Kiruna is one of the best places to see the northern lights in Sweden. This small city sits 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle — which means long winters, wilderness landscapes and the dancing colours of the aurora borealis.
So where should you go to see the northern lights in Kiruna? And what else can you do while visiting this beautiful Arctic region? Let’s take a look.
Kiruna, Lapland: 6 quick facts
New to Kiruna? Get to know this beautiful northern lights destination with a few essential facts:
- Kiruna is in Swedish Lapland and it’s Sweden’s most northerly city, with a population of around 22,000.
- The countryside surrounding Kiruna is spectacular — think snowy mountains, boreal forests, alpine tundra, marshes and rivers.
- Kiruna municipality is home to 6,000 lakes and Sweden’s tallest mountain — Kebnekaise.
- In Kiruna, there are two months of midnight sun in the summer and near-constant darkness during winter months.
- Kiruna is home to the world’s largest underground iron ore mine so the town is being shifted slowly eastwards, with a new town centre unveiled in 2022.
- Kiruna acts as the gateway to the famous King’s Trail — a hiker’s dream! It’s also close to Abisko, another excellent northern lights destination in Sweden.
Where to see the northern lights in Kiruna, Sweden
Kiruna is located deep within the Arctic, which means the northern lights appear here regularly from September to early April.
Places to see the northern lights in Kiruna include the Torne River Valley, Jukkasjarvi and the outskirts of Kiruna town. And you have an excellent chance of seeing the aurora borealis when you base yourself at one of the following accommodation options.
Icehotel
Tucked away in the hamlet of Jukkasjarvi, just 15 minutes from Kiruna Airport, the Icehotel offers one of Sweden’s most iconic stays.
Each winter, the original Icehotel is rebuilt from ice cut straight from the Torne River, then transformed by artists and architects into a shimmering ice sculpture. This hotel is open from December to April. But for year-round visits, you’ll find Icehotel 365 right next door.
Whether you drop by for a cocktail or spend the night wrapped in thermal bedding inside an intricately carved ice suite, a visit to the Icehotel is an experience like no other. And — if that all sounds a little too chilly — rest assured, there are cosy cabins and luxurious hotel rooms at the same resort.
On a tailor-made Aurora Nights holiday, you can pair your Icehotel stay with unforgettable northern lights adventures — from snowmobile safaris to wilderness dinners to guided aurora photography excursions under the starlit sky.
Here are some of our most popular northern lights tours in Kiruna, all including a stay at the unforgettable Icehotel:
- Icehotel & Tree Hotel Experience Break
- The Complete Icehotel Winter Experience
- The Iconic Icehotel & Abisko Aurora Chase
- 4-Night Icehotel and Abisko Retreat in Sweden
Máttaráhkká Northern Lights Lodge
Some places are a real home away from home — and family-run Máttaráhkká Northern Lights Lodge certainly fits the bill. Located around five kilometres from Kiruna, this 7-bedroom lodge is a beautiful little hideaway and another excellent place to see the Kiruna aurora borealis.
The lodge sits in an elevated position, looking out toward the spectacular Abisko Alps. It’s run by our trusted partner, Andreas Mikko, who brings a wealth of local knowledge and warmth to every stay.
And then there’s the aurora. From the rooftop hot tub to the panoramic windows of the dining room, on dog sledding tours and ice fishing adventures, there are plenty of opportunities to watch the northern lights dance across the night sky during your magical Máttaráhkká stay.
You can stay at Máttaráhkká Northern Lights Lodge on any of these popular Kiruna package holidays:
- The Northern Lights Special Holiday
- The Ultimate Christmas Northern Lights Escape
- Swedish Lapland Adventure Lodge
- The Best of Lapland
Arctic Gourmet Cabins
This hidden gem offers a secluded and unforgettable escape. Surrounded by wilderness and framed by mountains, this is a place where nature and Nordic hospitality meet.
Run by Johan and Malin, the Arctic Gourmet Cabins are a tiny residence, consisting of two suite-style cabins, a hot tub, a sauna and Sweden’s smallest restaurant, where Johan serves a fine dining menu each evening.
Located around 30 kilometres from Kiruna on the road to Nikkaloukta in the Torne River Valley, you can often see the aurora borealis right outside your cabin door. You can also join a northern lights pony trek or a snowshoe excursion, for an unforgettable Kiruna northern lights experience.
Here are our most popular northern lights holidays that include a stay at the Arctic Gourmet Cabins:
- The Northern Lights Grand Slam
- Aurora & the Arctic Gourmet Cabin
- The Best of Lapland: Iconic Locations
Camp Ripan
Set on the outskirts of Kiruna, Camp Ripan blends comfort, nature and tradition in a setting that’s perfect for northern lights sightings. Its charming wooden cabins are thoughtfully designed and especially popular with families looking for a cosy and cost-effective base.
The on-site restaurant is renowned for its delicious, locally inspired cuisine. But it’s the Aurora Spa that really sets Camp Ripan apart. Unique to the region, this spa features indoor and outdoor heated pools, saunas, and relaxation areas.
And the northern lights? You won’t have to go far. Whether you choose to kick back at the camp or embark on exciting excursions — like skiing, ice climbing, and reindeer sleigh rides — there’s an excellent chance the aurora will be dancing above.
One of our favourite Camp Ripan breaks is the Camp Ripan Aurora Break. For more aurora holiday inspiration, view our full range of northern lights trips to Sweden.
Things to do on a Kiruna holiday
Kiruna is a destination shaped by the seasons — and each brings its own unique magic.
The great outdoors
Visit Kiruna in September or October and you see landscapes blazing with autumn colour. You can also embark on outdoor adventures like hiking, mountain biking and fishing — and get to know traditional Sámi culture.
Fun in the snow
As autumn fades and the first snow begins to fall, Kiruna is transformed into a winter wonderland. From December through to early April, the region is blanketed in snow. Which means activities like husky sledding, reindeer sleigh rides, ice sculpting, ice fishing, skiing and snow-shoeing.
Aurora excursions
When it comes to Kiruna northern lights experiences, prepare to be amazed.
Go snowmobiling or dog sledding through the snow, with the vast starry sky above. Embark on aurora photography excursions, with all the kit and expert guidance you need to take beautiful northern lights photos. Take a magical, moonlit pony ride through the Arctic landscape, with the aurora dancing above.
Whether you stay in log cabin, wilderness lodge or Icehotel accommodation, there’s so much to see and do on a Kiruna holiday.
Ready to book your Kiruna holiday? Contact the Aurora Nights team to start planning your dream trip today.
Northern lights in Kiruna: FAQs
Where is Kiruna?
Kiruna is located in northern Sweden, in the region known as Lapland. It lies 200 kilometres within the Arctic Circle and is around one hour’s drive from Abisko National Park.
How do you get there?
You can fly to Kiruna Airport from Stockholm in 90 minutes. There’s usually a choice of flight times each day. Alternatively, you can take the scenic route, travelling to Kiruna from Stockholm on the night train.
Is Kiruna a good place to see the aurora borealis?
Kiruna is an excellent place to see the aurora borealis. It lies within the Arctic Circle, where the northern lights appear with the greatest frequency and intensity. Long winter nights and skies free from light pollution also make a northern lights sighting more likely.
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Kiruna?
The best time to see the northern lights in Kiruna is from September to early April. During this time, nights are long, which gives you a bigger window in which to see the aurora.
Why book a Kiruna holiday with Aurora Nights?
When you book a northern lights holiday to Kiruna with Aurora Nights you can count on the following:
- Tailored trips — our travel experts can create a bespoke northern lights tour to match your interests, budget and schedule
- Exceptional experiences — we know Kiruna inside-out, so you can count on hand-picked accommodation and activities
- Experienced local guides — our guides in Kiruna take you off the beaten track to see spectacular scenery and track down the northern lights
- A hassle-free holiday — let us organise your northern lights trip so you can relax and look forward to your Arctic adventure
- Browse our northern lights tours for inspiration.
- Get in touch with the Aurora Nights team to talk through your holiday wish list — the destinations, accommodation and activities you want to include.
- We plan the perfect Arctic itinerary, creating a tailored northern lights experience just for you.
- Relax and look forward to your aurora adventure while we manage trip organisation and logistics.
Whether you book a classic short break or an exclusive aurora holiday in Kiruna, the Aurora Nights team will make it a trip you’ll remember forever.
Where else in Sweden is good for the northern lights?
Beyond Kiruna, popular options include the Luleå Archipelago and Abisko National Park, both renowned for their northern lights sightings.
When you book a bespoke northern lights holiday with Aurora Nights, you can travel to a range of destinations in Sweden. You can even spend a few nights in the bustling capital, Stockholm, before travelling north to Lapland and the aurora.
How do I book to see the northern lights in Kiruna?
Booking with Aurora Nights is easy. Just follow these simple steps.
Take a look at our holidays in Swedish Lapland to get started.
