Kiruna is the perfect base for exploring Swedish Lapland. The largest city in the world based on area, this industrial town sits at around the same latitude as Greenland. Go on a bike tour of the city and learn about its diverse Swedish, Sami and Finnish influences, then relax over Swedish fika, a friendly coffee and sandwich date.
Learn about Kiruna’s important iron-ore mining industry at the LKAB Iron-Ore MineOpens in a new window.
Take a tour underground to see how iron-ore is transferred from the earth to the harbor and view powerful mining equipment.
Visit the Tourist Office to learn about the town’s plan to relocate over the course of 20 years. Kiruna is on the verge of collapsing into a hole left by the iron-ore mines and the whole town is set to move a few miles northwest, building by building.
Take a minute to reflect in the beautiful and peaceful red wooden church, Kiruna KyrkaOpens in a new window. Built in the early 20th century, the church is designed to resemble an enormous Sami hut.
Head a few miles out of town to Máttárahkká, a craft shop featuring an interesting variety of Sami art and handicrafts. Relax at the sauna and hot tub on the shop’s roof.
Kiruna is an ideal base for exploring the wider region of Kiruna Municipality, which has over 6,000 sparkling lakes and an extensive network of rivers. Discover the territory on foot, by snowmobile or on a sled pulled by dogs.
Tackle the daunting peak of KebnekaiseOpens in a new window, Sweden’s highest mountain. Enjoy camping at the mountain’s popular base camp and see dramatic views from its towering peak. Ride a chairlift up to the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko National ParkOpens in a new window for a chance to see the iconic northern lights.
Kiruna is served by the Kiruna Airport, located 4 miles (7 kilometers) east of the town center. An airport bus runs to the Tourist Office during the high season. Alternatively, get here by train or bus from Gällivare.
Explore the legendary beauty of Swedish Lapland from a base in this down-to-earth town.
