Best Hotels in Kiruna, Sweden — Where to Stay in Swedish Lapland’s Arctic Heart
Iron, ice, and auroras — welcome to the town that’s slowly moving
Enjoying Camp Ripan Aurora Spa!
Kiruna holds a special place for me (Eli). That’s where my passion for the Arctic was born, back in 2007! As soon as I got off the plane, I knew it was true love at first sight. Maybe it’s the strange mix of mining town grit and Arctic wonder, or the way the Northern Lights appear right above the grocery store. Or the unpretentious authenticity, and the friendly locals.
We’ve been here seven times — long enough to watch part of the town literally move east to escape the expanding iron mine — including the church this past summer (2025). What hasn’t moved is the atmosphere: cozy cafés to warm up while watching the snow fall, locals on snowmobiles or sleds doing their grocery run, and hotels that feel built to survive winter (yes, even made of ice).
Plan your trip:
Find your dream hotel, rent a car to explore Swedish Lapland, or book a local tour — everything starts here.
When to see the northern lights in Kiruna, Swedish Lapland
The aurora season in Iceland runs from late September to early April, with the best viewing usually between December and February, when nights are longest and skies clearest.
For photo settings, gear advice, and the best Northern Lights destinations across the world, check out our full 👉 Northern Lights Hub.
Best Hotels & Accommodation in Kiruna
Every year, the Icehotel is rebuilt from scratch and looks totally different!
Camp Ripan — Nature meets comfort
If Kiruna had a heartbeat, it would sound like Camp Ripan’s sauna crackling at -20°C. Part hotel, part spa (with Sámi music), Camp Ripan blends Scandinavian design with Lapland soul — cabins scattered between birch trees, an outdoor pool steaming under the aurora, and local dishes served by firelight. After a day in the cold, it’s the best feeling ever — and if Lady Aurora shows up, you can only imagine!
If you can’t stay there, treat yourself to a spa + Nordic dinner.
They definitely deserve a spot in our selection of the Best Hotels in Swedish Lapland!
👉 Book Camp Ripan here
Icehotel — The original frozen dream (Jukkasjärvi)
Only twenty minutes from town but a world away, Icehotel is Kiruna’s most iconic stay. Built fresh every winter from ice carved out of the Torne River, it’s part museum, part art gallery, and 100% unforgettable — I visited it 6 times and counting! If you don’t drive, you can take a cab or the bus directly from the city center. If you can’t splurge on a night there, at least visit it by day.
👉 Book Icehotel here
Penguin Trampoline tip:
If you make it out to Jukkasjärvi — and you should — don’t just visit the Icehotel. Stop by Sámi Siida, a small open-air site where local Sámi guides share stories about reindeer herding, Arctic traditions, and daily life in Lapland. You can meet the reindeer up close, try a bit of smoked meat around the fire (suova), and learn how Sámi culture still shapes life in Northern Sweden today.
It’s a quiet, honest experience — nothing staged, just warmth, snow, and fascinating stories. Discover other things to do in Kiruna!
Scandic Kiruna — New town, northern lights views
The new Scandic Kiruna stands tall in the relocated part of town — sleek, sustainable, and designed to maximize light (even when there isn’t much). It’s practical, modern, and surprisingly cozy.
👉 Book Scandic Kiruna here
Sámegård Guesthouse — Culture and warmth
A place that feels more like a home than a hotel. Sámegård combines comfort with Sámi culture — there’s art, storytelling, and genuine hospitality from people who’ve lived here for generations. It’s small, soulful, and full of heart. We absolutely love it, and breakfast is also delicious!
👉 Book Sámegård Guesthouse here
Camp Alta — Aurora by the River
Just outside town, away from the city lights, on the frozen banks of the Torne River, Camp Alta is one of those places that makes you feel part of Lapland. You can stay in simple cabins, light your own fire, go ice-fishing, enjoy the sauna, and walk straight onto the snow to watch the Northern Lights. We’ve stayed here — it’s rustic, authentic, and the aurora views make it pure magic.
👉 Book Camp Alta here
Bishops Arms Kiruna — Pub below, comfort above
We never stayed there, but it’s a classic in Kiruna. You’ll smell the wood and malt before you even check in! Bishops Arms is a local favorite — a British-style pub downstairs, warm rooms upstairs, and a short walk to everything downtown. Perfect if you like your northern lights with a pint.
👉 Book Bishops Arms Kiruna here
Best Western Kiruna Arctic Eden — Family-friendly & functional
This morning view is priceless!
Set in a renovated school building, Best Western Arctic Eden offers roomy stays, a pool, and a surprisingly good restaurant. It’s ideal for families or anyone craving reliable comfort after a day in the snow.
👉 Book Arctic Eden here
Aurora River Camp Glass Igloos & Cabins — Firelight and fjord reflections
A few minutes outside Kiruna, Aurora River Camp offers that perfect mix of wilderness and comfort. You sleep in cozy wooden huts and glass igloos by the frozen river, step outside straight into snow, and if the skies are kind — the aurora dances right above camp. They even keep a fire burning in the tipi, so you can warm up between photo bursts.
👉 Book Aurora River Camp here
Reindeer River Lights Lodge — Remote and real Lapland
This small lodge feels like a secret. Reindeer River Lights Lodge sits deep in the forest, surrounded by nothing but snow and silence. Think wooden cabins, reindeer nearby, and auroras reflecting in the river. It’s the kind of place where you actually hear the Northern Lights — that soft crackle above the silence (if sled dogs are not howling).
👉 Book Reindeer River Lights Lodge here
Map of hotels and cabins in Kiruna
Zoom in below to explore the dreamiest hotels and cabins in Kiruna and around. All locations update live with real prices and availability.
Getting around Kiruna and Swedish Lapland
If you’re planning to go aurora hunting, get away from city lights if you can! Frozen lakes and rivers are ideal for this.
Kiruna is compact — but the real magic (Abisko, Jukkasjärvi, the Icehotel) lies a short drive away. Winter roads are safe if you take it slow, but always check trafikverket.se before heading out.
Getting around Kiruna and Swedish Lapland:
In Kiruna, you can do pretty much everything walking. You can take a bus to the Icehotel and a train to Abisko. However, if you go aurora chasing, rent a 4x4 to get away from city lights.
When to Visit Kiruna and Swedish Lapland
Arctic winter sunsets last forever and have this pink/purple hue. Kiruna’s beautiful church before it was moved in summer 2025!
December–March: Peak winter. Deep snow, dog-sledding, Icehotel in full form, and the best chance to see the northern lights.
April–May: Quieter, longer days, great for cross-country skiing and frozen-lake picnics.
June–August: Midnight sun, hiking, and fishing — endless daylight and green tundra.
September–October: Autumn colors, first snow, and early aurora shows with fewer tourists.
Our go-to planning tools
| Tool | Why We Use It |
|---|---|
| 🏨 Booking.com | Best range of hotels & cabins in Kiruna with free cancellation |
| 🚗 Rentalcars.com | For exploring Abisko, Icehotel, and snowy roads safely |
| ❄️ Heymondo Insurance | 5–15% off — covers delays, cancellations & Arctic surprises |
Follow the Arctic Life
If you drive around Lapland, mind the reindeer!
Reindeer wander near the road, fox and wolf tracks line the snow, and if you’re lucky, you might see moose on the outskirts of town.
Our partner Fahlo lets you keep following that magic from home — their Arctic bracelets help track real animals like wolves, bears, and whales, while supporting wildlife research. 🦌💙
Our readers get 20% off through this link: Track an Arctic animal with Fahlo
FAQ: Where to stay in Kiruna, Sweden
If you rent a cabin in the woods, check if the toilet is outside (very common)
Is Kiruna worth visiting?
Yes — especially in winter. It’s less commercial than Rovaniemi, better placed for Abisko and the Icehotel, and you can actually see local life, not just tourism. If you want “real Lapland” with Northern Lights, snow activities, and a town that’s literally moving because of the mine, Kiruna is fascinating.
How to get to Kiruna?
You can fly, take the train, or drive. The quickest way is a 1h40 flight from Stockholm, landing right in Kiruna Airport (10 minutes from town). The overnight train from Stockholm is a favorite for slow travelers — a 15-hour journey through forests, lakes, and Arctic tundra. We personally love it. Waking up to a moving snowy landscape, a hot coffee in your hands, is magical. If you’re driving, the E10 highway connects Kiruna with Narvik and Luleå, but winter roads demand snow tires and patience. Summer driving is lovely though — just watch out for the reindeer!
Is the Icehotel near Kiruna?
Yes — it’s in Jukkasjärvi, about 20 minutes away. Most hotels in Kiruna can help you arrange transport, and there’s also a bus from Kiruna bus station.
Can you see the Northern Lights from Kiruna?
Definitely. Kiruna sits well inside the aurora zone. Stay at least 3 nights for better odds, and go with a local tour if the clouds move in.
What’s the best hotel for couples?
Camp Ripan (warm spa, cabins, good food) or Icehotel (bucket list, art, pure magic).
Is it expensive to stay in Kiruna?
It can be, especially in peak winter. That being said, it’s usually cheaper cheaper compared to Rovaniemi or hotels in Tromsø. Book early, choose places with a kitchenette, and travel outside Christmas/New Year if you can.
Do I need travel insurance for Lapland?
Yes. Winter weather, delayed trains, missed activities — it happens. We use Heymondo (5–15% off with our link) because it covers cancellations and Arctic-style surprises.
Kiruna isn’t luxury in the glossy sense — it’s the kind that smells like wood smoke, and stays with you long after you’ve left (the wood smoke smell too!). Whether you sleep on ice, in a Sámi accommodation, or under the northern lights, you’ll wake up to silence, snow, and that feeling that you’re somewhere truly rare.
Planning a trip to Kiruna and Swedish Lapland? Check out our guides:
🏨 Hotels in Luleå, Sweden — Modern stays, design retreats, and Arctic cabins under the Northern Lights.
🦌 Things to do in Kiruna — Aurora skies, Sámi culture, and the northern edge of cozy.
🏨 Best Hotels in Swedish Lapland — Icehotels, glass igloos, and cozy cabins under the northern lights.
🌌 Luleå Northern Lights — Ice roads, frozen seas, and aurora skies across Swedish Lapland.
🇸🇪 Winter Travel to Luleå, Sweden — Frozen seas, saunas, and Arctic calm
🎄 Kiruna vs. Rovaniemi: Swedish Lapland vs. Finnish Lapland — Two Arctic capitals, one epic showdown.
❄️ Our Ultimate Arctic Travel Guide — How to explore, survive, and avoid becoming a polar bear’s lunch.
✨ Northern Lights for Dummies — How to actually see the aurora (without freezing your butt off or waiting 12 nights in vain).
