Visit Kiruna, Sweden, the Most Enchanting Winter Destination in Europe

Last updated on January 26th, 2023 at 07:24 pm

If you looking for the most magical winter destination in Europe, then look no further than Kiruna, located in Swedish Lapland. This has been by far one of my most favorite places we have traveled to and I am so excited to share it with you. We met some wonderful people, encountered all kinds of beautiful nature and animals, and watched the Northern Lights dance across the sky. Keep reading to discover more about this unbelievable place!

***Disclaimer: Be sure to check COVID related entry requirements for Sweden as well as any activities you wish to participate in before booking any part of your journey!

What is Swedish Lapland?

Swedish Lapland is a region of Europe which stretches from Norway, across Sweden and Finland, and all the way to the Kola Peninsula of Russia. It a northern region which mostly falls north of the Arctic Circle. Swedish Lapland is specifically the portion of this region which falls within the Swedish boarders. Here, you will discover that this extraordinary winter destination in Europe is full of beautiful scenery and dynamic activities.

Where is Kiruna?

Kiruna is the northernmost town in Sweden. It was founded because of the mining opportunities in Kiruna. In fact, the mine is one of the world’s largest iron ore mines in the world.

As the mine has caused the earth to subside, there is now a huge movement to relocate a large percentage of the town 2 miles away. This has meant that many buildings have been knocked down and are being replaced by new structures on the other side of town. Important, historical buildings are being dismantled and rebuilt. This includes the Kiruna church, which was voted as the most beautiful building in Sweden in 2001.

As you might imagine, it is a huge undertaking and the process is expected to last all the way up until 2035. In spite of all the changes, I think you will find that your stay will not be impacted negatively at all. In fact, I think it adds to the wonder and magic of this winter destination in Europe.

How to Get to Kiruna

The best way to get to Kiruna is by flying. The Kiruna Airport is located in a convenient 15 minutes from the center of town. To get to and from the airport, you have 3 options: rent a car, take a taxi, or take a bus to town. You can view the most up to date bus schedule here.

Where to Stay in Kiruna, Sweden

There are quite a few places to stay in Kiruna. There are a handful of hostels, hotels, and even cabins out in the woods for people searching for a more secluded area.

Of course, there is also the famous IceHotel which is only a 15-20 minute drive away in Jukkasjärvi. They offer both ice rooms as well as warm rooms. If you decide to stay there, it is recommended that you spend one night in the ice room and the rest of your stay in a warm room.
(I think it’s important to note that it is pretty pricey to stay there. So keep in mind: you don’t have to stay at the IceHotel in order to experience it. I discuss this further in my post: Best Things to do in Swedish Lapland in Winter)

With so many great options, it can be really difficult to decide. As far as my own personal recommendation, I cannot say enough good things about Camp Ripan. It has so many fabulous features: great location, friendly staff, cozy rooms, an activity booking center, a relaxing spa, a nature trail that you can easily see the northern lights from on a clear night, and the most incredible breakfast I have ever had in any of my travels. (Seriously though, they had such a large and delicious selection of foods. I describe it in a bit more detail below in the food section) They have multiple cabin options, including larger cabins suitable for families.

Aurora Spa

Do you enjoy specialty beauty products made from locally sourced ingredients, perfectly tempered hot tubs (one of which is located under the stars), and steamy saunas where you can control the temperature? If you answer was “yes”, then be sure to make a reservation for the Aurora Spa. This is possible, even if you decide to stay somewhere other than Camp Ripan. But, if you stay at Camp Ripan, you will get a discount on your relaxing experience. Currently, due to covid, they are only accepting reservations for 2 hour time slots. You can find out more about the hours, prices, and booking information on their website.

Book Your Stay at Camp Ripan

You can book your stay official Camp Ripan website or through third party websites such as booking.com.

1. Visit Kiruna for the Friendly People

In spite of the cold, I have never experienced such warm hospitality immediately after landing. While waiting for our luggage, we were offered a hot, mulled beverage and gingerbread cookies. And, NEVER in my life have I ever been offered a ride to my accommodation by the airport manager himself!

This is how that happened: My husband and I were waiting for the bus, but I wasn’t sure what time it was supposed to come and I couldn’t find a time table posted outside. So, I went back inside and asked the guy who was serving the drinks and cookies about it. He told me that for some reason the bus had not been running that day. But, if we were willing to wait until he had cleaned up the cookies, he would be happy to give us a ride to our accommodation.

It wasn’t until he pulled up so we could load our bags in the trunk that he introduced himself as the airport manager. I was floored! And, as it turned out, he was also the owner of the local brewery, Kiruna Bryggeri. They have a fun selection, and each of their beers has a witty name which references something about the town. For example, I tried the one called Shits Creek, which was literally named after the creek where wastewater went before the town got plumbing. You should definitely be sure to try one of their beers during your stay in Kiruna! (and don’t forget to ask about the name and its reference!)

“How Can You Live Somewhere Without Snow?”

This was not the only positive experience we had with the local people. We were continuously impressed with the good-naturedness and helpfulness of the people we met. I think a lot of it has to do with how much the people like living there. I would say that just about everyone we met told us that they had grown up in Kiruna. And, even if they had left the area (for university, a job, etc.), they felt a strong calling to return to their roots.

Many people would consider the Kiruna a place with “harsh living conditions”. I mean, let’s be honest: it’s cold most of the year, the amount of daylight varies considerably throughout the year (have you heard of the midnight sun or the polar night?), and it is hundreds of kilometers away from any large cities. Even the amount of snow would be considered a nuisance by many. And yet, we got asked (more times than I can count): “How can you live somewhere without snow?”

There is something here that draws people. There is a beauty, a peacefulness, and a connection that exists here. Somehow this beautiful area drew me into itself and in just a few days. Before I knew it, I realized that I didn’t want to leave either. It was a sad moment for me, as the plane took off down the runway on that final day. I hope I am able to return someday. Until then, I will dream of snow and maybe find a nice walk-in freezer to sit it for a while so I can fulfill my need for cold temperatures. LOL!

2. Excellent Winter Destination in Europe for Viewing the Northern Lights

I personally chose Kiruna because my research on northern destinations revealed that it is particularly well known for its clear skies in winter. I can’t tell you how many hours I spent trying to figure out what would be the best winter destination in Europe for us. Seeing the northern lights was very high on both of our bucket lists and I wanted us to have the absolute, best chance of seeing them. I can happily report that Kiruna did not disappoint us. On our second night there, we were graced with her magical presence. It was a sight to behold as the wisps of light passed over our heads, weaving in and out. It is a vision I will not soon forget.

Aurora Sky Station

We didn’t have the opportunity to go on this trip, but the Aurora Sky Station is about 1.5 hour drive away from Kiruna. It is often touted as the “best place in the world to see the Northern Lights”. They offer different packages, including a special dinner package. You can read more about their offerings, opening times, and prices on their official website.

The Best Months For Your Visit

Typically, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are highest between the months of September to April. Please note that, if you are interested in visiting the Sky Station, it is open from end of November to end of March.


Disclaimer: Please note that while the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in both Kiruna and a the Aurora Sky Station are very great, it is not a guarantee. There are a number of factors that impact the visibility of this natural phenomenon.

3. Visit Swedish Lapland for the Magical Things to Do

We spent nearly three full days in Kiruna and we were never at a loss for some new and unique adventure to take part of. I truly believe that this is one of the things that makes Kiruna one of the best winter destinations in Europe. Below I have listed some of the activities we took part in. I have also written a whole post detailing these activities and the companies we chose. Check it out here: Best Things to do in Swedish Lapland in Winter!

Activities List

• Encounter the Reindeer
• Dog Sledding
• Photography Opportunities
• Visit the IceHotel Sweden

4. Indulge in the Delicious Arctic Foods

If you visit Kiruna, you absolutely must try the local delicacies. For example: reindeer, moose, lingonberries, and if you’re visiting in winter: Glogg. We got to try the meats and lingonberries in all kinds of ways. The traditional Sámi way of preparing reindeer meat is by frying it in a pan and wrapping it in a flat bread called suovas. We got to try this on our “Encounter the Reindeer” excursion.

Stejk

Let’s be honest. Who doesn’t love a food truck that serves up local delicacies? And a food truck with 4.9 stars and over 1,200 google reviews? I think we can all agree that doesn’t happen too often. This fun, quirky food truck has a sign out front that boldy declares “I’m glad Rudolph is dead!” and serves up reindeer, moose, beef, veggie (halloumi), and vegan (oumph) options.

I got the Stejk Meal with a mix of moose and reindeer. It was tender, perfectly seasoned, and came with a side of fries, pickled onions, and creamy sauce. I also got a steaming hot lingonberry juice to drink. My husband decided to “go big or go home” and chose the 1 Kilo Arctic Burger. Let’s just say his eyes were bigger than his stomach and he ended up eating on that thing for at least 3-4 meals/snacks. You can see a picture of this monstrosity in the photo on the left side above.

You can check out their full menu on their website.

Camp Ripan

As I mentioned above, we loved Camp Ripan! Not only were the accommodations fantastic, their food was also exceptionally tasty. Our first night there, we discovered that the restaurant was completely booked, so we ended up getting our food to go and eating it in our cabin. My moose meatballs with fresh lingonberries and mashed potatoes were mouthwatering good. I have never been a fan of sweet flavors with meat. But, this definitely helped change my mind.

The breakfasts (which were included in the lodging price) were delectable. There were so many options: Swedish pancakes with fresh cream and jam, bacon, sausages, chia seed pudding, grilled veggies, yogurt with more toppings than you can imagine, fresh fruit, ginger shots, teas, coffee, and so much more. We seriously looked forward to breakfast every day.

5. Soak in the Beautiful Winter Landscapes

I’m not sure that words would ever be enough to describe the beauty we encountered. And, while a photo is worth a thousand words, even that cannot capture the emotions we felt as we passed through this landscape. Nevertheless, here are a few more photos that I hope can speak for the stunning scenery.

In Conclusion

I hope that this post has inspired you to consider a trip to Kiruna, Sweden for your ultimate winter destination in Europe. I hope that is has also provided you with some valuable resources for planning your stay there! I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. 🙂

Happy Travels,
<3 Christine

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