Kiruna, the northernmost town in Sweden, in Lapland, is the starting point for the northern lights, the Icehotel at Jukkasjärvi, Abisko National Park, the midnight sun in summer and the polar night in December; it is also a mining town that is being moved piece by piece to make way for the LKAB iron mine. What to do in Kiruna, when to go, how to get there and how to drive in winter: here are the essentials, with official sources.
For the rest of the country, see our Sweden travel guide, the when to go to Sweden calendar, our Stockholm guide and the map of Sweden.
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Kiruna at a glance
- Midnight sun 28 May to 16 July; polar night: from 11 December until the very start of January (Destination de Voyage calculation, year 2027)
- Icehotel (Jukkasjärvi) ice rooms from December to April, “365” rooms all year — checked 27 October 2026 on icehotel.com
- Roads snow and ice cause accidents daily in winter; winter tyres are compulsory from 1 December to 31 March (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026)
- Time zone Central European Time (UTC+1; UTC+2 in summer), usually 1 hour ahead of London and 6 hours ahead of New York
- Climate average high of −7.9 °C (18 °F) in January, 18.5 °C (65 °F) in July (SMHI, 2002-2021 averages)
What to do in Kiruna: the highlights
Seeing the northern lights
Kiruna lies under the auroral oval: the lights are visible when the sky is dark and clear, in practice from late August-September to March-April (Wikipedia). The midnight sun makes them invisible in summer. To improve your chances: get away from the town lights, watch cloud cover and solar activity, and stay several nights. Guided minibus or snowmobile excursions take you to dark sites; none can guarantee an aurora.
The Icehotel at Jukkasjärvi
At Jukkasjärvi, a neighbouring village on the Torne River, the Icehotel rebuilds ice rooms and suites sculpted by artists every winter. According to its official site, the “Ice Room” and “Art Suite” categories are offered from December to April, while several “365” rooms and suites are open all year (checked 27 October 2026 on icehotel.com). You can sleep there or simply visit.
The moving town and the LKAB mine
The underground iron mine operated by LKAB, the largest of its kind in the world, is causing the ground to subside beneath the historic centre. The town is therefore being rebuilt further east: a new centre, with a new town hall, has opened, and Kiruna’s wooden church was moved in one piece in 2025 (Wikipedia). The mine can be seen on a guided tour from the LKAB visitor centre: ask the tourist office about dates and conditions.
Abisko National Park and the Kungsleden
To the west, on the shore of Lake Torneträsk, Abisko National Park is known for its drier, often clearer microclimate, hence its reputation for northern lights; the Aurora Sky Station there can be reached by chairlift (Wikipedia). In summer it is the starting point of the famous Kungsleden hiking trail. The E10 road that leads there is a winter driving route (see the winter driving advice below); the train is an alternative.
Kebnekaise, dog sledding and Sami culture
Kebnekaise, the highest mountain in Sweden, is in Kiruna municipality (Wikipedia); a climb needs preparation (a guide is advisable). In winter, dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ice fishing are the headline activities; the region is part of Sápmi, the land of the Sami, and some families offer encounters around reindeer herding.
Esrange, the space base
East of Kiruna, Esrange is a space research centre operated by SSC Space: more than 600 sounding rockets and nearly 700 stratospheric balloons have been launched from it (Wikipedia). Ask the operator about visiting options.
Booking activities: official or reseller?
The Icehotel, the Aurora Sky Station and mine tours are booked on their official sites or through the tourist office. Resellers offer aurora hunts, sledding or snowmobile trips: check what is included (extreme-cold clothing, transport, meals), group size, the policy if the sky is overcast and the cancellation terms.
Kiruna in three to five days (winter)
- Day 1: arrival, new town centre and church, first aurora outing if the sky is clear.
- Day 2: Icehotel at Jukkasjärvi, dog sledding.
- Day 3: LKAB mine tour or a Sami encounter.
- Days 4-5: Abisko by train, Aurora Sky Station in the evening.
| If you… | Then… |
|---|---|
| Want northern lights | September to March, several nights, dark and clear sky |
| Want snow and light | March: northern lights still possible and long days |
| Want the midnight sun | 28 May to 16 July |
| Dread extreme cold | Avoid January (average low −16.8 °C / 2 °F) |
| Rent a car in winter | Winter tyres, check the weather forecast, take care on the E10 |
| Like hiking | July-August, the Kungsleden from Abisko |
When to go to Kiruna
Average temperatures and precipitation for 2002-2021 from the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), with our own calculations of sunrise and sunset, day length, midnight sun and polar night.
| Month | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) | Rain/snow mm (in) | Sunshine (h/month) | Sunrise / sunset on the 15th | Day length | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | −7.9 (18) | −16.8 (2) | 26 (1.0) | 8 | 10:09 am / 1:27 pm | 3 h 18 min | ✅ Northern lights, deep cold |
| February | −6.7 (20) | −15.7 (4) | 20 (0.8) | 69 | 7:57 am / 3:50 pm | 7 h 53 min | ✅ Northern lights, the light returns |
| March | −2.4 (28) | −11.8 (11) | 15 (0.6) | 162 | 6:01 am / 5:36 pm | 11 h 36 min | ✅ Northern lights, longer days, snow |
| April | 3.1 (38) | −5.6 (22) | 19 (0.7) | 208 | 4:50 am / 8:30 pm | 15 h 40 min | ⚠️ Snow, northern lights at season end |
| May | 8.9 (48) | 0.5 (33) | 45 (1.8) | 238 | 2:30 am / 10:44 pm | 20 h 14 min | ⚠️ Thaw, shoulder season |
| June | 14.8 (59) | 5.7 (42) | 55 (2.2) | 244 | Midnight sun | 24 h 00 | ✅ Midnight sun |
| July | 18.5 (65) | 9.1 (48) | 93 (3.7) | 244 | Midnight sun | 24 h 00 | ✅ Midnight sun, mildest month |
| August | 15.9 (61) | 7 (45) | 66 (2.6) | 180 | 3:58 am / 9:25 pm | 17 h 27 min | ✅ Hiking |
| September | 10.2 (50) | 2.7 (37) | 58 (2.3) | 118 | 5:54 am / 7:12 pm | 13 h 17 min | ⚠️ Autumn colours, first northern lights |
| October | 2.5 (36) | −3.8 (25) | 40 (1.6) | 75 | 7:40 am / 5:07 pm | 9 h 26 min | ⚠️ Dark, little snow |
| November | −2.8 (27) | −10.1 (14) | 26 (1.0) | 21 | 8:48 am / 1:57 pm | 5 h 10 min | ⚠️ Dark, start of winter |
| December | −5.1 (23) | −13.4 (8) | 32 (1.3) | 0 | Polar night | 0 h 00 | ✅ Polar night, northern lights |
Reading the table: Destination de Voyage calculation: in Kiruna the sun does not set for 50 days, from 28 May to 16 July, and does not rise for 22 days, from 11 December to the very start of January. The polar night is not total darkness: a bluish twilight lights the middle of the day. January is the coldest month (−7.9 °C / 18 °F average high, −16.8 °C / 2 °F average low), July the mildest (18.5 °C / 65 °F) and the wettest (93 mm / 3.7 in). March combines snow, more bearable cold, 11 h 36 min of daylight on the 15th and nights still dark enough for the northern lights.
To compare with Stockholm and the south of the country, see when to go to Sweden.
Getting to Kiruna and getting around
Plane, night train and transfers
Kiruna Airport (KRN) is east of the town (Wikipedia); flights usually connect via Stockholm, so check current schedules with the airlines. A night train also links Stockholm with Kiruna and Narvik, in Norway, via Abisko (Wikipedia). Shuttles and transfers to the town and Jukkasjärvi are often arranged by accommodation providers: check the pick-up point and how delays are handled.
Driving in Lapland in winter
According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026), snow and ice on the roads cause accidents daily in winter, and from 1 December to 31 March (and at other times designated by the police) all vehicles must have winter tyres. The U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated July 2, 2026) says headlights must be on at all times, snow tyres are required between December 1 and March 31, and you should be experienced at driving on ice and snow if you drive in winter; it also warns that gas stations in rural areas can be far apart and that some are unattended and require a chip credit card to buy fuel. The FCDO says you need a UK driving licence to drive in Sweden and that hire companies often set stricter conditions (a year of experience, minimum age); the State Department says a valid U.S. driver’s license can be used while visiting, at age 18 or over. If you rent a car, check the winter equipment and insurance.
Where to stay in Kiruna
The centre of Kiruna is convenient for excursions and restaurants. Jukkasjärvi offers the Icehotel experience and a more rural setting. Abisko suits those who are betting everything on the northern lights or hiking. Book early for winter.
Entry requirements, health and safety
US citizens: according to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated July 2, 2026), Sweden is party to the Schengen Agreement; your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay, and you need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket. The State Department refers you to the Embassy of Sweden for the most current visa information. It rates Sweden Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, because of terrorism (travel advisory dated May 17, 2026).
UK citizens: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026), you can travel to Sweden without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period as a tourist. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you arrive and must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. At the border you may be asked to show a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and travel insurance, and proof that you have enough money. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is being implemented across the Schengen area: you may need to register your fingerprints and a photo, at no cost. Both sources describe Schengen rules, so there is no contradiction; check with the Swedish Embassy if in doubt. See entry requirements for Sweden.
Emergencies: dial 112 for ambulance, fire and police; assistance in English is available (UK FCDO and U.S. Department of State).
- Money: Swedish krona (SEK); the FCDO says many shops, cafes and restaurants do not accept cash, so carry a debit or credit card; see our currency converter.
- Internet: see our travel eSIM guide; check your own plan’s roaming terms before you leave.
- Equipment: several layers, hat, gloves, extreme-cold footwear; protect batteries from the cold.
Frequently asked questions
When can you see the northern lights in Kiruna?
From late August-September to March-April, on dark, clear nights; never during the midnight sun. Plan for several nights.
When is the midnight sun in Kiruna?
From 28 May to 16 July approximately (Destination de Voyage calculation for 2027).
Is the Icehotel open all year?
The ice rooms are offered from December to April; “365” rooms are open all year (Icehotel official site).
Why is the town of Kiruna being moved?
The LKAB iron mine is making the ground subside beneath the historic centre; the town is being rebuilt further east.
Is it very cold in Kiruna?
In January the average high is −7.9 °C (18 °F) and the average low −16.8 °C (2 °F) (SMHI, 2002-2021).
How do you get to Kiruna?
By plane (usually connecting via Stockholm) or by night train from Stockholm.
Our sources
- UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Sweden (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026), read on 26 October 2026
- U.S. Department of State, Sweden country information (travel.state.gov, last updated July 2, 2026) and Travel Advisory (Level 2, May 17, 2026)
- Icehotel (icehotel.com), checked 27 October 2026
- SMHI: open data, 2002-2021 averages (Kiruna flygplats, Rensjön), via Wikipedia, which cites SMHI
- Wikipedia (English): Kiruna, Kiruna Church, Kiruna Mine, Abisko National Park, Kebnekaise, Kiruna Airport, Aurora
- Astronomical calculations: NOAA solar algorithm applied by Destination de Voyage (year 2027)
- Time zone: IANA tz database (Europe/Stockholm); UK and US clock-change rules: GOV.UK “When do the clocks change” and NIST
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026. Opening hours, seasons and prices may change: check the official sites before you travel.
