Is Kiruna good for northern lights?

Yes, Kiruna at 67.86°N needs only KP 2 for aurora activity. While the city itself has some light pollution, dark-sky locations are within 10-15 minutes' drive. Kiruna is best used as a base for exploring Abisko (90 min), the ICEHOTEL (17 km), and the surrounding Lapland wilderness.

What is happening with the Kiruna city relocation?

The LKAB iron ore mine has caused ground subsidence beneath the old city center. In an extraordinary engineering project, iconic buildings and the city center are being relocated 3 km east. Several historic buildings have already been moved. The new city center is taking shape with modern architecture. It's one of the world's most remarkable urban transformation projects.

How far is Kiruna from Abisko?

Abisko is about 100 km west of Kiruna, taking approximately 90 minutes by car via the E10. The drive follows the shore of Lake Torneträsk through spectacular mountain scenery. Buses and the train also connect the two locations.

What is the ICEHOTEL near Kiruna?

The ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi (17 km from Kiruna) is rebuilt each winter entirely from ice harvested from the Torne River. Artists from around the world create ice sculptures, rooms, and a chapel. The seasonal hotel operates December-April. ICEHOTEL 365 has a permanent section open year-round. Sleeping in a -5°C ice room on reindeer skins with a thermal sleeping bag is a unique experience.

Northern Lights Destination

Northern Lights in Kiruna, Sweden

Kiruna is the gateway to Swedish Lapland's aurora kingdom - home to the world's largest iron ore mine, the original ICEHOTEL, and spectacular northern lights at 67°N.

Updated January 15, 20258 min read

Kiruna: Sweden's Arctic Capital

Kiruna is Sweden's northernmost city (population ~23,000) and the center of Swedish Lapland. The city exists because of the LKAB iron ore mine, the world's largest underground iron ore mine, which has been operating since 1900. In an extraordinary ongoing project, much of the city is being physically relocated several kilometers east because mining has caused the ground beneath the old city center to subside.

For aurora travelers, Kiruna serves as the primary gateway to Abisko (90 minutes west) and the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi (17 km east). But Kiruna itself, at 67.86°N, is an excellent aurora viewing destination, needing only a KP index of 2 for activity. The city's modest size means light pollution drops off quickly, and the surrounding landscape of forest, lakes, and mountains provides varied viewing options. Check the aurora forecast for your stay.

Aurora Viewing in Kiruna

Camp Ripan: A Sami-inspired resort on the outskirts of Kiruna offering aurora cabins and guided viewing programs. The elevated position provides good views away from city lights.

Luossabacken Hill: A viewpoint above the city offering panoramic views over Kiruna, the mine, and the surrounding mountains. On clear nights, aurora is visible above the distant mountain ranges.

Road to Abisko (E10 West): Driving west from Kiruna toward Abisko, the landscape quickly opens into mountain and lake terrain. Lake Torneträsk appears after about 60 km, and the E10 offers numerous pull-off points with excellent dark-sky viewing.

Kurravaara: A small Sami village about 15 km northwest of Kiruna on the shore of a lake. Very dark skies and a traditional Lapland setting create an atmospheric aurora viewing location.

When to Visit Kiruna for Aurora

The aurora season runs from September through March:

September-October: Clear autumn skies and mild temperatures (-2°C to -10°C). The fall colors (ruska) add warmth to the landscape. The ICEHOTEL 365 (permanent ice section) is open year-round.

November-January: Polar night from mid-December to early January. The seasonal ICEHOTEL opens in December. Deep darkness maximizes aurora hours. Temperatures -15°C to -25°C.

February-March: The optimum period with clearer skies and returning daylight for activities. Both ICEHOTEL versions are in full operation. The March equinox boosts geomagnetic activity.

Getting to Kiruna

Getting There: Kiruna Airport (KRN) has daily flights from Stockholm (1.5 hours) plus seasonal connections. The overnight train from Stockholm arrives in Kiruna after about 17 hours. Driving from Narvik takes about 2.5 hours via the E10.

ICEHOTEL: The world-famous ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi (17 km from Kiruna) is rebuilt entirely from Torne River ice each winter. The seasonal hotel operates December-April. The ICEHOTEL 365 has a permanent ice section available year-round. Sleeping in a room made of ice and snow is a bucket-list experience, and aurora viewing from the hotel grounds is excellent.

Mine Tours: LKAB offers guided tours of the world's largest underground iron ore mine, descending to 540 meters below the surface. The visitor center explains the extraordinary ongoing city relocation. These tours provide fascinating daytime activity between aurora viewing nights.

Accommodation: Camp Ripan (aurora cabins), Scandic Kiruna, and Arctic Eden Hotel are in the city. The ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi is the iconic option. Several wilderness lodges in the surrounding area offer more remote experiences.

Plan the trip

Getting to Kiruna

Aurora trips need three things booked together: a flight into the right airport, somewhere dark to stay, and usually a car, because the sky you get is the sky above wherever you can drive to that night.

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Frequently Asked Questions

: Yes, Kiruna at 67.86°N needs only KP 2 for aurora activity. While the city itself has some light pollution, dark-sky locations are within 10-15 minutes' drive. Kiruna is best used as a base for exploring Abisko (90 min), the ICEHOTEL (17 km), and the surrounding Lapland wilderness.
: The LKAB iron ore mine has caused ground subsidence beneath the old city center. In an extraordinary engineering project, iconic buildings and the city center are being relocated 3 km east. Several historic buildings have already been moved. The new city center is taking shape with modern architecture. It's one of the world's most remarkable urban transformation projects.
: Abisko is about 100 km west of Kiruna, taking approximately 90 minutes by car via the E10. The drive follows the shore of Lake Torneträsk through spectacular mountain scenery. Buses and the train also connect the two locations.
: The ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi (17 km from Kiruna) is rebuilt each winter entirely from ice harvested from the Torne River. Artists from around the world create ice sculptures, rooms, and a chapel. The seasonal hotel operates December-April. ICEHOTEL 365 has a permanent section open year-round. Sleeping in a -5°C ice room on reindeer skins with a thermal sleeping bag is a unique experience.