7 Best Things To Do In Kiruna, Sweden

things to do in kiruna
Christian
Christian 
Updated
| 4 min read

Experiencing a winter wonderland in Kiruna, Sweden might be the most magical adventure this time of the year. There are plenty of things to do in this town that will amaze you. Aside from the usual sightseeing tours that people mostly do, visiting this wonderful place also entitles you to experience their rich culture and tradition. Whether you’d like to visit man-made attractions or indulge in the wonders of nature, this place has it all. If you need to know more about how to enjoy your time while you’re on vacation here, check out our list of the best things to do in Kiruna, Sweden.

1. Be dazzled by the miracle of the Northern Lights (from USD 150.0)

things to do in kiruna | be dazzled by the miracle of the northern lights

Aurora Borealis, most commonly known as the Northern Lights, is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world. It is the kind of thing that people see in movies, but this time you’ll see it up close. Visitors will get to witness how beautiful the sight of the Northern Lights is. This photography tour will take you to the best spots in Kiruna and Abisko National Park to gaze at the mysterious Aurora Borealis. The tour guides will give you some pointers on how to take photos of this unique sight and where to see it best. This is the ultimate attraction in the Swedish Lapland. Be sure to bring warm clothes and enjoy hot drinks and soup during the tour.

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From Kiruna: Northern Lights Photography Tour

2. Witness the thriving wildlife at Arctic Wildlife Safari (from USD 185.0)

The wilderness of Kiruna is home to majestic animals such as moose, reindeer, and other wild animals. The arctic wildlife safari has always been a top attraction in Sweden. Explore and immerse yourself in the most amazing safari experience. The journey is not very challenging, but every view is a spectacle you don’t want to miss. Visitors will be guided from central Kiruna to the location in a comfortable SUV. You will be provided with a hot beverage to combat the cold temperature. Upon arrival, visitors can explore the area, take photos of the scenery, and experience spotting moose, reindeer, and other local wildlife up close. You can also take pictures with the guide before the end of the tour.

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Exciting Wildlife Safari Down A Scenic Snowy Road

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

4 reviews

3. Visit the Solar Egg Sauna

Solar-egg-sauna-in-kiruna-b080517-10
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sofie Hedenstierna used under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you’re planning to go to Kiruna, you don’t want to miss visiting the Solar Egg. This is a sauna located in the heart of Kiruna, Sweden. The sauna was created based on the vision of the architects Bigert and Bergström. Its unique and futuristic design will leave you in awe. This is basically an egg-shaped capsule with gold panels in different shapes as the outer layer. It reflects the sunlight beautifully, creating a marvelous view from the outside. The internal design is made of high-quality wood with metal supports in the center. You can admire the view while reaping the health benefits of this uniquely-designed sauna.

Solar Egg Sauna

Address: Luossabacken, 981 39 Kiruna, Sweden

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4. Explore the deep mines at LKAB

LKAB besöksgruva, Kiruna, 2018-06
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Axel Pettersson used under CC BY 4.0

Mining is one of the oldest industries in Kiruna. In fact, Loussavaara-Kiirunavaara AB mine is the world’s largest underground iron mine. And the best part is that it is accessible to tourists and visitors alike. Safety is a top priority at LKAB. Upon visiting the mines, the first thing that visitors will notice is the high-tech and remote-controlled machines operating inside. The ore is mined a few miles below the Earth’s surface, and it is tunneled back up. The LKAB visitor center also has a mini-museum where they display some contemporary mining equipment.

LKAB Visitor Center

Address: 17 Lars Janssonsgatan, Kiruna 981 31, Sweden

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 11:15am, 12pm - 3pm

Price: 40 USD

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5. Experience a thrilling ride by joining a husky sledding tour

Husky Sledding
Source: Pixabay

Your visit to Kiruna is not complete until you have experienced sledding through the snow. Visitors will get to experience being pulled on a sled by 12 powerful Alaskan Huskies in Kiruna’s winter wonderland. Aside from the amazing view of the horizon, you can also experience seeing reindeer and moose roaming freely in their natural habitat. It is an incredible experience to be among these majestic animals. Don’t worry, the dogs are well-fed and properly taken care of. Visitors can take pictures with them and also visit places with ease.

Husky Sledding Tour

Address: Kauppinen 187, 981 92 Kiruna, Sweden.

Website: Husky Sledding Tour

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6. Enjoy ice fishing in Kiruna

Swedish Mountains - panoramio (3)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user unixasket used under CC BY 3.0

Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or just a beginner, you will find ice fishing fun and exciting. One of the most popular things to do here is ice fishing, and people from all over Sweden visit to enjoy fishing on thick ice or participate in local fishing events. You will surely find this activity enjoyable and entertaining. The tour begins by hiking through the snow with snowshoes, as the trail leads to a frozen lake where visitors will be able to fish. Walking through the snow can be exhausting and could make you very hungry, so if you’re lucky, you can get fresh fish paired with hot coffee or tea. When you’re done fishing, you can also explore the area and take pictures.

Ice Fishing

Address: Kalixforsbron 4 Kiruna, Sweden

Website: Ice Fishing

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7. Join a Sami Cultural Experience tour and peek into the past

Child's coat, Sami people, Torne Lapland, Sweden, reindeer fur and sheepskin, No. 1933.14.0011 - Etnografiska museet - Stockholm, Sweden - DSC01298
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daderot used under CC0

Kiruna has a rich culture and tradition. Across Sweden, Kiruna is one of the many places with a fascinating history. One, in particular, is the history of the Nordic Sami people. The culture and tradition of the Sami have been preserved and remain visible in their community. One of their many traditions is the practice of reindeer herding, and this has been defined as their main occupation. Aside from herding, they also take pride in their elegant handicrafts known as Sami duodji. The art illustrates the synergy between people and nature, making this a wonderful representation of their culture. While visiting this place, tourists will have the opportunity to experience the culture firsthand.

Sami Life Cultural Experience Tour

Address: Rávttas, Norrbotten, Sweden

Website: Sami Life Cultural Experience Tour

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Visit Kiruna today!

There are plenty of other things to do in Kiruna, Sweden and it is not only limited to what we have included in this list. Exploring this destination always opens up several possibilities that will reward you with the most memorable experiences yet.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Christian Pancho is a freelance writer and gaming enthusiast. He traveled Japan to experience the culture firsthand only to return to his hometown fixated on anime and maids with cat ears. While...Read more

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