Kiruna, Sweden, is a photographer’s paradise, especially if you’re eager to capture the spectacular Northern Lights or the arctic wildlife. With its vast, snow-blanketed landscapes and clear, crisp skies, this Arctic town offers picture-perfect moments around every corner. We’re particularly fond of the Northern Lights tours, like the Kiruna Northern Lights Tour with Photographer, which combines the thrill of chasing the aurora with professional guidance and photography tips. Whether you’re a seasoned shutterbug or just love snapping stunning scenery, Kiruna’s diverse experiences promise unforgettable images.
For those wanting a more immersive local experience, the Wildlife and Nature Photography tours offer chances to photograph moose, Arctic foxes, and other native animals. The combination of natural beauty and Sami culture makes these tours especially compelling. Whatever your skill level or interests, the options below will help you find the perfect way to fill your camera roll with authentic Arctic moments.
1. Kiruna Northern Lights Tour with Photographer
At number one, the Kiruna Northern Lights Tour with Photographer stands out for its focus on both aurora viewing and photography. This 4 to 6-hour adventure begins with pickup from your hotel, then heads out into the dark, hoping for clear skies. The tour’s main strength is its flexibility: the guide will drive to prime locations like Abisko or Kiruna’s boreal forest—places with some of the best chances to see the Northern Lights, thanks to Lights of Vikings’ high success rate at finding clear skies.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is the professional guidance on capturing the aurora. Your guide shares photography tips and, if you wish, can help you set up your camera or even provide equipment. Reviewers rave about the personalized attention and the warm cabin setting that keeps you comfortable while waiting. Many mention the guides’ caring attitude—Robin, in particular, is praised for his kindness and explanations about the Aurora. Prices are around $202.75 per person, which offers good value considering the expert guidance, flexible locations, and the chance to see the Northern Lights in one of the clearest Arctic skies.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for travelers who want a higher chance of seeing the Aurora with the added bonus of expert photography help. It’s a reliable, personalized experience that maximizes your chances of capturing the Northern Lights.
2. Kiruna: Northern Lights Tour with Photos
At number two, the Kiruna: Northern Lights Tour with Photos offers a balance of scenic viewing and professional photography. Lasting around 5 hours, this experience is led by a photographer guide who not only helps you spot the aurora but also takes photos of you and the lights. It’s a great choice if you want memories you can take home—photos and videos included.
You’ll enjoy the warmth of a campfire while you watch the sky and listen to stories about the Aurora and Sami traditions. Reviewers highlight guides like Onur and Iris, who go above and beyond to make guests comfortable and capture stunning images. The tour’s price is about $209 per person, which reflects its focus on photography, comfort, and education. Many guests praise the effort made to find clear skies, even on tricky weather nights, with guides adjusting plans accordingly.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want professional-quality photos and a cozy experience. This tour’s emphasis on capturing your Arctic memories makes it just a little extra special.
3. Northern Light Photo tour
Coming in at number three, the Northern Light Photo tour is a four-hour outing tailored for photography enthusiasts. Guides like Ilya, born in the region, are experts in finding the best night-time spots and teaching camera techniques. They provide camera equipment and give lessons on photographing the Aurora, making it perfect for beginners and experienced photographers alike.
What sets this tour apart is the local expertise—guides know the best locations, even in bad weather, so you have a good chance of capturing the lights. Reviewers mention how much they appreciated being taught camera settings and getting personalized tips. The tour costs about $211.79 per person, and the focus is on making sure everyone leaves with great shots and new skills.
Bottom line: If you’re eager to learn how to photograph the Aurora and want a local guide’s insight, this tour offers valuable tips in a compact, four-hour format.
4. Kiruna: Northern Light Photo Tour with Equipment
In fourth place, the Kiruna: Northern Light Photo Tour with Equipment is perfect for travelers who want to focus entirely on photography. This 4-hour tour provides camera and tripod rentals, so you don’t need to bring your own gear. Under the guidance of a local, you’ll explore top spots with the best chances to photograph the aurora, even if the weather isn’t perfect.
This tour’s main appeal is the full equipment support, which is rare in Arctic tours. Guests report that guides help with camera settings and composition, making the experience accessible for all skill levels. Priced at $207 per person, it offers great value for those serious about their Arctic photographs.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers keen on capturing professional-quality Aurora images without the hassle of packing gear, and who appreciate expert guidance.
5. Half day Wildlife and Nature Photography
At number five, the Half day Wildlife and Nature Photography tour offers a different flavor of Arctic photography. Led by Sami guides, you borrow a telephoto lens and explore areas where moose, Arctic foxes, and other animals are frequently seen. This four-hour experience emphasizes local Sami culture and natural history, making your photos not just beautiful but meaningful.
Guests praise Annette’s guidance and the chance to photograph wildlife in their natural habitat. The tour costs around $212.71 per person and is ideal for those who want to combine wildlife photography with cultural insight. It’s less about the Northern Lights and more about capturing Arctic animals up close, which is perfect if you prefer wildlife over sky-gazing.
Bottom line: A fantastic option for wildlife lovers who want to photograph moose and Arctic animals while learning about Sami traditions.
6. Kiruna: Wildlife and nature photography
Finally, the Kiruna: Wildlife and Nature Photography tour ranks high for its focus on native arctic animals and local Sami culture. It’s a four-hour experience with a knowledgeable Sami guide who helps you photograph moose and other wildlife in their natural environment. You can bring your own camera or use a borrowed tele-lens, and the guide shares tips on wildlife photography techniques.
Guests appreciate the intimate experience of seeing animals like moose in the wild, along with insights into Sami life. The tour’s price varies depending on availability but offers a rewarding chance for nature-focused photography.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for travelers who want a close-up encounter with Arctic animals and cultural stories, all while honing their photography skills.
How to Choose Your Perfect Photography Experience in Kiruna
When selecting a tour, consider your photography skill level, interests, and budget. If capturing the Northern Lights is your priority, the Northern Lights Tours are your best bet, especially for their flexibility and guides’ expertise. For those eager to learn how to shoot the aurora, the Northern Light Photo tour offers personalized lessons. Wildlife enthusiasts should look at the Wildlife and Nature Photography or the Wildlife and Photography tours, which provide chances to photograph Arctic animals.
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer tours with equipment rentals included or shorter durations, while serious photographers should consider tours that focus on instruction and technical support. Weather can be unpredictable, so flexible plans and guides who are skilled at adjusting plans are a big advantage.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak Aurora season from late September to early April, to secure your spot in these popular tours.
Final Thoughts
Kiruna delivers an impressive range of photography adventures that cater to different interests and skill levels. For breathtaking Aurora images, the guided Northern Lights tours, especially those with professional photography help, are hard to beat. Wildlife and cultural tours allow you to capture the unique Arctic life and Sami traditions, adding depth to your photo collection.
If you want to maximize your chances of a perfect shot and enjoy expert guidance, tours like the Northern Lights Tour with Photographer and the Northern Light Photo Tour are excellent choices. For wildlife lovers, the Arctic animal-focused trips provide intimate encounters and beautiful shots of moose and foxes in their natural habitat. Whatever your preference, booking early and preparing your gear will help you come home with memories—and photos—that truly capture the magic of Kiruna’s Arctic wilderness.