Top 9 Best Things To Do in Kiruna

Ready to experience the best things to do in Kiruna? Picture yourself marveling under the aurora borealis, exploring pristine Arctic landscapes, or fishing along the frozen lakes. This enchanting Swedish town offers experiences that go beyond the ordinary.

You might have heard about this city because of its fascinating northern lights. However, there’s more to this Arctic gem than just the aurora. This guide will open the door to Kiruna’s largest selection of unique tours and adventures, revealing far more than just a glimpse of its natural beauty.

With a wealth of travel options in Kiruna, you’ll find it easy to design the ideal getaway. Simply choose from a wide range of unforgettable Kiruna travel packages to make the best of your vacation in this stunning city.

So grab your warmest coat and discover the magic of Kiruna! Let’s explore the most diverse collection of Kiruna itineraries, crafted to help you experience every breathtaking view, savor the local flavors, and embrace the Arctic landscapes with awe.

9. Walk Around Kiruna Town

Did you know that discovering Kiruna Town on a walking tour is the perfect way to get to know the area? While many visitors focus on adventures like dog sledding or chasing the northern lights, they often overlook how wandering around the town itself is one of the best things to do in Kiruna.

One of the town’s highlights is the wooden Kiruna Church, often called one of Sweden’s most beautiful buildings. And here’s something even more fascinating—parts of Kiruna are being moved because of mining activity. Entire buildings are relocated to preserve the town’s heritage and turn it into a real-life history in motion.

Make sure to stop by a local cafe for a fika, the Swedish tradition of taking a break with coffee and a sweet treat. People-watching while enjoying coffee and a sweet treat is the perfect way to soak up Kiruna’s laid-back charm. This town has a quiet magic of its own and deserves a moment to shine!

8. Relax in Kiruna’s Traditional Wood-Fired Sauna

Trying a traditional wood-fired sauna experience by the Torne River in Kiruna is a must! There’s something magical about the crackling fire, the steamy heat, and the cozy wooden atmosphere that makes it the perfect escape from the icy chill outside. 

The real fun begins after your sauna session. You can roll in the snow or, if you’re feeling brave, take a dip in an icy waterhole. The hot-and-cold contrast will jolt your senses awake and leave you feeling like a brand-new person. 

7. Go Ice Fishing on Kiruna’s Frozen Lakes

Joining a small-group ice fishing tour in Kiruna's Lake Tornetrask is a must-try Swedish activity. Many local families enjoy their holidays on frozen lakes, and now you can too! Guided tours provide all the gear and tips to ensure a simple and fun way to enjoy this peaceful Arctic experience.

Walking onto a frozen lake for the first time is thrilling, but the real excitement begins when you drop your line. You might catch trout, Arctic char, or perch beneath the ice. Early spring is the best time to go, with longer, sunnier days adding a touch of warmth to this icy adventure.

There’s nothing quite like the peacefulness of sitting on a frozen lake, the soft crunch of snow underfoot, and the anticipation of reeling in your first catch. Ice fishing in Kiruna is perfect for first-timers and seasoned anglers alike. It’s a truly unforgettable Arctic experience.

6. Embark on a Husky Cart Adventure in Kiruna

Feel the excitement as you race through autumn forests on a husky cart in Kiruna or glide over snowy trails on a dog sled experience in the Swedish Lapland. You will be pulled by a team of enthusiastic canines and explore the peaceful pathways! 

During winter, gear up in your warm clothing and feel the chilling breeze of Kiruna. Explore the frozen lakes and trails, and you can even spot moose and reindeer along the way. Plus, this experience has a stop for hot drinks, pastries, and cuddles with the huskies.

Husky tours are one of the top things to do in Kiruna. Picture the rush of zipping through snowy landscapes with happy huskies leading the way, their tails wagging as they race ahead. It’s a true highlight of any Lapland visit.

5. Explore the Lapland With a Snowmobile in Kiruna

Experience the thrill of snowmobiling through the Arctic wilderness in Kiruna. Every turn treats you to stunning mountain views and the chance to spot reindeer, moose, and grouse in their natural habitat. This adrenaline-packed adventure takes you deep into Lapland’s untouched beauty.

Feel the chill in the air as you pause your snowmobile ride at the stunning Mattarahkka Northern Lights Lodge. Sit back with a warm, hearty lunch and soak in the breathtaking Arctic views. Out on a frozen lake, the crackling fire welcomes you for brewed coffee and a classic Swedish fika. 

Picture yourself sipping coffee surrounded by snow-covered beauty, feeling completely at peace. Before heading back, why not try ice fishing? It’s a fun, hands-on way to add a touch of tradition to this unforgettable Arctic experience.

4. Take Part in Sami Culture Through Reindeer Sledding

Glide through the snowy Arctic landscape on a reindeer sleigh experience with pickup from Kiruna. Learn how to feed and care for the reindeer and even try to guide them through the snow. It’s one of the best things to do in Kiruna that you don’t want to miss!

Along the way, listen to stories about Sami traditions and their connection to the Arctic. You’ll also have an opportunity to taste the iconic reindeer meat wrapped in pita bread served alongside blueberry or lingonberry juice or a warm cup of coffee.

This experience is pure magic. The peaceful rhythm of the sleigh ride, paired with the warmth of Sami hospitality, creates a journey filled with adventure, culture, and the breathtaking beauty of Lapland. It’s a day you’ll treasure forever.

3. Explore the Breathtaking Abisko National Park

Exploring Abisko National Park on a morning hike is one of the best things to do in Kiruna. Located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Kiruna, the park showcases stunning landscapes, including river canyons, ancient mountain birch forests, towering peaks, and the serene Lake Tornetrask.

As you hike, keep an eye out for wildlife that calls this park home. You might catch a glimpse of reindeer, mountain hares, foxes, or even the majestic Scandinavian moose if you’re lucky. With birds singing overhead and snow crunching underfoot, every moment feels alive with nature’s magic.

While the park is accessible from Kiruna, most tours only offer pickup points in Abisko and Bjorkliden, so travelers should plan accordingly. Bring your camera because Abisko is full of photo-worthy moments! Every corner offers something extraordinary, making this hike a memory you’ll cherish forever.

2. Discover Sweden’s Iconic Icehotel

Join a guided tour from Kiruna that includes the Icehotel to experience a world where ice and snow are transformed into stunning art. Each year, this masterpiece is rebuilt by international artists, showcasing intricate sculptures and frosty suites that seem like something out of a dream.

As you enter the ice art exhibition, you'll be greeted by the shimmering beauty of ice carvings with elaborate designs and delicate craftsmanship. After your visit, explore one of the oldest churches in Swedish Lapland, meet reindeer at Nutti Sami Siida, and hear captivating stories about Sami history and culture.

With its stunning ice art, unforgettable experiences, and rich cultural heritage, this excursion is easily one of the best things to do in Kiruna. This unique adventure takes you into a world of creativity, tradition, and the enchanting beauty of the Arctic.

1. Marvel at the Northern Lights on a Tour From Kiruna

A guided small-group northern lights tour from Kiruna is your chance to experience pure Arctic magic! Picture yourself under a blanket of stars, gathered around a roaring campfire with Swedish cookies, chocolates, and warm drinks in hand. The anticipation builds as the aurora borealis begins to light up the Arctic sky.

Guides and photographers can capture incredible photos of you with the northern lights shimmering above. Got your own camera? They’ll help you set it up so you can take home your very own masterpiece of this unforgettable night.

Chasing the northern lights is one of the best things to do in Kiruna. It’s more than just a tour—it’s a thrilling, heartwarming, and awe-inspiring adventure you’ll talk about for years!

1. When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Kiruna?

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Kiruna is between 9 PM and 2 AM from September to March. These months have longer nights and clear skies, which create ideal conditions for aurora viewing.

Kiruna sits within the auroral oval, so it offers some of the best opportunities to witness this natural spectacle. For a better experience, visit remote spots like Abisko National Park or Lake Tornetrask, where the skies are darker and the auroras appear more vivid.

2. What activities are available during the winter season in Kiruna?

Winter in Kiruna offers a variety of Arctic experiences, such as dog sled rides, snowmobile tours, and ice fishing. A thick blanket of snow covers the landscape, turning the region into a serene, frost-covered wilderness perfect for outdoor adventures.

One of the highlights is the Icehotel in Jukkasjarvi, where everything from the walls to the furniture is sculpted from ice. For a more immersive experience, try a reindeer sled ride or spend a night in a glass igloo under the Arctic sky.

3. How can visitors learn about the local Sami culture in Kiruna?

Visitors can experience Sami culture through reindeer sled rides, museum visits, and traditional gatherings. Meeting Sami herders offers a glimpse into their way of life and deep connection to the Arctic environment. Museums in Kiruna and Jukkasjarvi showcase Sami history, crafts, and customs, providing insight into their traditions.

Seasonal festivals bring the culture to life through music, storytelling, and cuisine, creating opportunities for visitors to connect with Sami heritage. Tasting local dishes, listening to joik songs, and exploring handcrafted goods offer an authentic experience that goes beyond sightseeing.