Kiruna is a place where the natural spectacle of the Northern Lights sets the perfect backdrop for memorable dinner experiences. Unlike typical city dining, here you can combine authentic local food, Sami culture, and Arctic adventures in one evening. Some tours, like the Northern Lights Tour from Kiruna to Abisko with Dinner, stand out for their combination of excellent chances to see the aurora and warm, hearty meals in Lapland’s wilderness. Others, such as the Kiruna: Northern Lights Tour with Stejk Street Food Dinner, offer a cozy street-food atmosphere that’s perfect for food lovers. Whether you’re after a scenic chase, a cultural experience, or an Arctic adventure with dinner included, Kiruna’s dinner tours deliver a genuine taste of Lapland.
Quick Overview
The list below highlights nine top dinner experiences that blend the thrill of Arctic pursuits with local cuisine. From aurora chases with traditional Swedish or Sami dinners to snowmobile expeditions with fireside meals, each offers a unique way to enjoy Kiruna’s stunning surroundings. You can explore the Snowmobile Aurora Expedition with dinner for a high-energy adventure, or opt for a lodge dinner with aurora chase for a cozy, scenic night. Let’s explore each one in detail.
1. Northern Lights Tour from Kiruna to Abisko with Dinner
This small-group tour offers a chance to see one of the world’s best natural light shows while enjoying a warm Swedish Lapland dinner. Departing from Kiruna, the tour takes you to Abisko National Park, famous for its high likelihood of Northern Lights sightings. The guides are experts at reading the sky and weather, so your chances of catching the aurora are maximized. The journey includes heated bus transport, a campfire, and hot drinks, making it comfortable even in the coldest months.
The evening starts with a dinner at Abisko Mountain Lodge, where traditional Lapland delicacies are served. As you eat, guides share stories about the Sami people and the science behind the aurora, adding cultural depth to the experience. Then, the guide will choose the best location based on weather conditions, taking you into the wilderness for quiet, unobstructed views of the sky. Guests praise this tour’s personalized approach and the guide’s ability to “make sure we saw something,” even under challenging weather conditions.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want a personalized, well-organized Northern Lights experience with excellent chances for sightings and a warm, hearty dinner. It’s a bit on the pricier side but worth it for the expert guidance and small-group intimacy.
2. Kiruna: Northern Lights Tour with Stejk Street Food Dinner
Starting at the iconic Stejk Street Foods Truck & Tepee, this tour combines local street food with the thrill of hunting the Northern Lights. Costing around $151, it’s a more budget-friendly option that still promises a cozy, authentic experience. The tour takes you through Kiruna’s surrounding wilderness, with a guide sharing real-time weather and Aurora forecasts to maximize your chances of a sighting.
The highlight is the dinner inside a tepee, where you can enjoy reindeer or moose steak, grilled over an open fire. During the night, your guide will take you to scenic spots, often ending with stories of the Sami culture and the science of the aurora. Reviewers rave about the delicious food, cozy atmosphere, and the expertise of the guide, who makes sure everyone stays warm and engaged. One reviewer said, “The guide is really experienced, made sure we took our toilet break, and the food truck meal was fire.”
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers seeking an affordable, lively Arctic experience with authentic food and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It’s especially suited for those who want a mix of adventure and local flavor.
3. Snowmobile Aurora Expedition with Dinner
For those craving adventure and adrenaline, this Snowmobile Aurora Expedition ranks high. The tour lasts about 5 hours, and you can choose to drive your own snowmobile or ride as a passenger. The trip includes warm winter gear, a guided route through forests, lakes, and the Torne River, and ends with a traditional Lappish dinner served around an open fire. The meal features local dishes and dessert, offering a full Arctic culinary experience.
Guides are knowledgeable, and the tour is praised for its scenic routes and the chance to see the northern lights in a wild, untouched landscape. Reviewers mention the fun of snowmobiling through the snowy forests and the beauty of the aurora dancing overhead. One guest noted, “The guides were excellent, and the auroras made the whole experience unforgettable.” The equipment is top-notch, and the tour caters to all levels, making it accessible for beginners.
Bottom line: This is a great pick if you’re looking for an active, outdoor adventure combined with a hearty Arctic meal. It’s perfect for thrill-seekers wanting a full night in the wilderness.
4. Experience the Majestic Auroras Kiruna-Abisko & Lodge Dinner
This 5-hour tour offers a mix of scenic drives, aurora hunting, and a delicious two-course dinner inspired by Lapland flavors. Starting in Kiruna, you’ll travel to Abisko National Park—a prime spot for aurora viewing, with an experienced guide helping you capture the moment on camera. The evening includes scenic road trips, where guides share stories about the region, Sami culture, and the science of the Northern Lights.
The highlight is the dinner in a cozy tipi, where you can enjoy local dishes as you wait for the aurora. The tour provides artificial northern lights photos to take home, adding a personal touch. Guests praise the relaxed atmosphere and the warm, traditional food. One reviewer wrote, “Rachel prepared a wonderful evening, and the reindeer on the night excursion was unforgettable.”
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a combination of scenic travel, cultural stories, and good food in a relaxed setting. Ideal for travelers who prefer a comfortable, guided experience with opportunities for fantastic photos.
5. Kiruna: Northern Lights Tour with Sami BBQ Dinner
This 4-hour tour is a top pick for anyone interested in Sami culture and traditional cuisine. Starting from Kiruna, you’ll head out in minibuses to find the best spot for aurora viewing—stopping whenever the lights pop up. The tour features ‘souvas’, a traditional Sami reindeer meat dish cooked over open flames, along with stories about the Sami people and their way of life.
Guests appreciate the authenticity of the Sami dinner and the informative guides who share insights into Arctic traditions. The tour emphasizes local storytelling and culture, making it more than just a lights chase. One reviewer notes, “Enjoyed the warmth of the fire and the delicious food while waiting for the aurora,” which highlights the cozy, cultural atmosphere.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers interested in culture and traditional Sami food combined with aurora hunting. It’s a shorter, more intimate experience that delivers a genuine taste of Lapland.
6. Enjoy the Aurora Show on Top of the Mountain inc Tipi Dinner
This 5-hour experience takes you to the Northern Lights Lodge, perched on Mount Ednamvarri, with 360-degree views of the Arctic horizon. The evening begins with a dinner inside a tipi, featuring local flavors and fireside warmth. Then, with easy snowmobiles, guides take you to vantage points perfect for viewing and photographing the aurora dancing overhead.
Guests love how professional yet relaxed the guides are and how they’re attentive to guests’ comfort. The dinner in the tipi is described as “delicious,” and the view from the mountain top makes it clear why this tour is highly rated. The easy-to-maneuver snowmobiles mean you don’t need prior experience, just a sense of adventure.
Bottom line: Ideal if you want spectacular panoramic views and a cozy fire-side dinner combined with the excitement of snowmobiling. Suitable for travelers who prioritize scenic vistas and comfort.
7. Aurora Tour with Dinner in Abisko
This 5.5-hour tour emphasizes cultural storytelling and aurora chasing, with a three-course dinner at the Aurora Sky Station. Departing from Kiruna, your Sami guide shares insights into Sami culture, nature, and aurora science. The tour includes guided visits in Abisko, one of the best locations for a potential aurora display, and may include a chase for the lights back in Kiruna if the skies are clear.
Guests note the quality of the food and the knowledgeable guide Erica, who makes the experience both educational and scenic. Although weather can be unpredictable—as one reviewer mentions—they appreciate the comprehensive experience and cultural context.
Bottom line: Suited for those interested in cultural storytelling combined with a scenic aurora chase. It’s a bit more upscale and focused on education.
8. Kiruna: Reindeer Herder Tour with Sami Dinner and Transfers
This 7-hour tour immerses you in reindeer herding—a core part of Sami culture. Starting with transfers to a reindeer farm, you’ll ride a reindeer sled through the winter landscape, then feed the herd. The experience continues with a traditional Sami dinner inside a lavvu (Sami tent) around an open fire.
Guests love the hands-on experience of becoming a reindeer herder and the chance to see local wildlife like moose during transfers. The dinner is described as authentic, hearty, and served in a warm, communal setting.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want culture, hands-on activities, and a full day in the Arctic landscape. It’s a longer, more in-depth experience.
9. Kiruna: Abisko Northern Lights Tour with Dinner
This 5.5-hour tour takes you on a scenic drive to Abisko, with a focus on Aurora viewing, Sami culture, and dinner. The trip may include aurora chasing depending on conditions, with guides sharing stories about local culture and nature. The dinner in Abisko is designed to be both hearty and scenic, complementing the evening’s natural wonder.
Reviewers highlight the personalized service and the opportunity to see the lights. One noted, “The food was very good, and the Aurora was dancing above us,” emphasizing the combination of culinary and natural spectacle.
Bottom line: Well suited for those who want a cultural, scenic, and relaxed atmosphere with a good chance to see the Northern Lights.
How to Choose Your Perfect Dinner Experience in Kiruna
When selecting the best dinner experience, consider your interests and style. If you want guaranteed aurora viewing with a hearty meal, the Northern Lights Tour from Kiruna to Abisko is highly recommended. For a culture with traditional Sami cuisine, the Sami BBQ Dinner fits the bill perfectly.
Adventure lovers should look at the Snowmobile Aurora Expedition, which offers high-energy fun combined with stunning views and a meal in the wild. For those wanting scenic vistas and cozy fireside dinners, the Mountain Top Aurora Show provides panoramic beauty and comfort.
Practical tips include booking early, especially in peak winter months, as these tours are popular. Also, think about your fitness level—snowmobiling and reindeer sledding are more active, while scenic drives and tipis are more relaxed.
Final Thoughts
Kiruna offers a diverse range of dinner experiences, perfectly suited for different tastes and interests. Whether you’re after a luxurious aurora chase with gourmet food, an authentic Sami meal, or an adventurous snowmobile ride, you’ll find a tour that fits your style. The Northern Lights Tour from Kiruna to Abisko with Dinner and the Enjoy the Aurora Show on Top of the Mountain stand out for their scenic beauty and excellent chances to see the aurora.
Remember, these tours are popular, so booking early will ensure you secure your spot for an unforgettable night under the Arctic sky. Whatever your choice, these experiences promise a memorable blend of nature, culture, and cuisine in Kiruna.