At the northernmost tip of Sweden lies one of the country’s lesser-known corners. It’s a secret worth knowing. I, because there is much to see in Kiruna Sweden, the city of iron and ice. It is a very important city for the country. It is home to Kiirunavaara, the deepest iron mine in the world. It is nestled in the impressive mountains that adorn the horizon of Kiruna, an isolated and often snowy town.
Kiruna’s impressive mountains, filled with vast hectares of towering trees, add to the city’s vast artistic heritage. Several museums, such as the Sami Museum, add to the unique beauty of what Kiruna has to offer. If you want to know more about this special place and how to appreciate the beauty of the Northern Lights that can be seen in Kiruna, read on to learn about all the things to do and see in Kiruna.
1. The Kiruna Iron Mine Sweden
Nestled in natural landscapes (although they are so impressive that they could be described as supernatural) is one of the main attractions to see in Kiruna. This is its enormous iron mine. This deposit produces practically all the iron in the European Union. This visit is a unique experience because you will feel like you have penetrated the depths of the earth.
The scale of the excavation work at this mine is such that, despite efforts to preserve the town, the entire town of Kiruna will have to be moved and a new location (a process currently underway) to continue this activity.
Today, the only active and visitable site is that of Kiirunavaara. While Luossavaara, the other magnetite extraction site, has been transformed into a leisure area: the hill of the same name, on which the mine is located, has been transformed into a ski slope.
2. The Sami Museum
As we explained earlier, Kiruna also has an amazing cultural, historical, and artistic heritage which is one of the main attractions of this city. In this particular museum, the history of the Sami people, who once inhabited these lands, is told through the collection of different elements.
The Sami once lived in Kiruna and there are still descendants of the Sami among the town’s residents today. The Small Sami Museum (or Såmegarden Museum) explains the way of life of the ancient inhabitants of Kiruna, presenting their customs, the territories they dominated, as well as their hunting habits and the importance of fishing. You can also see the different costumes they wore and the whole experience is very enriching.
3. Northern lights to see in Kiruna Sweden
Without a doubt, one of the main attractions of traveling to such a remote location, on the borders of Sweden and Swedish Lapland, is trying to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. It is a unique phenomenon that lights up the night sky with spectacular beauty.
Many people venture to this area to see the Northern Lights. This is a difficult task because although there are times of the year when it is easier to see the Northern Lights, you will not always be lucky and you may be left wanting more.
In some places, you can see them better, and since it is something you must try to see in Kiruna, we recommend going to the Aurora Sky Station, a unique place where you can see them in better quality. Additionally, the best months to see the Northern Lights are between September and October, as well as February and March.
4. Kiruna Ice Hotel, a unique place to see in Kiruna
Rising to the status of a very representative (and certainly unique) sight to see in Kiruna Sweden, this special hotel receives many visitors throughout the year, and we are not surprised at all. The Ice Hotel is a unique accommodation in the world and is the largest on the planet.
Located a little further from the city center, near Jukkasjärvi Airport. This hotel is unique in that it is constantly being rebuilt, as the materials that shape it are ephemeral. But this is part of the magic of the place because every year it reappears with a new structure.
Besides being a very special place to stay, the owners strive to make the Ice Hotel experience unique. Inside you will find different and amazing ice sculptures, as well as a chapel made only of ice blocks, and, of course, you will also find a bar located inside the hotel.
5. Kiruna Church Sweden
This church (also known as Kiruna Kyrka), built only of wood, has a strident red color, which stands out from many other buildings and stands in the snowy streets of Kiruna, Sweden. It is a unique building to see in Kiruna, with a style typical of the buildings of the Sami people who inhabited these lands.
Also influenced by the art nouveau style, the Kiruna church is striking for the use of wood in its construction, present throughout the building. Particularly remarkable is its dark wood interior, which gives the impression of shrinking as you enter. This is a very charming building to see in Kiruna and a must-see on your list.