Kiruna

Travel Guide

A rocky river gorge with people standing on the rocks, surrounded by green trees and mountains in the background.
A river flowing through a forested valley with a bridge over the water.
A red church with a steeple, surrounded by trees and a stone wall.
A river with a grassy path and trees.
A river with clear water, surrounded by green trees and rocky outcrops. Snow-capped mountains are visible in the background.

Discover Sweden’s most northerly town and the wonderful wilderness landscapes that surround it.

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.

Where to stay in Kiruna

Find the best Kiruna areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kiruna
Learn more about Kiruna
The Northern Lights over a forested landscape.
Photo by Curdin Brugger Gonzalez
Open Photo by Curdin Brugger Gonzalez

Centrum

Though Centrum might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Town Hall and Samegården.

Scandic Kiruna

Scandic Kiruna

4 out of 5
Stadshustorget 11 Kiruna Norrbotten
$124 nightly
The price is $139 total per night from Nov 6 to Nov 7
$139 total
Nov 6 - Nov 7
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Kiruna. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Scandic Kiruna
Elite Hotel Frost – Hotel & Spa

Elite Hotel Frost – Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Torggatan 5 Kiruna
$127 nightly
The price is $143 total per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$143 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Kiruna. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Samegården and Luossabacken are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (808 reviews)
"Loved it! Clean and great location"

Reviewed on Oct 9, 2026

Elite Hotel Frost – Hotel & Spa
Best Western Hotel Arctic Eden

Best Western Hotel Arctic Eden

3.5 out of 5
Foraregatan 18 Kiruna Norrbotten
$128 nightly
The price is $144 total per night from Nov 7 to Nov 8
$144 total
Nov 7 - Nov 8
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Kiruna. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Best Western Hotel Arctic Eden
See all 54 properties in Kiruna
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kiruna City Studios

Kiruna City Studios

2 out of 5
Lerduvestigen Kiruna Norrbottens län
Stay at this aparthotel in Kiruna. Enjoy free WiFi and housekeeping. Popular attractions Samegården and Kiruna Mine are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (113 reviews)
"clean room as described"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2026

Kiruna City Studios
Aurora Cabin

Aurora Cabin

3 out of 5
Ringvägen 41 Kiruna
Stay at this cabin in Kiruna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Samegården and Kiruna Mine are located nearby.
6/10 (14 reviews)
"A little confusing to find the property, but once we did it was fun. Very cozy little apartment with access to sauna, full kitchen, and free laundry machines in the main house. Price was the best I could find in the area."

Reviewed on May 25, 2026

Aurora Cabin
Camp Alta Kiruna

Camp Alta Kiruna

3 out of 5
Jullebovägen 2 Kiruna Norrbottens län
Book a stay at this spa cabin in Kiruna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attraction Nutti Sámi Siida - Márkanbáiki is located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (42 reviews)
"👍"

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2026

Camp Alta Kiruna
See all properties in Kiruna
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Kiruna attractions

A mountainous landscape with a prominent red and white tower on a hill.

Kiruna Mine

9.4/10 (11 reviews)
Venture underground to learn about the industry that has driven Kiruna’s development over the past century.
See properties

Things to do

Kiruna: Abisko and Björkliden Day Trip with Lunch

Kiruna: Abisko and Björkliden Day Trip with Lunch

$160
per adult
Kiruna: Abisko and Björkliden Day Trip with Lunch
Photo: Ylva Sarri, www.ylvasarri.com

Half day Wildlife and Nature Photography

$204
per adult
Half day Wildlife and Nature Photography
See all activities in Kiruna

Frequently asked questions

Is Kiruna worth visiting?
Kiruna is worth visiting for its unique attractions like Kiruna Church and the majestic Kebnekaise. Travelers can also enjoy a diverse food scene featuring Italian and European dining. The destination offers practical transit access via bus and train, making it easy to explore the area.
When is the best time to visit Kiruna?
The best time to visit Kiruna is from June through August, when the weather is typically milder. For fewer crowds and potentially better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good option, offering a winter experience with snow and cooler temperatures.
What is Kiruna known for?
Kiruna is known for its prominent institutions like Kiruna Church and the Town Hall. This city is also located near Kebnekaise, Sweden's highest mountain. Travelers can also find an Italian food culture here.
What is a good itinerary length for Kiruna?
A good itinerary length for Kiruna is two to three days to see key highlights like Kiruna Church, the Town Hall, and enjoy a Full-Day Reindeer Tour. An extended stay of four to five days allows more time to explore natural areas like Kebnekaise and enjoy skiing or lake activities in the surrounding area. See Kiruna Activities.
How do you get around Kiruna?
Travelers can get around Kiruna using its bus and train services, with key stops including Kiruna Station and Kiruna flygplats Bus Stop. For more flexibility, rental cars are available in the Centrum neighborhood. Rideshare services also provide a convenient way to explore Kiruna and its surroundings, helping you reach various points of interest.
What are the top things to do in and around Kiruna?
In and around Kiruna, travelers can enjoy unique cultural experiences and explore stunning natural landscapes:


How do I plan a trip to Kiruna?
To plan your trip to Kiruna, book flights and hotels early, especially during peak times. Consider activities like a Full-Day Reindeer Tour and visiting Kiruna Church or Kebnekaise. For outdoor plans, always have indoor alternatives ready for weather flexibility. You can use local bus and train services to get around, or rent a car to explore further.
What cuisines can you find in Kiruna?
In Kiruna you can find Scandinavian cuisine, with dishes like meatballs, gravlax, and smörgåsbord. Travelers also have options for Italian, European, and Asian flavors, alongside steakhouses and vegan vegetarian choices. You can also enjoy local pubs.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Kiruna?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Kiruna by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Kiruna with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Kiruna trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Kiruna?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Kiruna can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Kiruna trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Kiruna trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Kiruna trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Kiruna trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Kiruna?
If it's your first trip to Kiruna, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Kiruna hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Kiruna hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Kiruna

A train station with a red and black building, a pedestrian bridge, and multiple tracks.

Gällivare

A coastal landscape with a clear blue lake, a rocky shoreline, and a backdrop of green hills with scattered houses.

Narvik

A river winding through a mountainous landscape with patches of snow.

Jokkmokk

A calm lake with a wooden dock extending into the water, surrounded by greenery and distant hills.

Jukkasjarvi

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