In this travel guide, we've included some of the best things to do in Kiruna, adding a special touch to your journey in this vibrant town. Explore bustling markets, embark on scenic hikes, sample local delicacies, or immerse yourself in the rich history and heritage of Kiruna. Browse this diverse array of unforgettable experiences Kiruna offers and let your adventures begin!

In Kiruna, travelers are spoiled for choice with a dazzling array of 10 categories of top-rated tours and tickets. But among this sea of options, one category reigns supreme: Trips & Excursions.

Trips & Excursions offer an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Kiruna. For example, the fantastic Aurora Hunting with Reindeer Caravan.

Kiruna also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience. This experience costs around 79 EUR.

Elevate your upcoming Kiruna adventure with unforgettable experiences by booking top-rated tours in the town. Uncover the finest tours, activities, and tickets awaiting you in Kiruna right below.

Discover the best things to do in Kiruna. Choose from 29 fantastic tours and activities available in the town.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Kiruna. Click the green button to view your options and discover a variety of exciting things to do in Kiruna.

In Kiruna, a culinary adventure awaits, with a blend of traditional Lapland cuisine and modern gastronomic experiences. The city center serves as a renowned dining district, hosting a range of eateries from cozy cafés and street food to high-end restaurants. Among the best places to eat in Kiruna are SPiS Mat&Dryck, known for its innovative Swedish dishes, and Arctic Eden, famous for its Reindeer and Arctic Char. Visitors shouldn't miss out on local delicacies like 'Köttbullar', Swedish meatballs, and 'Renskav', sautéed reindeer served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries. For a unique dining experience, visit the world-famous Icehotel which boasts a restaurant serving dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Practical advice for enhancing your dining experience includes trying the local cloudberries and the traditional Sami flatbread 'Tunnbröd'. Whether it's savoring a hot dog at a street stand or indulging in a lavish Lappish dinner, Kiruna offers an unforgettable culinary journey.

When considering the best place to go shopping in Kiruna, look no further than the city center. Here, you'll find an array of boutique shops offering unique items, from locally made Sami handicrafts to exquisite arctic-inspired jewelry. Don't miss the chance to visit the Kiruna City Hall's souvenir shop, where you can purchase unique mementos like locally mined iron ore and Northern Lights photography. The city is also known for its outdoor clothing stores, reflecting Kiruna's distinct fashion that blends style with functionality for extreme climates. For a more traditional shopping experience, the Luossavaara Mountain market is a must-visit. Open every Friday, this bustling market offers a range of local produce, traditional Swedish delicacies, and handmade crafts. For a relaxed shopping atmosphere, Hjalmar Lundbohmsgarden, an iconic red wooden building, houses a gift shop with an excellent selection of Sami crafts and Swedish design pieces. Practical information: Most shops accept credit cards and are open from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday. Remember to pack a reusable shopping bag as Sweden has a bag fee to promote sustainability.

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Kiruna, Sweden without breaking the bank. Start with a visit to the iconic Kiruna Kyrka, a wooden church known for its Gothic Revival architecture. Walk around its peaceful surroundings, taking in the beautiful cityscape. Next, head to the Kiruna Stadshuset, the city hall, renowned for its unique design and historical significance. It's a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. If you're a nature lover, the hiking trails around the city offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The Luossavaara Mountain trail is a local favorite, boasting panoramic vistas of Kiruna and the nearby iron ore mine. For a tranquil experience, stroll through the Stadsparken, Kiruna's city park, which is particularly stunning in the summer months. Lastly, don't miss the chance to witness the spectacular Northern Lights. Though sightings are never guaranteed, Kiruna offers one of the best vantage points in the world for this phenomenon. These are just a few of the best free things to do in Kiruna, offering a rich and fulfilling travel experience.

Booking budget-friendly flights to Kiruna is a crucial part of planning your trip to the city. This section will guide you through the process, helping you find the best deals for your journey.

Booking in advance is a smart move when traveling to Kiruna. Airlines release their best deals months ahead of departure, so early birds catch the lower fares. Consider flexible travel dates while planning your visit to the town. Mid-week and off-peak seasons often offer more wallet-friendly options.

To help you find cheap flights to Kiruna, you can use the powerful booking widget below. Enter your departure city, choose between round trip or one-way, pick your fare class, select travel dates, and specify the number of travelers. Click "Search" and the widget will do the rest. You'll see a list of flights matching your criteria, making your trip to Kiruna even more convenient.

Fine-tune your search with filters to sort by price, airline, layovers, and more. Once you've found your ideal flight, click "Book" and you'll be redirected to the booking page to complete your reservation. Enter your payment details and receive a confirmation – it's that simple!

Remember to book ahead, stay flexible, and utilize the widget's features to make your journey to Kiruna both affordable and unforgettable.

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful town of Kiruna. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Kiruna, Sweden, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

When unsure about where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Sweden. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Traveling to another city or region in Sweden? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Kiruna to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Sweden on the selected dates.