· SE

Kiruna

Kiruna, Norrbotten, Sweden

Located in the province of Norrbotten in northern Sweden, Kiruna is a picturesque town renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unique attractions. Nestled amidst the Arctic wilderness, Kiruna offers a perfect blend …

#Arctic Circle#Lapland#Northern Lights#Ice Hotel#Mining Town

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Kiruna.

Top Hotels in Kiruna

Top Flights to Kiruna

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Kiruna.

Tours

Ice Hotel Visit

Explore the world-famous Ice Hotel made entirely out of ice and snow.

Shopping

Galaxy Shopping Area

Shop for unique Scandinavian products and souvenirs in central Kiruna.

Outdoor

Abisko National Park Hiking

Experience the natural beauty and stunning landscapes with guided hikes in Abisko National Park.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Kiruna.

Currency

kr | SEK | Swedish Krona

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Kiruna, Norrbotten, Sweden is '22,000'.

Languages

Swedish, Swedish, Sami, Finnish

Average weather

Kiruna

Jan

-8°-16°

Feb

-6°-14°

Mar

-2°-11°

Apr

3°-7°

May

9°-1°

Jun

15°4°

Jul

18°8°

Aug

16°7°

Sep

11°3°

Oct

3°-3°

Nov

-4°-10°

Dec

-7°-14°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Kiruna.

What people love

There are several pros to traveling to Kiruna, Sweden:

Northern Lights: Kiruna is located within the Arctic Circle, making it an excellent destination to witness the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). The clear, dark skies in the winter months provide ideal conditions for viewing this natural phenomenon.
Icehotel: Kiruna is home to the famous Icehotel, a unique hotel made entirely of ice and snow. Visitors can experience a truly magical stay in this one-of-a-kind accommodation.
Outdoor activities: Kiruna offers a wide range of outdoor activities throughout the year, including dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing in the winter, and hiking, canoeing, and fishing in the summer.
Sami culture: Kiruna is located in Sapmi, the traditional territory of the indigenous Sami people. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about Sami culture, traditions, and way of life through various experiences and interactions.
Kiruna Church: The Kiruna Church is a beautiful wooden church located in the city center. It is known for its unique architecture and is a must-visit attraction for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Overall, Kiruna offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience with its stunning natural beauty, cultural richness, and exciting outdoor activities.

Enjoy your trip to Kiruna!

What to know

Traveling to Kiruna, Sweden, does come with some potential cons that you may want to consider:

Remote Location: Kiruna is located in the far north of Sweden, making it quite remote and isolated. This can result in limited transportation options and longer travel times to reach other destinations.
Harsh Climate: Kiruna experiences extremely cold temperatures, especially in the winter months, with temperatures dropping well below freezing. This can make outdoor activities challenging and may not be suitable for everyone.
Limited Daylight: Due to its northern location, Kiruna experiences polar nights in the winter when the sun does not rise for several weeks. Likewise, in the summer, the sun does not set for several weeks, resulting in constant daylight. This extreme variation can disrupt sleep patterns and may affect some individuals.
Expensive: As a remote location, prices in Kiruna can be higher than in other parts of Sweden. Accommodation, food, and activities may be more expensive than you are accustomed to.
Language Barrier: While many people in Sweden speak English, you may encounter some language barriers in Kiruna, especially in more remote areas or with older residents.
Limited Activities: While Kiruna offers unique experiences such as the famous Icehotel and the chance to see the northern lights, the range of activities may be limited compared to larger cities. If you are looking for a bustling urban environment with a wide variety of attractions, Kiruna may not be the best choice.

Overall, while Kiruna is a beautiful and unique destination, it's important to consider these potential cons before planning your trip.

Kiruna is a town located in the far north of Sweden, within the province of Norrbotten. Its history is closely tied to the mining industry, particularly iron ore extraction, which has been a significant economic driver in the region.

Early History

Indigenous Sami People: The area around Kiruna has been inhabited by the indigenous Sami people for thousands of years. They traditionally led a nomadic lifestyle, herding reindeer across the Lapland region.
Early Exploration: In the late 17th and 18th centuries, explorers and naturalists began to take an interest in the region, with reports of rich iron ore deposits in the area.

Development of Kiruna

Founding (1900): Kiruna was officially founded in 1900. The establishment of the town was largely driven by the need to support the growing iron ore mining operations. The Swedish mining company LKAB (Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara AB) played a crucial role in the town's development.
Railway Connection (1903): A significant milestone in Kiruna's history was the completion of the railway line connecting the town to the port of Narvik in Norway. This facilitated the transport of iron ore to markets, boosting the town's economy.

Significant Events

World War II: During the war, Kiruna's iron ore became strategically important. Sweden maintained neutrality, but the iron ore trade with Germany was a contentious issue.
City Relocation (21st Century): In recent years, one of the most significant events in Kiruna’s history has been the decision to relocate parts of the town. This was necessitated by the expansion of mining operations underneath the town, which caused ground subsidence. The relocation project, which started in the 2010s, involves moving buildings and infrastructure several kilometers eastward.

Historical Figures

Hjalmar Lundbohm: Often referred to as the "founder of Kiruna," Lundbohm was the first managing director of LKAB and played a crucial role in planning and developing the town in the early 20th century.
Ernst Palmér: A notable architect who contributed to the design of several key buildings in Kiruna.

Important Landmarks

Kiruna Church: Built between 1909 and 1912, it is one of Sweden's largest wooden buildings and was voted Sweden's most beautiful building in 2001. The church is notable for its unique architecture, designed by Gustaf Wickman.
LKAB Iron Ore Mine: One of the largest underground iron ore mines in the world, it offers guided tours, providing insights into the mining process and the town's economic backbone.
Esrange Space Center: Located near Kiruna, it is one of the world's largest civilian space centers and plays a role in space and atmospheric research.

Kiruna remains a fascinating example of how industry, geography, and culture intersect in the context of a remote northern town. The ongoing city relocation is a unique urban planning project that continues to shape Kiruna's future.