Kiruna | Sweden

Kiruna is a unique and remote city located in the far north of Sweden, above the Arctic Circle in the Lapland region. It is the northernmost city in Sweden and is known for its stunning natural landscapes, extreme winter conditions, and proximity to the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). Kiruna is also famous for its mining industry, particularly iron ore, and its ongoing efforts to relocate the city due to subsidence caused by mining activities.

Geography and Setting

• Location: Kiruna is located in the far north of Sweden, approximately 145 kilometers (90 miles) from the Norwegian border and about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the Finnish border. It lies just above the Arctic Circle, meaning it experiences periods of 24-hour daylight in the summer (midnight sun) and long polar nights in the winter.
• Natural Surroundings: The city is surrounded by vast wilderness, including forests, mountains, lakes, and rivers. Kiruna is close to several national parks, including Abisko National Park, a popular spot for hiking and winter activities.
• Climate: Kiruna has a subarctic climate with long, harsh winters, characterized by heavy snowfall, temperatures often dropping well below freezing, and very little daylight during the winter months. Summer brings warmer temperatures, but the daylight persists around the clock for several weeks, with the midnight sun illuminating the landscape.

Historical Significance

• Mining Town: Kiruna’s history is deeply connected to the mining industry. The city was founded in 1900 due to the discovery of rich deposits of iron ore beneath the nearby Kiirunavaara Mountain. The LKAB (Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara AB) mining company has been central to the city's development, and Kiruna’s economy has been built around iron ore extraction.
• Relocation of Kiruna: Due to the ongoing expansion of the iron ore mine, parts of Kiruna are sinking and being destroyed. As a result, the city is undergoing a gradual relocation project, which includes moving buildings, infrastructure, and even the city center to a new site a few kilometers away. This is one of the most unique urban relocations in history, and it’s a significant ongoing project.

Key Attractions

Kiruna Church (Kiruna Kyrka):

• Kiruna Church is one of Sweden's largest wooden buildings and one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The church, built in the early 20th century, features a unique wooden design and resembles a traditional Sami tent (lavvu). Its stunning interior and impressive architecture make it a must-see for visitors.

Icehotel:

• One of Kiruna’s most famous attractions is the Icehotel, located in Jukkasjärvi, a small village just outside the city. The Icehotel is a world-renowned structure built entirely from ice and snow, with intricate ice sculptures, ice rooms, and an ice bar. The hotel is rebuilt every winter, offering a truly unique experience for visitors who can spend the night in rooms made entirely of ice.
• The hotel also hosts an Art Suite exhibition, featuring original artwork created from ice and snow by artists from around the world.

Abisko National Park:

• Abisko is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. The park offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular destination for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. The Aurora Sky Station in Abisko is a well-known spot for watching the Northern Lights, offering a chairlift ride up the mountain for a panoramic view of the night sky.

Sami Culture:

• Kiruna is an important center for Sami culture, the indigenous people of northern Scandinavia. Visitors can learn about traditional Sami lifestyles, handicrafts, and reindeer herding, either at cultural centers or by visiting Sami villages.
• The Sami Parliament of Sweden is located in Kiruna, and the city is also a key location for various Sami festivals and events.

Kraftstation:

• The Kraftstation (Power Station) is a unique art and cultural space in Kiruna, housed in a former power plant. It showcases contemporary art, local history, and the city's ongoing transformation due to mining activities. It is an interesting place to learn about Kiruna's culture and future.

The Kiruna Mine:

• While the mine itself is not a typical tourist attraction, it is possible to take guided tours to the LKAB Visitor Centre where you can learn about the history of the mine, its impact on the city, and its future. The mine is one of the largest iron ore mines in the world and plays a central role in the local economy.

Culture and Lifestyle

Sami Heritage:

• Kiruna is a hub for Sami culture and traditions, with many Sami-owned businesses offering products such as traditional clothing, handicrafts, and reindeer meat. Visitors can also experience Sami festivals and cultural events, which highlight the rich heritage of the indigenous people of Lapland.

Winter Activities:

• Kiruna is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and dog sledding are popular activities in the winter months. The surrounding wilderness provides an ideal setting for these adventures.
• The Kiruna Ski Resort offers downhill skiing and snowboarding, while cross-country skiing is popular in the surrounding forests and trails.

Midnight Sun and Northern Lights:

• Due to its location above the Arctic Circle, Kiruna experiences both the Midnight Sun (continuous daylight during summer) and the Polar Night (extended darkness during winter). The Northern Lights are a major draw for tourists, and the city is known as one of the best places in the world to view this spectacular natural phenomenon.

Outdoor Activities

Northern Lights:

• Kiruna is one of the best places in the world to witness the Aurora Borealis due to its location in the auroral oval. The Northern Lights can be seen on most clear nights from September to March, with peak activity occurring between December and February.

Hiking and Trekking:

• During the summer months, Kiruna offers numerous hiking opportunities, including the popular Kungsleden Trail, one of Sweden's most famous long-distance hiking routes. The Abisko to Nikkaluokta section is especially popular, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Dog Sledding:

• Dog sledding is a thrilling winter activity in Kiruna, where visitors can explore the snowy wilderness while being pulled by a team of sled dogs. There are several companies that offer guided dog sledding tours in the region.

Snowmobiling:

• Snowmobiling is another popular winter activity in Kiruna, with numerous trails through the forests and across frozen lakes. Guided tours provide the opportunity to explore remote parts of Lapland in an exhilarating way.

Transportation

• By Air: Kiruna is served by Kiruna Airport (KRN), located just a few kilometers outside the city. The airport offers both domestic flights to Stockholm and international connections to other destinations in Europe.
• By Train: Kiruna is well-connected by train to the rest of Sweden, with a major railway station that links the city to Stockholm, Narvik (Norway), and other towns in the north. The train journey is scenic, passing through remote wilderness and offering views of the northern landscape.
• By Car: The city is accessible by car via the E10 highway, which connects Kiruna to the rest of Sweden. During the winter, the roads are often snowy, so winter tires and caution are necessary.

Atmosphere

• Small and Remote: Kiruna’s atmosphere is quiet and somewhat isolated, given its remote location in the Arctic. It has a small-town feel but with a global reputation due to its unique characteristics, such as the mining industry, Sami culture, and Northern Lights.
• Resilient and Dynamic: Despite its small size, Kiruna is a dynamic city undergoing significant change due to the relocation project. The residents of Kiruna, many of whom work in the mining industry or related fields, are used to the challenges of living in such an extreme environment.
• Cultural and Adventurous: The city attracts both adventurers seeking to explore the Arctic wilderness and those interested in learning about Sami culture, history, and the mining industry. Visitors can engage in exciting outdoor activities, while also experiencing the unique cultural richness of the region.

Kiruna is a fascinating city located at the edge of the world, offering a unique blend of nature, culture, and industry. Whether you're visiting to see the Northern Lights, learn about the history of iron ore mining, or experience the Sami heritage, Kiruna is a destination that promises adventure and discovery.