Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost city, is an outdoor lover’s playground. Its vast, snow-dusted landscapes and the chance to see the Northern Lights make it a top destination for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. Unlike more typical destinations, Kiruna’s winter scenery is a snowy wonderland where snowshoes become your best friend for exploring the arctic wilderness. I’m a fan of the Snowshoe Hike & Ice Fishing Tour, which combines cultural insights, wildlife spotting, and a bit of outdoor survival—a true taste of Lapland adventure. Whether you love nighttime Northern Lights hunts or prefer daytime scenic walks, Kiruna offers options for every type of hiker.
If you’re trying to decide which tour to choose, you’ll find a variety of experiences here. Some focus on daylight exploration, like the Daytime Snowshoe Hike, while others take you out at night for aurora viewing, such as the Northern Lights Snowshoe Hike. For those wanting a longer, more immersive adventure, the Abisko National Park Snowshoe Hike offers a full-day trek into one of Sweden’s most stunning national parks. Below, I’ll walk you through each tour to help you pick the perfect fit.
1. Kiruna: Snowshoe Hike & Ice fishing Tour
Rated 4.8/5 from 71 reviews, this 4-hour tour is a fantastic introduction to Lapland’s winter outdoors. You’ll put on snowshoes and trek through snow-laden forests, learning about local culture and wildlife from your guide. The highlight is ice fishing on a frozen lake—an authentic Arctic experience. The tour also includes traditional Fika (Swedish coffee break) and a light meal cooked over an open fire, making it a cozy way to connect with the landscape.
Tour guide Martins is known for his friendly, informative style, making the experience accessible for all fitness levels. Reviewers love the hands-on fire-building, roasting marshmallows, and the chance to try ice fishing—a rare skill in the Arctic. The tour’s combination of nature, culture, and outdoor skills makes it perfect for those wanting a well-rounded Arctic adventure.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a great mix of outdoor activity and culture, best suited for those who want a relaxed but engaging introduction to Kiruna’s winter environment.
2. Kiruna: Daytime Snowshoe Hike
At number 2, this 3-hour guided tour (rated 4.9/5 from 46 reviews) is ideal for travelers seeking a short, scenic outdoor experience. Starting from one of nine pickup points around Kiruna, you’ll join a guided walk through snow-covered forests and along scenic viewpoints. The tour highlights local flora and fauna, making it both informative and beautiful.
What sets this tour apart is its flexible pickup options and the chance to enjoy the Arctic wilderness in daylight, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and take photos. The guide shares insights into the natural environment and local history, enriching the experience. Along the way, you’ll pause for a warm drink with a view, adding comfort to the brisk outdoor trek.
Value is high here, especially considering the included scenic views and nature education. The tour is perfect for those with limited time but wanting a taste of Kiruna’s winter landscape.
Bottom Line: For travelers looking for a short, guided outdoor walk with educational insights, this tour hits the mark.
3. Kiruna: Snowshoe Trek with Aurora Hunt and Warm Beverage
Rated a perfect 5/5 from 10 reviews, this 3-hour tour is tailored for night owls and aurora chasers. You’ll don provided overalls and boots and trek through the snowbound landscape in search of the elusive Northern Lights. The highlight is the aurora hunt, where you’ll stand in the wilderness, away from city lights, to maximize your chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis dance across the sky.
During the trek, you’ll enjoy a warm beverage and sandwich, which keeps you cozy in the crisp outdoor air. The guide is praised for sharing stories about the science and folklore behind the Northern Lights, adding an educational twist to the experience.
This tour is ideal for adventurers willing to stay out at night and those eager for a magical, starry experience. The extra warmth and food make it more comfortable for those worried about the cold.
Bottom Line: Perfect for nighttime explorers wanting a chance at witnessing the Northern Lights in a comfortable, guided setting.
4. Kiruna: Snowshoe Trek with Warm Beverage and Sandwich
This 3-hour guided snowshoe trek (rated 5/5 from 3 reviews) is ideal for travelers wanting to combine outdoor adventure with wildlife spotting. You’ll be fitted with warm overalls, snowshoes, and poles and head into the Lapland wilderness, where tracks of moose, reindeer, foxes, and hares are often seen.
The tour includes a stop for a warm beverage and sandwich, offering a comforting break amid the snow. Reviewers mention the valuable nature insights and the authentic experience of being outdoors in the snowy landscape. The tour’s round-trip transfer makes logistics easy.
This trip is perfect for those who want an educational, nature-focused trek with some wildlife spotting, especially if you enjoy animal sign tracking.
Bottom Line: A nature lovers’ tour that combines easy trekking, wildlife tracking, and outdoor warmth, suited for all ages.
5. Northern Lights Snowshoe Hike
Rated 4.8/5 from 4 reviews, this 3.5-hour nighttime snowshoe adventure is designed for those eager to see the Aurora Borealis. After pickups at several locations, you’ll head out into the wilderness, where quiet snowshoes let you move silently through the snow. The tour emphasizes aurora viewing, with the guide sharing stories and facts about the science behind the lights.
The included Fika around the open fire enhances the experience, making it cozy despite the outdoor setting. The tour’s focus on night sky phenomena offers a more contemplative, peaceful alternative to daytime snowshoeing.
Best suited for adventurous night owls and those wanting a more serene, atmospheric experience. It’s the perfect choice if your main goal is to witness the Northern Lights in a relaxed and intimate setting.
Bottom Line: A tranquil, Aurora-focused trek ideal for nighttime nature lovers wanting an authentic Arctic experience.
6. Kiruna: Abisko National Park Snowshoe Hike with Lunch
For the full day-long experience, this 6-hour guided snowshoe hike into Abisko National Park is exceptional. It includes a historic overview of the Iron Ore Railway, trekking across semi-frozen creeks and searching for animal tracks. The highlight is a homemade outdoor lunch in the stunning winter landscape, perfect for those wanting to really enjoy nature.
Rated on the experience of learning about the local environment and history, this trip attracts travelers interested in science, geology, and local stories. The guide’s insights about the area’s natural and industrial history add depth to the trek.
While the longer duration means more commitment, it’s best suited for those with more time and a good fitness level. The scenic landscapes and outdoor lunch create a memorable Arctic adventure.
Bottom Line: For travelers craving an in-depth day experience that combines nature, history, and outdoor cooking, this tour offers excellent value.
$202 per person
How to Choose Your Kiruna Hiking and Trekking Tour
When selecting your ideal adventure, consider your budget, available time, and interests. For quick nature fixes, the Daytime Snowshoe Hike provides a compact yet scenic taste of the wilderness. If your goal is to witness the Northern Lights, the Northern Lights Snowshoe Hike offers a cozy, atmospheric experience.
For those wanting a comprehensive outdoor day, the Abisko National Park Snowshoe Hike combines history, nature, and a homemade lunch, ideal for active travelers. Budget-conscious travelers may prefer smaller group tours like the Snowshoe Trek with Wildlife, which emphasizes wildlife tracking.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak winter months when Arctic adventures are in high demand. Think about your fitness level, preferred activity type (day or night), and whether you’d enjoy cultural stories or wildlife tracking to help narrow your choices.
In summary, Kiruna offers a rich menu of hiking and trekking options, from short scenic walks to full-day explorations of national parks. Whether you’re longing for a night under the Northern Lights or a day in the snow-covered forests, there’s something here for every outdoor enthusiast. If you want a balanced mix of nature, culture, and adventure, I recommend booking your tour well in advance, so you don’t miss out on these memorable Arctic experiences.