Kiruna gets 3-5 hours of daylight in December (zero during polar night) and up to 10 hours by March. Nights are for the Northern Lights tour. These are the best things to do during the day.
1. Ice Fishing on Torneträsk or local lakes
Most underrated Kiruna winter activity. Drilling a hole through 40 cm of ice and pulling Arctic char out of a frozen lake is a different kind of Arctic experience — quiet, meditative, and something almost no traveller outside the Nordics has done.
Species: Arctic char (röding), perch, pike, whitefish. Catch isn't guaranteed but likely. Suitable from age 5+.
Cost: 990 SEK per person for a 3-hour guided trip with all equipment. Our Ice Fishing Tour covers everything including drill, rods, bait, and warm drinks.
2. Abisko Day Tour
A 6-hour round trip to Abisko National Park — visiting Björkliden alpine scenery, Silverfallet waterfall (frozen into an ice sculpture in winter), and panoramic viewpoints over Lake Torneträsk. See our Kiruna vs Abisko comparison for context on why most people stay in Kiruna and day-trip to Abisko rather than the reverse.
Cost: 1,990 SEK per person. Runs Saturdays, Sundays, plus selected holidays.
3. The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi
The original Ice Hotel, rebuilt every December from Torne River ice. You can do a 1-hour day visit (not overnight stay) to walk through themed ice rooms, the ice chapel, and the Absolut Icebar. Iconic, touristy, but genuinely unique.
Cost: 445-595 SEK day visit (seasonal). Drive 20 minutes east of Kiruna, or book a combo shuttle. Overnight stays range 4,500-12,000 SEK per person, mostly sold out 3 months ahead.
Pro tip: if you want the photos without the cost, come between 15:30-16:30 when most day tours have left and you can photograph empty ice rooms.
4. LKAB Iron Mine Tour
Descent 540 metres below ground into the world's largest underground iron ore mine. The mine is the reason Kiruna exists and the reason the whole town is currently being relocated 3 km east. 2.5-hour guided tour runs Monday-Friday in season.
Cost: 395 SEK per adult. Book 2+ weeks ahead — small groups and often sold out. Not suitable for claustrophobics or kids under 6.
This is the most unique cultural experience in Kiruna and the one most tourists miss because it's not glamorous. If you're curious about how the Arctic works economically, do this.
Book the main event — Northern Lights tour → 1390 SEK per person. Small groups, campfire, free photos.5. Sami Culture at Nutti Sámi Siida
An hour south of Kiruna in Jukkasjärvi. Reindeer feeding, lavvu (Sami tent) visit, traditional Sami meal of smoked reindeer with flatbread. Run by an actual Sami family, not a generic tourism operation.
Cost: 850-1,200 SEK depending on meal option. 3-4 hour experience.
Worth it? Yes, once per trip. Cultural depth is substantially higher than the reindeer-petting experiences sold by large tour operators. Ask questions — the guides are happy to explain modern Sami life, reindeer herding law, and cross-border Sami identity.
6. Husky Sledding
Multiple operators around Kiruna: Ofelaš, Husky Lodge Kiruna, Sled Dog Kiruna. Half-day or full-day options available. Most run 2-4 hours with a hot drink break mid-trip.
Cost: 1,800-3,500 SEK per person depending on length + whether you drive your own sled or ride as passenger.
Honest take: the first 30 minutes is magical. The middle hour is freezing if you're the passenger. The last hour you're ready for it to end. Book half-day (2-3 hours), not full-day, unless you're deeply committed to the experience.
7. Snowmobile Safari
Guided snowmobile tours depart from Kiruna or Jukkasjärvi. 2-4 hour loops through forest + frozen lakes + sometimes up to mountain viewpoints.
Cost: 1,500-2,800 SEK. Requires Swedish driving licence (or IDP) + minimum age 18 for driver.
Worth it? Good if you've never done it. Less unique than ice fishing or the mine tour. Two people can share a snowmobile which cuts the cost in half.
Honorable mentions (skip if short on time)
- Curling at Kiruna Curlinghall: fun indoor activity for rainy/stormy days (Kiruna gets some). 300 SEK/hour.
- Abisko King's Trail day hike: 3-4 hour snowshoe return from Abisko. Only if weather is clear.
- Day train to Narvik, Norway: 2-hour ride through some of Europe's most dramatic Arctic scenery. Iconic but a full day.
- Cross-country skiing lessons: if you have 5+ days, consider learning the Swedish national sport.
Recommended 4-day itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive Kiruna afternoon. Northern Lights tour in evening.
- Day 2 daytime: LKAB mine tour (morning) + Sami culture visit (afternoon). Evening: rest night or DIY aurora-chase.
- Day 3 daytime: Abisko Day Tour. Evening: second Northern Lights tour (you'll want one, trust us).
- Day 4 daytime: Ice fishing (morning) + Ice Hotel visit (afternoon). Fly out.
Total tour costs for 2 people: ~11,000 SEK. Accommodation + food for 4 nights: ~8,000 SEK. Flights from London/Stockholm: ~5,000 SEK. All-in: ~24,000 SEK / 2,200 EUR for two people. For a bucket-list trip to the Arctic, this is reasonable.
What the weather decides for you
Above −10°C outdoor activities are comfortable. Below −25°C, shift toward indoor options (LKAB mine, Ice Hotel visit, Kiruna Church). Check the live Kiruna weather before firming your daily schedule.
Start planning — book the aurora tour first → Everything else works around it. Book early, evenings sell out fastest.