Imagine spending a night in the heart of Swedish Lapland, under a sky alive with the Northern Lights, after building your very own snow shelter. This Kiruna build-your-own igloo overnight tour offers a rare blend of hands-on adventure, stunning natural scenery, and genuine Arctic hospitality. For $308 per person, you’ll get a full 20-hour experience that includes transportation from Kiruna, winter gear, and the chance to learn survival skills—all set in the remote wilderness of Norrbotten County.
What we particularly love about this tour is how it balances active participation with the chance to enjoy the serene Arctic landscape—no passive sightseeing here. The process of constructing your own igloo is a highlight, allowing you to connect physically and emotionally with the environment. Plus, the likelihood of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights on a clear night makes this experience truly memorable.
One consideration to keep in mind is that the igloo is quite small—you’re required to crouch or sit inside, as you won’t be able to stand upright. If claustrophobia or space constraints are a concern, this might not be the ideal choice. The tour also involves some physical effort, especially snow-moving and carving, which might be challenging for travelers with limited mobility.
This experience suits adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, want an authentic Arctic experience, and are comfortable with cold, small spaces. It’s perfect for those seeking to learn survival skills, see the Northern Lights, and create a memorable story of building their own shelter in the snow.
Key Points
- Hands-on Igloo Building: Learn how to construct your own snow shelter, which provides an authentic and engaging Arctic activity.
- Northern Lights Chance: If conditions are good, you’ll likely witness the spectacular Aurora Borealis from a remote, dark sky.
- Complete Winter Gear: All necessary clothing and outdoor equipment are provided, ensuring warmth and comfort.
- Cultural & Natural Immersion: Spend time in the wilderness with the chance to interact with sled dogs and enjoy traditional Sami hospitality.
- Physical Activity & Survival Skills: From snow carving to setting up your shelter, this tour offers practical skills alongside adventure.
- Limited Group Size: Small groups (up to 9 participants) mean personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
What Makes This Tour Special?
When we think about Arctic adventures, building an igloo might not be the first activity that comes to mind, but it’s exactly what makes this tour stand out. Unlike many passive snow safaris or aurora chases, this experience invites you to actively participate in the environment. You’ll learn the craft of snow carving, move snow to create your shelter, and gain a tangible sense of accomplishment—an experience that’s both fun and educational.
The tour takes place over approximately 20 hours, beginning at 2:15 PM with pickup in Kiruna, and concluding at 10 AM the next day. This timing allows for a relaxed afternoon of travel and activity, with the night spent in your self-built igloo, and a cozy breakfast around an open fire in the morning. It’s an excellent way to stretch a single day into a genuine Arctic overnight without needing to book multiple days.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Pickup and Transfer (2:15 PM)
Your journey starts with a pickup from one of four convenient locations in Kiruna—Camp Ripan, Best Western Hotel Arctic Eden, Malmvägen 9B (the new Kiruna Lapland Tourist Center), or Stora Coop. The van ride to the wilderness area of Kalixforsbron takes around 30 minutes, giving you a scenic preview of Swedish Lapland’s tranquil winter landscape.
Snow and Igloo Construction (4 Hours)
Once at Kalixforsbron, the real hands-on fun begins. Over the next four hours, your guide will teach you how to build an igloo—a process involving lifting and carving snow blocks, stacking them carefully, and creating a sturdy shelter. As one reviewer put it, “You get to see the snow from a different perspective and really understand how these structures are built.” The physical effort required is manageable but does demand some stamina; moving snow in cold weather is invigorating, if not always easy.
More Great Tours NearbyOvernight in Your Igloo
After construction, you’ll settle into your self-made igloo, equipped with a sleeping bag, inner liner, and mattress. It’s snug, small, and definitely not a place to stretch out—standing upright is impossible, so be prepared to sit or crouch. Many find it surprisingly cozy, especially when bundled up in the provided gear and sleeping bag. If the sky is clear and conditions are right, you might find yourself gazing out of the small opening, watching the Northern Lights swirl overhead.
Evening and Early Morning
Dinner is served in a traditional tipi, where you can enjoy warm food and share stories with fellow travelers. If the skies are clear, this is your best chance to see the Northern Lights—an ethereal dance across the Arctic sky that is truly worth the chilly wait. After a night in your snow shelter, you’ll wake to a hearty breakfast around an open fire, the warmth of which contrasts wonderfully with the icy surroundings.
Interaction with Sled Dogs and Return
In the morning, you’ll have time to meet and interact with around 40 friendly sled dogs—an opportunity to learn about dog sledding culture and maybe even pet some paws. The tour concludes with transportation back to Kiruna, with options for further Arctic activities, like a Husky day tour, if you wish to extend your adventure.
What We Loved
The most compelling part of this tour is the hands-on igloo building experience. It’s rare to get this kind of direct engagement with Arctic survival skills, and it’s rewarding to see your own snow shelter take shape. Plus, the chance to see the Northern Lights away from city lights is exactly what many travelers are craving—quiet, dark skies, and the natural spectacle of Aurora Borealis.
The inclusion of winter gear and outdoor equipment makes all the difference, removing the hassle of packing bulky clothing and ensuring you stay warm and dry. The small group size (up to 9 participants) makes the experience intimate, allowing for personalized attention and shared stories around the fire.
A Few Considerations
One thing to keep in mind is that the igloo is quite small. You cannot stand upright inside, so if you or your travel companions suffer from claustrophobia or simply prefer more space, this might not be the best fit. The physical activity involved—lifting snow, setting up the shelter—may be strenuous for some, especially in cold conditions.
Also, the weather can always be unpredictable. Clear skies are essential for Northern Lights sightings, but there’s no guarantee. The experience is most rewarding when the aurora is active, which depends on solar activity and weather conditions.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This tour is well-suited for adventurous travelers who want more than just a quick glance at Arctic scenery. If you love outdoor activities, are interested in survival skills, or want to try something truly authentic, you’ll find this engaging. It’s also great for those wanting a unique story to tell of building their own shelter in the snow and sleeping in the Arctic wilderness. However, it’s not ideal for families with children under 12 or those with mobility or claustrophobia issues.
The Kiruna build-your-own igloo overnight tour offers a genuinely immersive Arctic experience that combines physical activity, natural beauty, and cultural insight. For about $308, you get not only the chance to create your own snow shelter but also to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays—the Northern Lights. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with the environment in a meaningful way, learning skills that have sustained Arctic peoples for generations.
While the small space inside the igloo and physical demands may not suit everyone, for those who embrace the cold and adventure, this tour provides a memorable story and a true taste of Lapland life. It’s perfect for curious, outdoor-loving travelers eager to try something different and authentic.
Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup from four locations in Kiruna is included, and transport to and from Kalixforsbron is arranged, making logistics simple.
What should I bring?
You will be provided with winter overalls, socks, boots, mittens, hats, and head torches. It’s best to dress in layers and consider bringing a scarf or balaclava for extra warmth.
How small is the igloo?
Inside, you won’t be able to stand upright. It’s designed for sitting or crouching, so be prepared for a cozy, tight space.
Can I see the Northern Lights?
Yes, if the weather is clear and solar activity is favorable, there’s a good chance to observe the Aurora Borealis from the wilderness area.
Is this suitable for children?
Not for children under 12 years old, mainly due to the small space and physical nature of the activities.
What about the group size?
The experience is limited to a small group of up to 9 participants, allowing for personalized guidance.
Is there an option to extend the Arctic adventure?
Yes, the igloo experience can be combined with a husky day tour starting the next morning.
What equipment will I sleep in?
You’ll sleep in a sleeping bag, with an inner liner and a mattress, inside your self-built igloo.
What’s the cost and value?
For $308, you gain a full day and night of Arctic adventure, including all gear and transportation—offering excellent value for a unique, hands-on experience.
This tour is a genuine Arctic adventure that offers more than just sightseeing—it’s about participation, discovery, and creating memories in one of the world’s most stunning environments. Perfect for those eager to experience Lapland authentically, it promises a night under the stars, a cozy shelter you built yourself, and perhaps even a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
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