Kiruna

World : Europe : Northern Europe : Scandinavia : Sweden : Norrland : Kiruna

Kiruna (pop. about 20,000 in the town proper) in Norrbotten county, Norrland is the northernmost and one of the most unusual towns in Sweden and the largest town in Swedish Lapland.

View over Kiruna image, photo, picture, sights, point of interest, view, travel guide
View over Kiruna

Understand

Kiruna houses the largest underground mine (iron ore) in the world and is also known for the Satellite/Space projects, the Sámi culture, the long winters, the modern town planning, and the beautiful church and town hall.

At N67°49'48'' latitude, Kiruna is within the Arctic Circle, so it's possible to experience the midnight sun and polar night.

Get in

By plane

SAS has direct flights to Kiruna (also via Umeå) from Stockholm Arlanda.

By train

From Stockholm, train travel is 16 hours.

See

The Kiruna kyrkan (Kiruna Church) in Jukkasjärvi. image, photo, picture, sights, point of interest, view, travel guide
The Kiruna kyrkan (Kiruna Church) in Jukkasjärvi.
At the Esrange rocket-facility image, photo, picture, sights, point of interest, view, travel guide
At the Esrange rocket-facility


  • Nearby Jukkasjärvi is the site of a 17th century parish church.

Do

  • The nearby space-facility Esrange offers guided tours.

Sleep

Get out

In the mountainous areas to the west of Kiruna are several national parks e.g. Abisko. The railway to the port town of Narvik in Norway offers excellent views year-round.