Escorted Rail Tours to Kiruna
Surrounded by natural beauty, Sweden’s northernmost town is full of surprises
Positioned ninety miles north of the Arctic Circle in Swedish
Lapland, Kiruna is a spectacular destination at any time of year. A
paradise for lovers of the great outdoors, Kiruna's magical
landscapes include mountain ranges - Sweden's highest peak,
Kebnekaise, is visible from the city, ancient woodlands, crystal
clear lakes and rivers and beautiful valleys.
The indigenous Sami people of Scandinavia have inhabited the
northern region of Sweden around Kiruna for an estimated six
thousand years, surviving via their activities of reindeer herding,
fur trapping and fishing. In the seventeenth century, vast iron ore
reserves were discovered in the area and as processes for the
mining, extraction and transportation of iron improved over the
following two centuries, so the town of Kiruna was established and
became prosperous.
Today, Kiruna boasts the world's largest underground iron-ore
mine, and whilst this is still the foremost contributor to the
city's economy, tourism provides a significant source of income as
increasing numbers of visitors arrive to experience Kiruna's many
attractions. One of the most famous of these is the world's first,
and largest, hotel constructed entirely from snow and ice and
rebuilt from scratch each winter. Elsewhere, visitors can discover
the fascinating history and culture of the Sami people at the small
but highly informative Samegarden Museum and, of course, travel 550
metres underground to tour the Kiruna Iron Mine.
Enjoying the beauty of Kiruna
Kiruna's location and environment make it an ideal base from
which to enjoy a wide range of exhilarating activities and
experiences throughout the year. When snow is on the ground between
October and May, dog-sledding or snowmobiling present an unmissable
opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Kiruna's surroundings as
routes take in woodlands, frozen lakes and hills. At this time of
year it is also possible to skate on frozen rivers or lakes or to
indulge in downhill or cross-country skiing.
Kiruna's summer months, from July to September are a wonderful
time to get out and explore some of northern Sweden's superb
walking trails. The 440-kilometre Kungsleden (Kings Trail) passes
nearby whilst the 800-kilometre Nordkalottruta (or Arctic Trail)
which follows the borders of Norway, Sweden and Finland and
partially traverses Abisko National Park, a site famous for its
natural beauty and for observing the aurora borealis (northern
lights), located approximately one hundred kilometres northwest of
Kiruna.
Golfers can enjoy a round at the world's most northerly golf
course. Björkliden Golf Course, established in 1929, offers
stunning views of Kiruna's mountains and offers the unique
experience of playing twenty-four hours a day by the light of the
Arctic midnight sun.
An excellent holiday with lots of interest.