Kiruna travel guide

Kiruna, nestled in the northernmost part of Sweden, is a city steeped in history and culture. Its story dates back to the late 19th century, when a rich vein of iron ore was discovered in the area.

This discovery led to the establishment of the LKAB mining company in 1890, which still operates today as one of the world's largest iron ore mines. Kiruna quickly grew into a bustling mining town, with its population surging from just a few hundred to several thousand within a few years.

The city's distinctive character was shaped not only by its industrial roots but also by the indigenous Sami culture, which has called this region home for thousands of years. Today, Kiruna is not just a mining town but a unique blend of cultures and a place of breathtaking natural beauty, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.

Kiruna, a city in the northernmost part of Sweden, is home to the indigenous Sami people who have a rich cultural heritage. The Sami are known for their semi-nomadic reindeer herding lifestyle and their unique customs, including joik singing, traditional dress, and handicrafts. Tourists are encouraged to learn about and respect these customs. You can even buy beautiful traditional Sami handicrafts, known as 'Duodji', which make great souvenirs.

Swedes, including those in Kiruna, value the concept of 'lagom' which means just the right amount - not too much, not too little. The city observes a slower pace of life, promoting a healthy work-life balance. In winter, locals engage in outdoor activities like snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice fishing, while the summer months bring opportunities for hiking and canoeing. As the city is located in the Arctic Circle, it experiences the unique phenomena of the Midnight Sun and Polar Night, which locals have adapted to over the centuries. Remember to dress warmly, especially in winter when temperatures can drop significantly.

The best time to explore Kiruna depends on what you want from your visit. If you're seeking the magical spectacle of the Northern Lights, the dark winter months from December to March are your best bet. During this time, the city is a winter wonderland with activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. If you prefer milder weather and long days, plan your trip between late May and mid-July. This is when the Midnight Sun phenomenon occurs, providing 24 hours of daylight and opportunities for midnight hikes or golf. The crowd levels are also lower during this period. In September and October, you can enjoy autumn’s vibrant colors and the Aurora Borealis. As each season offers unique experiences, there isn't a single 'best time to explore Kiruna.' However, consider your interests and tolerance for cold weather, then plan accordingly.

If you're planning a visit to Kiruna, a unique insider tip is to explore the local Sami culture. The Sami are the indigenous people of Scandinavia and have a rich and fascinating history that's deeply entwined with the nature and wildlife of the region. While in Kiruna, take the opportunity to visit a Sami camp, where you can learn about Sami traditions, try authentic Sami food, and even take a reindeer sleigh ride. However, it's important to remember to respect the Sami culture and traditions, as they are a vital part of the local community. This insider tip is a chance to immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience that will enrich your visit and give you a deeper understanding of Kiruna's history and people.

Here on this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Kiruna, Sweden. Check out the cheapest and most popular flights offered by 250 airlines that fly to Sweden. Browse the 25 top-rated tours available to you in Kiruna. We make it easy for you to find and book the top services in Kiruna.

Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Kiruna, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place. Book with Guide to Europe to get an expertly-curated and fully-customizable itinerary and experience the best of Kiruna on your vacation in Sweden.

Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Kiruna from our free 24/7 customer support. Continue reading to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the town of Kiruna!

There are many reasons to visit the town of Kiruna, but a trip to Sweden needs no explanation.

Exploring Sweden, which spans 528,861 square kilometers, is an adventure of a lifetime. Sweden offers an abundance of truly magical places to discover, including cultural, historic, and scenic sites of significant value to both locals and travelers.

Click or tap the link below to discover more about Sweden.

Kiruna has something for everyone. Regardless of age and interest, travelers have the best time exploring every corner of the town.

Read on to discover the best places to visit and find out what to expect from the town of Kiruna.

Enrich your travel experience in Kiruna by joining tours and activities. Kiruna offers an exciting selection of top-rated tours and it's easy for every traveler to find something to their liking. Take the opportunity to catch the top attractions on a tour, stay active with an adventurous excursion, or learn something new about the local history or culture of the town.

Discover the most popular experiences in Kiruna below.

The best and easiest way to visit Kiruna is by booking a vacation package. A vacation package includes everything you need for a worry-free and perfectly planned holiday in Sweden.

Booking a vacation package to Kiruna means spending less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation. A vacation package includes everything from flight tickets, accomodation, and a rental car, to 24/7 personal travel support and a carefully planned travel itinerary. You can also take your vacation in Kiruna to the next level by adding tours, tickets, and activities to each day of your trip.

Apart from providing you with everything you need to travel comfortably, your vacation package to Kiruna is also fully customizable. In other words, you can add or remove services at your own convenience, to create the perfect vacation for you and your travel companions.

On our website, you will find unique vacation packages to Kiruna, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and recommendations for the best sightseeing spots, restaurants, bars, and activities.

Continue to the next section to learn more about what types of vacations you can book in the town of Kiruna.

To get to the town of Kiruna the fastest way possible, travelers from outside Sweden can travel by plane. International travelers can fly to Kiruna by booking flights with any of the 5 airlines that offer direct flights to Kiruna airport. Some airlines that operate flights to Kiruna airport are SAS, Air China, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Pegasus. Go to this page to compare all flights to Kiruna.

To reach the town of Kiruna, travelers can choose from various airport transfer options available at Kiruna airport.

If you're looking for the best flight ticket deals to Kiruna, knowing the cheapest travel time and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we have this information for you. Discover more about the cheapest and most popular flights to Kiruna airport and Kiruna below.

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a town as fantastic as Kiruna is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience.

The best place to stay in Kiruna usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodation in downtown Kiruna offers a ton of benefits.

Staying at the heart of the town allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Kiruna and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally-located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Kiruna planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Sweden can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the 5-star or 4-star hotels in Kiruna. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range hotels to budget-friendly accommodations in the town, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Kiruna.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Kiruna in the next sections.

Kiruna, the northernmost city in Sweden, offers a range of transportation options to navigate the city and its beautiful surroundings. The public transport system in Kiruna is reliable and efficient, with buses being run by Länstrafiken Norrbotten. They serve the city and nearby areas, making it easy to explore the region.

Taxis are another convenient mode of transport, available around the clock. These can be booked in advance or hailed on the street. Car rental services are also available for those who prefer the freedom of self-drive. Major car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar have outlets in the city. However, it's important to remember that driving conditions during the winter can be challenging.

Kiruna also offers some unique local transportation experiences. Dog sledding and snowmobile tours are popular among tourists, providing an exciting way to explore the stunning Arctic landscape. For longer distance travel, Kiruna Airport offers flights to major Swedish cities and selected international destinations.

Experience the freedom and convenience of a self-drive vacation by renting a car for your adventures in Kiruna.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Kiruna, Sweden, below.

The town of Kiruna is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Sweden. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Sweden has it all.

Sweden is calling, and the country is asking you to experience its culture and diversity to the fullest! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Sweden that are as magical as the town of Kiruna. The most popular travel destinations in Sweden are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

A taste of Sweden through a visit to Kiruna can often reignite a traveler's passion for adventure. When this happens, the best way to satisfy this wanderlust is to book a domestic flight from Kiruna to another remarkable destination in Sweden.

To begin your search for the best or cheapest flights from the town of Kiruna to other spectacular locations in Sweden, jump to the last section of this travel guide.