Kiruna, Lappland | Exploring Sweden

Kiruna is the northernmost city in Sweden. It is located in the province of Lappland and is the seat of Kiruna Municipality in Norrbotten County. The city is situated approximately 145 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. With a population of around 17,000 residents, Kiruna is a key mining and research center in the Arctic region. The city’s original name in North Sámi is Giron, which means rock ptarmigan, a bird that is also featured in the city’s coat of arms.

The character of Kiruna is defined by three main features: the massive iron ore mine, its role as a center for space research, and the unprecedented ongoing project of relocating its entire city center. The city’s identity is inextricably linked to the LKAB iron ore mine in the mountain of Kiirunavaara, which is the reason for the city’s existence. In the modern era, Kiruna has also become a major hub for tourism, serving as a gateway to the vast wilderness areas of northern Swedish Lapland, including Sweden’s highest mountain, Kebnekaise.

Kiruna – A Short History

The history of Kiruna is that of a modern city built in a remote wilderness, driven entirely by the discovery of one of the world’s richest iron ore deposits. Its story is one of industrial ambition, the development of a unique community in a harsh Arctic environment, and an extraordinary urban transformation in the 21st century. Unlike most Swedish cities with medieval origins, Kiruna was founded at the very beginning of the 20th century. This has given it a unique and relatively modern history.

A Sámi Landscape and a New Mine

The area where Kiruna is located today was for centuries a part of the traditional lands of the indigenous Sámi people. Archaeological findings show that the region around Kiruna has been inhabited for at least 6,000 years. For a long time, it was mainly populated by the Sámi, who used the land for reindeer husbandry. The massive iron ore deposits in the two mountains, Luossavaara and Kiirunavaara, were known, but were not excavated due to the remote location and harsh climate. This changed in the late 19th century with new industrial techniques. The mining corporation Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag (LKAB) was founded in 1890.

The Founding of a Town

The foundation of the modern city was driven by the need to exploit the iron ore. LKAB was a driving force in getting the Iron Ore Line railway extended from the mines at Malmberget to the deposits at Luossavaara and Kiirunavaara. The railway reached Kiruna in 1899. It was further extended to the ice-free port of Narvik in Norway in 1902, which allowed for year-round export of the iron ore. The city of Kiruna was officially founded in the year 1900, with the town being built on the third mountain, Haukivaara.

The Urban Transformation

Most of the 20th century in Kiruna was centered around the mine, with LKAB as the city’s main employer and provider. In the 1960s, the Esrange Space Center was established outside the city, adding a new dimension to its identity. The most significant event in the city’s modern history is the ongoing urban transformation. As the vast underground mine at Kiirunavaara continues to expand, its tunnels are undermining the ground beneath the existing city center. In 2004, it was decided that the present center of Kiruna must be relocated. The actual move began in 2014, in a multi-decade project that involves demolishing old buildings and moving some of the most culturally significant ones to a new city center, which is being built three kilometers to the east.

Sights in Kiruna

There is a lot to do in and around Kiruna, but it is important to remember that the distances in this part of Sweden are great. The municipality of Kiruna is the largest in the country. The main attractions are focused on the mine, the unique wooden church, the space center, and the vast natural landscapes of the Arctic.

Kiruna Church

The Kiruna Church (Kiruna kyrka) is one of the most famous buildings in the city. This large wooden church was built between 1909 and 1912. It was a gift to the parish from the mining company LKAB. The church was designed by the architect Gustaf Wickman in the Art Nouveau style, with an exterior that was inspired by the traditional Sámi goahti (turf hut). It has been voted the most beautiful public building in Sweden. As part of the urban transformation, the entire church is planned to be dismantled and rebuilt in the new city center.

LKAB’s Visitor Centre

The LKAB’s Visitor Centre provides a look into the world’s largest underground iron-ore mine. The visitor tours take place in the LKAB InfoMine, which is a dedicated visitor area located deep underground in the Kiirunavaara mine. Visitors are taken by bus down into the mine to the show mine, which is located at a depth of 540 meters. The tours provide information on the history of the mine, the modern mining process, and the urban transformation project. Visits to the mine need to be booked in advance.

Esrange Space Center

Located about 40 kilometers east of Kiruna is the Esrange Space Center. The center was opened in the 1960s and is Sweden’s main center for space research. It is a base for launching sounding rockets and high-altitude balloons for atmospheric and astronomical research. Esrange has a visitor center located just outside its main gates, where you can learn more about the activities at the center and Sweden’s role in space exploration. While there are no public visits inside the main operational area, the visitor center provides a good overview.

The New Town Center

A unique sight in Kiruna is the new town center itself. This is the area that is being built three kilometers to the east of the old center to allow for the expansion of the mine. A key landmark of the new center is the circular city hall, named Kristallen (“The Crystal”). This new building has incorporated the historic clock tower from the old city hall, which was demolished. A visit to Kiruna offers the unique opportunity to see one city center being slowly dismantled while a new one is simultaneously being built.

Kebnekaise

The municipality of Kiruna is home to Kebnekaise, the highest mountain in Sweden. The mountain has two main peaks. The southern peak, which is covered by a glacier, was historically the highest, but due to climate change, the glacier has been melting. The northern, ice-free peak is now the highest point, with an elevation of 2,096 meters. The mountain is a major destination for mountaineering and hiking. The main base for climbing the mountain is the Kebnekaise mountain station, which is accessible via a long hiking trail from the village of Nikkaluokta.

The Aurora Borealis and Midnight Sun

Due to its location 145 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, Kiruna is one of the best places in the world to experience two major natural phenomena. From September to March, the city is a prime destination for viewing the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights. During the winter, the city also experiences the Polar Night, when the sun does not rise above the horizon. In contrast, from late May to mid-July, the city experiences the Midnight Sun, when the sun is visible 24 hours a day.

Traveling with Kids in Kiruna

Kiruna is a good destination for families with children who are interested in nature and unique experiences. The city and its surroundings offer a range of activities that are suitable for families. The vast natural landscapes provide a large playground for outdoor activities.

Family-Friendly Attractions

The Esrange Space Center visitor center can be an exciting visit for children interested in space and rockets. During the winter, the nearby Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi is a major family attraction. The opportunities for dog sledding and for seeing reindeer are also very popular with children. The city itself also has public playgrounds and a public swimming pool.

Sports in Kiruna

The sporting life in Kiruna is defined by its Arctic climate and its strong community spirit, with a focus on a few key local sports associations. Given the long and snowy winters, it is no surprise that winter sports, especially ice hockey, dominate the local scene. The main indoor arena, Lombia Ishall, serves as the central hub for much of the town’s sporting life for a large part of the year. During the short summer months, the focus shifts to football, which is played at the adjacent Lombiavallen sports ground. The local clubs are a very important part of the social fabric of the community, providing crucial activities for the city’s youth and a focus for local pride.

Kiruna IF (Ice Hockey)

The most famous and historically significant sports club in the city is Kiruna IF. This is the main ice hockey club and it has a long and proud history in Swedish ice hockey, including periods competing in the higher divisions of the national league system. The club was founded in 1988 as a merger of two previous clubs. They play their home games at the Lombia Ishall, which is known for its passionate and dedicated local supporters. Kiruna IF has a strong local rivalry with other northern clubs like Bodens HF and Piteå HC, and these matches are major events in the city. The club is a key part of the city’s identity and has a strong youth development program.

Kiruna FF (Football)

Kiruna FF is the main football club in the city and the primary focus of the summer sports season. The club was formed in 1970 through a merger of several older clubs in the city. The senior team competes in the middle divisions of the Swedish football league system. They play their home games at the Lombiavallen sports ground, which is located next to the ice rink. The club has a large youth program that provides an important outlet for children and teenagers during the summer months. Playing football in Kiruna comes with the unique challenge of a very short season due to the long winters.

Kebnekaise BTK (Table Tennis)

Kebnekaise BTK is the main table tennis club in Kiruna. Table tennis is a popular indoor sport in Sweden, and the club provides a year-round activity for both youth and adult players in the city. The club has a history of producing talented players who have competed at the national level. They hold their training sessions and home matches at a local sports hall. The club is a key part of the local community, offering an accessible and competitive indoor sport.

Kiruna BK (Wrestling)

Kiruna BK (Brottarklubb) is the local wrestling club. The sport of wrestling (brottning) has a strong tradition in the mining communities of northern Sweden. The club in Kiruna maintains this heritage. It provides a platform for local athletes to train and compete in the sport. The club is an important institution for youth development and has produced wrestlers who have competed successfully at the national level.

Kiruna Klätterklubb (Climbing)

The Kiruna Klätterklubb is the local climbing club. The club caters to the growing community of climbing and outdoor sports enthusiasts in the city. Its activities include both indoor climbing at a local climbing wall and outdoor climbing during the summer months. The vast mountain landscapes of the Kiruna municipality, including the Kebnekaise massif, offer world-class opportunities for outdoor climbing. The club is a key social hub for the local climbing community.

Getting Around in Kiruna

Navigating the city of Kiruna is best done with a combination of walking and local transport. The old and new city centers are compact and walkable. However, a car is essential for reaching the airport, the Esrange Space Center, and the vast natural attractions in the surrounding municipality.

On Foot: The Town Centers

Walking is a suitable way to explore both the old and the new city centers of Kiruna. The main services in both areas are located within a short walking distance of each other. The walk between the old and the new city centers is approximately three kilometers.

Local Buses

A network of local buses, operated by Länstrafiken Norrbotten, serves Kiruna. These buses connect the different districts of the city, including the old and new city centers, the residential areas, and the airport. Regional buses also connect Kiruna with other towns in the region, such as Gällivare and Narvik in Norway.

How to Get to Kiruna

Reaching Kiruna requires travel to the far north of Sweden. The city is the northernmost hub on the Swedish road and rail networks, making it a key gateway to the Arctic region.

The Open Road: Driving the E10

Driving is a common way to reach Kiruna. The city is located directly on the E10 highway. This major European route connects the city of Luleå on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia with Narvik on the coast of Norway. The road is the main transport artery for the region. Drivers should be prepared for long distances and for winter driving conditions for a large part of the year.

Arriving by Air: Kiruna Airport

Kiruna has its own airport, Kiruna Airport (KRN). The airport is located a short distance from the city. It has several daily flights to Stockholm-Arlanda Airport (ARN), which provides connections to the rest of the world. The airport also has some seasonal international flights. An airport bus service connects the airport with the city center.

On Track: A Journey on the Iron Ore Line

Traveling to Kiruna by train is a very popular and scenic option. The Kiruna station is a key stop on the Iron Ore Line (Malmbanan). This is the main railway line in the region. Vy Tåg operates overnight sleeper trains that connect Kiruna directly with Stockholm. The train journey is a classic way to travel to Swedish Lapland. Regional trains also connect Kiruna with Luleå and with Narvik in Norway.

Connecting by Coach

There are long-distance bus services that connect Kiruna with other parts of northern Sweden. These services are operated by Länstrafiken Norrbotten. The main bus station is located in the city center. The buses provide a connection to towns that are not on the railway line.

Driving Distances

The driving distance from 10 regional cities, according to Google Maps:

• Gällivare, Sweden – 121 kilometers (1 h 30 min)
• Luleå, Sweden – 342 kilometers (4 h 00 min)
• Umeå, Sweden – 582 kilometers (6 h 50 min)
• Östersund, Sweden – 753 kilometers (8 h 50 min)
• Stockholm, Sweden – 1,235 kilometers (14 h 00 min)
• Oslo, Norway – 1,392 kilometers (17 h 50 min)
• Linköping, Sweden – 1,430 kilometers (16 h 20 min)
• Gothenburg, Sweden – 1,579 kilometers (18 h 30 min)
• Malmö, Sweden – 1,843 kilometers (20 h 10 min)
• Copenhagen, Denmark – 1,885 kilometers (20 h 50 min)

Explore More of Lappland and Sweden

This post was first published 2019-07-30 and was updated 2025-07-27