When we speak of Sweden, most minds immediately travel to cosmopolitan cities like Stockholm or Gothenburg. Rarely do people think about the small town called Kiruna. Well! Don’t let its small-town status fool you. This place is a gem waiting to be discovered.
In this article, I will share all the important information related to this place, its location, history, architecture, and the nearby places to visit. So, let’s delve in!
Location
Kiruna is a place that shines with an understated elegance. It is located away in the northernmost part of Sweden.
In the county of Norrbotten, right above the Arctic Circle, you will find it. Its uniqueness lies in its location. The position results in natural phenomena like the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights.
History
The town traces its origins back to 1900. Mining began there when rich deposits of iron ore were discovered. The Kiruna Iron Ore Mine is today one of the largest in the world.
The mining company LKAB was established then. It is still important to the town’s economy. This city is proud of its industrial heritage and the people of the city plan to preserve it as much as they can.
The Great Move
One unique aspect of this city is ‘The Great Move.’ Mining caused the ground beneath the town to weaken. For safety, the Swedish government decided to move the town eastward. This massive undertaking is expected to be completed in 2035.
Many historic buildings will move brick by brick to the new location. It is a huge endeavor, but the people of this place are resilient.
Population
Although small, Kiruna is the largest town in terms of area, in all of Sweden. It covers a vast expanse of over 20,000 square kilometers.
Despite the large area, the town only houses a population of around 23,000. These residents are a diverse mix.
Along with the Swedes, the indigenous Sami people also inhabit this area. Their cultural imprint is visible throughout the town.
Climate
Kiruna has a subarctic climate. Summers are bright with persistent daylight due to the Midnight Sun.
Winters, on the other hand, are cold with long nights. The Northern Lights frequently appear, painting the skies with hues of green, pink, and violet.
10 Must-Visit Places in Kiruna
The town lies amidst pure natural beauty. It is a realm of untouched forests and shimmering lakes. What’s more, here are ten must-visit places in Kiruna.
1. Northern Lights Tour From Kiruna To Abisko
The Northern Lights Tour is a great trip from Kiruna to Abisko. You will ride with a guide. They know the best place to watch the lights. The Northern Lights are colors that flash in the sky at night.
It happens in Abisko a lot. The tour is made so you have the best chance to see these lights. You can see green, pink, and even red lights dancing in the sky. It is a magical show put on by nature.
2. Kiruna Kyrka
Admire the striking architecture of Kiruna’s church, a symbol of the town’s history and resilience. Kiruna Kyrka is a church in Kiruna. It is beautiful and very old.
The building looks very special. It has a big importance to the local people. The church tells about the town’s history. And, it shows how tough the town is. Many people come to look at it. It is a symbol of Kiruna.
The church is not just for praying. It is also for understanding the town’s past. This makes it a must-visit place as its beauty will amaze you.
3. Kiruna Stadshuset
Explore the modern heart of this place at the City Hall, where you can learn about the town’s urban development. Kiruna Stadshuset is the City Hall in Kiruna.
It’s like the center of the town where important work happens. It has a modern design. Inside, you can learn about how this city is changing and growing.
People there make plans for the town’s future. It’s a place where you can see how the town is being taken care of. Visitors are welcome to explore and discover more about the city’s development.
4. Samegarden Museum
Dive into the rich culture of the indigenous Sami people at the Samegarden Museum, which showcases traditional artifacts and clothing. Samegarden Museum is a special place in Kiruna.
It shows how the Sami people live. The Sami are the original people of this area. At the museum, you can see things they use every day and their traditional clothes. It’s like a big collection of Sami’s life.
They have things like sleds for the snow and tools for everyday work. You can also learn about their history and culture. It’s a good place to visit if you want to know how people have lived in the Arctic for a long time.
5. Husky Home
Embark on an exhilarating husky sledding adventure through the Arctic wilderness, led by a team of energetic huskies. Husky Home is a place in Kiruna where you can go on an adventure with dogs.
These dogs, called huskies, are strong and friendly. They can pull sleds through the snow. When you visit, you can ride one of these sleds.
It feels like flying over the snow. It’s very exciting. The people at Husky Home will teach you how to lead the sled.
You get to be a musher, which is what we call someone who drives a sled. It’s a fun way to see the snowy woods and make friends with huskies.
6. Vadvetsjakka Nationalpark
Immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature at Vadvetsjakka National Park, perfect for hiking, skiing, and wildlife spotting. Vadvetsjakka National Park is a big park in Kiruna.
It’s a natural place with lots of trees and animals. You can walk in the park or go skiing. You might see birds or other animals if you are quiet. The scenery is beautiful. There are streams and mountains.
It’s a good place for people who like the outdoors. You can enjoy the air and the quiet. Being in nature is good for relaxation. Even if you just want to sit and watch, it’s a beautiful place to be.
7. Esrange Space Center
Discover the wonders of space exploration at Esrange Space Center, where scientific research and satellite launches take place. Esrange Space Center is a place near Kiruna where people study space.
They even send rockets into the sky. There, you can learn about space, stars, and science. The people who work there are very smart. They share their knowledge with visitors.
You might learn about the planets or see a model of a rocket. Sometimes, they have special events. It’s a great place if you like to learn and have questions about space. It’s like a journey into the stars without leaving the ground.
8. Treriksroset
Stand at the meeting point of three countries, Sweden, Norway, and Finland, at Treriksroset, a unique geographical landmark. Treriksroset is a famous spot in the far north.
This place is interesting because three countries meet there. Sweden, Finland, and Norway touch each other at this point. It’s like standing in three places at once.
There is a marker, or sign, to show you exactly where the countries meet. You can take a picture, and it will be a special memory. It’s out in the open nature, so the journey to get there is beautiful. It’s a unique place, and not many people get to visit.
9. Midnattssolstigen
Experience the Midnight Sun phenomenon during the summer months as you venture along Midnattssolstigen, a scenic trail with breathtaking views.
Midnattssolstigen is a walking path in Sweden. The name means “Midnight Sun Trail” in English. It’s special because, during part of the summer, the sun does not set here.
It stays light even at night. This trail lets you walk and see beautiful places under this midnight sun. You can see mountains, lakes, and maybe even animals.
It’s not very hard to walk, so many people can enjoy it. Walking here is a special experience because nature looks different in this light. It’s peaceful and beautiful.
10. Hjalmer Lundbohms Garden Ek Forening
Step back in time at Hjalmer Lundbohmsgarden Ek Forening, a historic homestead offering insights into traditional Swedish farming. Hjalmer Lundbohmsgarden Ek Forening is a popular attraction in the city.
This is a special kind of museum. It shows you the history of the town. You can see old items and pictures. The things you see can tell you important stories. It is a great place to learn about how Kiruna was in the past. People say that a visit takes about 1-2 hours.
Wrapping Up
The town of Kiruna is a hidden treasure. Despite its remote Arctic location and its ongoing move, it proudly clings to its traditions and history while looking to the future.
From the earth’s minerals to the sky’s magical lights, Kiruna is indeed Sweden’s cold yet warm, small yet vast Arctic gem where the sun never sets in summer.
Stockholm may be the Swedish palette’s primary color, but places like Kiruna add the unique and necessary tints that make Sweden the beautifully complex portrait it is.
Overall, Kiruna is not just a destination. It is a story that has been in the making for centuries. A tale seen through the Northern Lights heard in the crunch of the snow, and felt in the rumble of the mining trucks. It’s a piece of the world that’s intriguing, inspiring, and inviting. Nobody leaves Kiruna the same as they entered. Kiruna is more than just a place, it is an experience.
