Where is Kiruna?


Kiruna is situated 150 km north of the Arctic Circle, close to the 68° latitude. Thanks to the Gulf Stream outside the Norwegian coast, the climate is milder than in the corresponding parts of Alaska or Siberia. The winter period lasts from November to April, when the ground is covered with snow. We are well prepared for winter. Our houses are well insulated and snow-clearance usually works efficiently. The sun “disappears” at the end of November, but we still have daylight for about four hours a day during the darkest period, since we are not that far north as you might think. During this dark period, we enjoy the Northern Lights and the starry winter sky. The sun “comes back” at the beginning of January and the best part of winter is definitely March-April, when we love to be outdoors, skiing or travelling by snowmobile.  From the end of May till the end of July we appreciate the midnight sun – the sun never goes below the horizon during that period of time. (This gives a whole new meaning to the word: “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised” Ps. 113:3!) We love it, but foreigners tend to have difficulties falling asleep during the night. Our summer lasts from June till the middle of August, but you never know what to expect. The temperature varies between 25° Celsius (80° Fahrenheit) and 10°C (50°F). Bring warm clothes and an umbrella, just in case!

Facts about Kiruna

Kiruna has more than 20 000 inhabitants (länk?). There are several shops, restaurants and banks. The city was built because of ore findings at the end of the 19th century. The ore mine is a major place of work even today (being the most technically advanced mine in the world, mining ore at the depth of 1000 metre). New fields of work are e.g. space technology and tourism. We have a space centre called Esrange (länk?) and in the nearby village of Jukkasjarvi you can visit the famous Icehotel. (länk?) Jukkasjarvi is also an old Sami market place. A church was built here in 16…, since the Samis were known to gather here in the winter in order to sell and buy goods.

 

How to get here

You can come to Kiruna either by train, plane or car. The airport lies five kilometres outside the city and there are direct flights from Stockholm (the capital of Sweden) every day. Flying time is around 90 minutes. You can also fly via Lulea or Umea. Book in good time!

You can go by train from Stockholm to Kiruna, which will take 18 hours, or from Lulea, which will take 4 hours. It’s also possible to continue by train from Kiruna to Narvik, which is a seaport in Norway.

The roads are good and the network of roads can take you even to the Arctic Ocean if you’re interested in travelling in the north of Norway. Nordkap – the North Cape – is often mentioned as one of the four corners of the earth. It is possible to rent a car in Kiruna.