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 a frozen lake
Most underrated Kiruna winter activity. Walking out onto a frozen lake, drilling through the ice and waiting with a warm drink while the landscape sits in near-total silence is a different kind of Arctic experience — quiet, meditative, and something almost no traveller outside the Nordics has done.
Typical species: Arctic char (röding), perch, pike, whitefish. Fishing conditions vary and a catch can never be guaranteed. Suitable for families with children aged 6+.
Cost: 990 SEK per person for a 3-hour guided trip (minimum 2 participants per booking). Our Ice Fishing Tour includes all fishing equipment — drill, rods, bait — plus warm drinks. Bring your own very warm winter clothing, boots and gloves.
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. ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi
The original ice hotel, rebuilt every winter from Torne River ice. A day visit lets you walk through the themed ice suites, the ice chapel and the ice bar without staying overnight. Iconic, touristy, but genuinely unique — a day visit is enough for most people.
Cost: day-visit and overnight prices are seasonal and change year to year — check current prices and opening hours on the official ICEHOTEL site. It's about a 20-minute drive east of Kiruna. Book ahead in high season.
4. LKAB iron mine tour
A guided visit deep underground into the world's largest underground iron ore mine. The mine is the reason Kiruna exists — and the reason parts of the town are being relocated. It gives a completely different perspective on the Arctic than another beautiful view, and works well on days when the weather is rough.
Cost & schedule: tour times, prices and age rules are set by the operator and change seasonally — check the current listing with Kiruna Lapland (the official visitor centre) before you plan around it, and book early since departures are limited.
This is one of the most distinctive cultural experiences in Kiruna and one many 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 → From 1490 SEK per adult. Hotel pickup, warm drinks, phone photo help.5. Sámi culture in Jukkasjärvi
Kiruna is part of Sápmi, and a reindeer and Sámi culture visit gives essential context to the whole region. A typical experience includes meeting reindeer, a lávvu visit and traditional food. Nutti Sámi Siida in Jukkasjärvi is a well-known provider — see their official site for current programmes, prices and their own presentation of who they are.
Worth it? Yes, once per trip. Choose a serious provider and ask questions — a good visit is about understanding reindeer herding, language, land use and modern Sámi life, not just seeing reindeer.
6. Husky sledding
Several operators around Kiruna offer husky trips, from shorter rides to longer experiences where you drive your own sled. Options, prices and departure points vary — compare current offers directly with the operators (the Kiruna Lapland visitor centre lists local providers).
Honest take: it's often memorable, but sitting still as a passenger gets cold. A half-day is enough for most visitors — save full-day trips for when you're deeply committed to dog sledding.
7. Snowmobile safari
Guided snowmobile tours depart from Kiruna or Jukkasjärvi — loops through forest, over frozen lakes and sometimes up to viewpoints.
Cost & requirements: prices, driving-licence requirements and minimum ages are set by each operator and vary by tour — confirm them with the provider before booking.
Worth it? Good if you've never done it. Less unique than ice fishing or the mine tour. Two people can usually share a snowmobile, which cuts the per-person cost.
Honorable mentions (skip if short on time)
- Curling: a fun indoor option for stormy days (Kiruna gets some) — check locally for current venues and prices.
- 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) + Sámi 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) + ICEHOTEL visit (afternoon). Fly out.
Third-party prices and schedules change constantly — always verify current details on the provider's official site before you lock in your plan.
What the weather decides for you
Above −10°C outdoor activities are comfortable. Below −25°C, shift toward indoor options (LKAB mine, ICEHOTEL 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 during high season.