Kiruna

Welcome to Kiruna, nestled in the heart of Swedish Lapland, where the magic of the Northern Lights awaits. Prepare to be captivated by the raw beauty of the Arctic wilderness and the celestial spectacle that dances across the night sky.

The aurora borealis is visible in Kiruna from late September to early April, with peak viewing in February and March, when the nights are longer, and the sky is often clear.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

0%

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Kiruna area (forecast for 19 September 2025 at 9:33am UTC)

Kp 0.67

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

  • 0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
  • 3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
  • 6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
  • 8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.
Bz 1 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced auroral activity.

Density 0.58 p/cm3

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimeter (p/cm3).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm3.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 425.2 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Clouds

7°C Feels like 4°C

High
9°C
Low
4°C
  • Precipitation: 0%
  • Cloud cover: 92%
  • Wind: 2 km/h

Moon

Waning crescent

  • Sun rises at: 6:09am
  • Sun sets at: 6:55pm
  • Moon rises at: 1:35am
  • Moon sets at: 7:07pm

Book an amazing adventure in Kiruna

  • Free cancellation

    Kiruna Northern Lights Tour with Photographer

    5.0 (440)

    4 - 6 hours From £163.92

    After we pick you up from your hotel in Kiruna, we will start to chase the northern lights that depends on each night according to the weather conditions. We can drive to Abisko, Kiruna’s boreal forest or wherever we can find clear sky to see Aurora Borealis. Lights of Vikings have a really high success rate in finding clear sky which is one of the most important criteria to see the Northern Lights. Our concept is famous for driving long distances if necessary! Wherever we go during the tour, we will tell you many stories about the northern lights and Vikings. After finding clear sky, we’ll admire the northern lights and we will take pictures which we’ll send to you within 3 days after the tour. If you bring your own camera, we will help you set it up to get the best shots. As the northern lights dance in the sky we will serve hot drinks and make a camp fire for you to keep warm. After the northern lights tour, we will drive you back to Kiruna.

  • Free cancellation

    Northern Lights Tour to Abisko

    4.8 (6)

    6 hours From £141.58

    Join us on an exciting night hunt for one of the world’s most extraordinary natural phenomena! Our guides will take you to prime viewing spots where you'll have a high chance of seeing the Northern Lights dance across the sky in vibrant hues of green, pink, and purple. Throughout the tour, we will share fascinating insights into the science and folklore of the Northern Lights, adding an educational dimension to your experience and we will make sure to capture your special moments on camera, providing high-quality photos after the tour. As you explore Abisko’s unique landscapes snow covered forests, frozen lakes, and breathtaking mountain views, you’ll be fully immersed in the natural beauty of the Arctic night. We take care of every detail, from transportation and professional winter gear to snacks and warm drinks, so you can relax and focus on the wonders around you.

  • Free cancellation

    Sunset Zen Husky Tour

    5.0 (1)

    3 hours From £186.08

    Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Snowdog The Arctic Adventure Co., ranked No.1 on TripAdvisor in Kiruna. Our dog sledding tours offer a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility as you glide through the pristine Arctic landscape. Guests rave about the professionalism of our guides, who not only ensure safety but also share fascinating insights about the region and its traditions. Interact with our team of well-cared-for, eager sled dogs—often described as the heart and soul of the experience. Reviewers frequently highlight the seamless logistics, personal touch, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights or soaking in a polar sunrise, our tours provide once-in-a-lifetime memories for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Experience why so many travelers call their time with us “life-changing”!

  • Free cancellation

    Full-Day Reindeer Tour with Pickup in Kiruna

    4.8 (83)

    7 hours From £218.03

    Here at the heart of Sápmi you can become a reindeer herder for a day. You can ride a reindeer sleigh alone in the winter landscape, feed the reindeer and eat delicious food. You are invited to be a part of the real life of the Sámi people. A professional reindeer herder will introduce you to his reindeer herd in his native environment. We are a reindeer herding family in Swedish lapland. We live and operate in the northern Sweden, middle of the Torneträsk-Soppero primeval forest which is located north of Kiruna city. We are an indigenous people in Europe and the Nordic countries. The area that has historically been inhabited by our ancestors for generations is called Sápmi and includes northern part of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Our goal for you is to have a genuine experience with us, in our everyday life.

  • Free cancellation

    Sami day tour adventure

    5.0 (11)

    3 hours From £201.85

    Embark on a delightful sleigh ride through the enchanting forests of Jukkasjärvi, where a winter wonderland unfolds in the daylight. Our special reindeer sleigh ride offers a chance to experience the pristine beauty of the wilderness and enjoy a heartwarming encounter with friendly reindeer under the bright Arctic sun. Alongside these majestic animals, you'll explore the serenity of the wilderness, venturing away from the usual tourist trails. Capture this unique daytime adventure with your camera, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Join us for an unforgettable daytime experience in Jukkasjärvi, where the natural beauty of the landscape meets the warmth of our hospitality.

  • Free cancellation

    Sunrise Zen Husky Tour (10:00 to 13:00 - sitting on the sled)

    5.0 (95)

    3 hours From £186.08

    If you are interested in dogs, you will love being here at Snowdog. We have an amazing bunch of super friendly canines. Oh, of course, we have a big bunch of superhero puppies you may wish to meet? We will tell you about Lapland, dog sledding and of course the resident Hero's - our dogs.

Places to check out around Kiruna

Discover Restaurants, Mountains, Hiking Trails and more…

Other places in Sweden

Abisko

See also

Aurora ForecastPlanning Your Northern Lights AdventureNorthern Lights PhotographyScience Of The AuroraNorthern Lights Playlist

Camp Alta

Camp Alta is a Campground at Altajärvi 12: 6, Kiruna, Sverige

WebsiteFacebookPhone: +46 980 293 74

What do people think of Camp Alta?

3.4

  • This camp made happen the most amazing trip behind the Arctic circle for us ❤ The staff were amazing & helpful, we could borrow everything we needed to survive & they even noticed us about aurora 😍 - Ája H

    22 March 2017

  • Amazing place and very good value, short distance from Kiruna. Snow mobile tour & husky dogs are a must. Bring your own food for the communal camp fire ☃️❄️️⛷👍🏻 - Eimear K

    12 December 2016

  • Snowmobiling, Dog sledding, sauna, lots of fun. Leif is great. - Dan S

    29 February 2016

  • Sunrise... - Meltem M

    24 December 2015