Experience Kiruna

The mine in Kiruna is the world's largest underground iron ore mine. Visitors can explore the LKAB Visitor Center, located 540 meters underground. By bus, visitors travel directly into the mountain to the visitor center, where they gain a unique insight into the modern mining industry. In this mining environment, there are exhibitions, films, and machinery, and a guide explains modern mining practices and how they affect the entire relocation of Kiruna city. The visitor center has received top ratings in the international guidebook Lonely Planet.

The church in Kiruna, completed in 1912, is one of Sweden's largest wooden buildings and the city's most characteristic structure. It has also been named Sweden's most beautiful building. As the church is located in Kiruna's old centre, which must be relocated due to mining activities, it needs to be moved. The relocation of the church is planned for 2025.

Located on the outskirts of Kiruna is the mountain Lauossavaara. Previously used for iron ore mining, operations ceased in 2011 in favor of underground activities. Today, the mountain serves as a ski slope, offering stunning views of the mountain world. The ski slope has three lifts, four runs, and a terrain park with jumps and rails. The winter season typically begins in November and lasts as long as there is snow. Additionally, there are cross-country skiing tracks around the mountain.

You can reach the mountains and ski above the tree line from Kiruna in just an hour by car. Here, you'll find perfect natural snow for downhill and cross-country skiing. A summit tour uphill several hundred meters rewards you with a fantastic mountain landscape view. Without lift queues, skiing becomes smoother, and you can often put on your skis right outside the door, as ski terrain and tracks are nearby.

20 minutes drive from Kiruna
The village, located on the Torne River, is one of the oldest in Norrbotten and has roots dating back to the 17th century. Some of the older farm buildings are still preserved. Here lies the world's first and largest hotel built of snow and ice - Icehotel. Every winter, the hotel is rebuilt in a unique design, entirely made of ice from the Torne River. When the winter season is over in spring, the hotel melts back into the river to be rebuilt again next winter. However, part of the Icehotel remains standing year-round, so guests can experience it even during summer. The hotel opened for the first time in 1989.

A little over an hour's drive from Kiruna
The village is situated by Scandinavia's largest mountain lake, Torneträsk. Abisko National Park, spanning over 7700 hectares, was established in 1909 and is one of Sweden's first national parks. Here, there is abundant wildlife year-round and a diversity of mountain plants. In Abisko, you can take a short cable car ride up to the Aurora Sky Station, located on the mountain Nuolja. From here, you have a fantastic view of the national park, Torneträsk, and the iconic Lapporten. In winter, you can witness the northern lights dancing across the sky, while the midnight sun illuminates the night during summer. Abisko is also the starting point for many hikes, including the world-famous hiking trail, the Kungsleden.

1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Kiruna
Björkliden is a charming ski resort located between Kiruna and Narvik, with a stunning view over Torneträsk and Lapporten. Here, you'll find Sweden's third-highest vertical drop, plenty of natural snow, and one of the most beautiful views in Scandinavia. Both pros and beginners can enjoy lifts and slopes, and there are also trails for cross-country skiing. Don't miss the impressive waterfall Silverfallet, easily accessible with a short walk from Björkliden. The waterfall cascades down into Torneträsk, Scandinavia's largest mountain lake, and from the site, you have a fantastic view of Lapporten, Sweden's most depicted mountain scenery.

1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Kiruna
Right on the border between Sweden and Norway lies Riksgränsen, Sweden's northernmost and most legendary ski resort. During winter, Riksgränsen receives large amounts of snow as it is the country's most precipitation-rich location. Here, you'll find many excellent slopes and easily accessible off-piste skiing. Riksgränsen is also popular for its numerous opportunities for ski touring.

Just under an hour's drive from Kiruna
An impressive high mountain area situated at the three valleys of Vistasvagge, Ladtjovagge, and the source lakes of the Kalix River offers fantastic ski tours during late winter. During the summer and autumn seasons, the area is perfect for fishing. Additionally, many hikers set out from here to climb Kebnekaise.

Just under an hour's drive from Kiruna + hiking
Many people dream of climbing Kebnekaise, Sweden's highest mountain. To do so, you first need to get to Nikkaluokta. Then, a 19-kilometre hike or ski tour awaits you to reach the mountain station. This distance can be shortened with a winter boat ride or a summer snowmobile tour. There are two classic routes to the summit, the Western and the Eastern routes, starting at the mountain station.

Early in the year, between December - March, the cold winter arrives. During this season, the Northern Lights can often dance across the sky. Popular winter activities include snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledging, skiing, and ice fishing.

From March to April, light and warmth return to Kiruna. Many take the opportunity to ride snowmobiles and participate in dog sledging, ice fishing, and skiing, both downhill and cross-country. Late winter/early spring is the perfect time to shovel yourself a snow sofa, lay out a reindeer hide, light a fire, and enjoy a good cup of coffee in the sunshine.

From May, the sun begins to stay up around the clock in Kiruna, marking the start of the midnight sun period. During spring, popular activities like snowmobiling, ice fishing, dog sledding, and skiing continue to attract visitors.

In June, nature dresses in green in Kiruna, and the hiking and biking season begins. Even though there is still snow in the mountains, nature starts to turn green. During late spring and early summer, the midnight sun shines from all parts of Kiruna, and ice fishing rods are exchanged for spinning or fly fishing gear.

As summer arrives in Kiruna, warmth spreads. During June to July, many enjoy swimming in a glassy lake or cooling their feet in a refreshing mountain stream.

In August, the city transitions to late summer/early autumn. Nature changes color in the mountains, insects begin to disappear, and evenings grow darker. Hikers are rewarded with stunning scenery along the trails.

From September to October, the northern lights return to Kiruna, dancing across the sky on clear nights. In autumn, the sun stands high, and it's warm and pleasant during the day. The forests are rich with mushrooms and berries.

The year ends with late autumn/early winter, and the snow returns. The ski season can start as early as November some years. During this period, the days become short, and for a three-week period, the sun does not rise above the horizon.

In Kiruna, you can experience an authentic dog sledging adventure in a subarctic climate. Many companies offer tours through frozen rivers, snow-covered forests, and mountains, with opportunities to ride as a passenger or try mushing. Dog sledging tours are a sustainable and eco-friendly way to enjoy nature up north.