1300km North of Stockholm lies the town of Kiruna. With a population just 20,000 it sits in the middle of Norrlands wilderness. Built around a mining community at the conclusion of the 1800's the town was designed with the time's foremost experts with architecture and community planning. Kiruna was the very first Swedish community with a town planned round the climate. The streets were designed to check out the terrain in a irregular pattern in order to curb the Arctic winds. The city is also built quietly of a mountain, which means higher temperatures. Despite its northerly location the town centre temperature rarely drops below -20. Tours in Kiruna
During the wintertime months the town is plunged into darkness as the sun barely gets chance to exhibit itself. Nevertheless, the town is far from dark. A combination of the moon & stars reflecting off the snow give a beautiful glow to Kiruna and not forgetting the extraordinary Northern Lights which crackle across a cloudless evening sky.
Just an hour or so and half's drive away may be the Abisko Mountain Station considered as the very best place on earth to see the Northern Lights. Using its fresh climate and its practically cloud free skies the conditions for seeing the lights are optimal. Just about aurora occurs every day but to detect it the skies have to be dark. The period from September to March is better time of year.
Kiruna is also home to the initial Ice Hotel which gets rebuilt year after from the ice of the local Torne river. Using its ice sculptures and fine artwork the Ice Hotel is truly an event which should not be missed.
Snow and ice really are a big feature in Kiruna and there's lots of it! Families seeking snow, Santa Claus and winter activities need look no further, as the town caters well for folks attempting to maximize of this excellent and snowy landscape. With a big array of activities including dog sledging, snowmobile tours, cross country skiing, wild moose safari's, northern light tours, hunting, ice fishing, ice sculpting & the Ice hotel to say but a few, there's really something of interest for everybody!
This is also true of Kiruna's accommodation with many interesting types available. In addition to a good choice of comfortable hotels and guest houses, Kiruna also supplies a selection of original and exclusive ideas like the Ice Hotel, Wilderness cabins, lodges, igloos and traditional wig wams.
The city centre also supplies a good selection of shops and restaurants, so that your able to take time out of your winter activities if you wish. You'll find an excellent selection of local handy crafts most which are designed by the local Sami population, who incidentally herd most of the reindeer in the area.
Despite it's location addressing Kiruna is surprisingly easy. With daily flights by SAS Airlines and an overnight train from Stockholm, it's within easy reach wherever you're travelling from.