Kiruna: Snowshoe Trek with Aurora Hunt and Warm Beverage

The Kiruna Snowshoe Trek with Aurora Hunt and Warm Beverage offers a cozy yet adventurous evening in Norrbotten County, Sweden. For about 3 hours, this tour takes you through snow-covered landscapes with the chance to witness the Northern Lights in the wilderness. Priced without hotel transfers, it is ideal for those looking for a guided outdoor experience with all necessary gear included, making it accessible even for beginners.

The tour is led by experienced guides from Kiruna Guidetur AB, who provide warm overalls, boots, snowshoes, and poles. After meeting at the Kiruna Guidetur office in the city center, you’ll set out into the winter night, enjoying the starry sky and the dance of the Northern Lights. The tour is designed to be relaxed and flexible, set at a pace suitable for all fitness levels, with plenty of opportunities to pause and soak in the scenery.

Key Points

• Duration: Around 3 hours, including gear fitting and transfers.
• Location: Starts from Kiruna city center, close to Scandic Hotel.
• Included gear: Warm overalls, boots, snowshoes, and poles.
• Food and drinks: A warm beverage and sandwich are provided during the trek.
• Suitable for: All fitness levels, but not recommended for children under 10 or those with mobility impairments.
• Pricing: No upfront cost, with optional holiday surcharge between December 24th and January 6th.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point at Kiruna Guidetur Office

The adventure begins at the Kiruna Guidetur office in the city center, close to the Scandic Hotel. This central location makes it easy to find and convenient for travelers staying nearby. The guides will assist with fitting warm overalls, boots, and snowshoes, ensuring everyone is ready before heading out.

The group size is not specified, but the focus on personalized gear and flexible pacing suggests a small, intimate experience. The meeting time is typically 20-30 minutes before the scheduled start, giving enough time for preparations without feeling rushed.

Exploring the Snow-Covered Landscape of Kiruna

Once equipped, the tour proceeds into the white, snowy wilderness of Kiruna. The snowshoes make it easier to walk across deep snow, allowing you to explore remote, scenic spots where the Northern Lights are most visible. The guide leads the way, taking you through key areas chosen for optimal aurora viewing.

The pace is set by you, making the experience comfortable for everyone. Along the way, you can appreciate the serenity of the snow-covered environment, with the dark sky illuminated by stars and the Northern Lights dancing overhead. The white snow enhances the light from stars and auroras, creating a magical atmosphere even during the midwinter days when daylight is scarce.

The Aurora Hunt in the Wilderness

The main highlight is searching for the Northern Lights in the open landscape. The guide takes you to several key spots, each offering a different view of the night sky. Since the light conditions are never totally dark due to the reflective snow and celestial light, the environment feels luminous and alive.

The Northern Lights can appear at any moment, and the guides are experienced at finding the best locations for viewing. The timing of the tour maximizes your chance to see this natural spectacle, often during the late evening. The experience of spotting the Aurora in the wilderness is a core part of this trek.

Warm Beverages and Sandwich Break

Midway through the walk, everyone stops to warm up with a beverage and enjoy a sandwich provided as part of the experience. This break offers a moment to relax, chat, and appreciate the quiet beauty of the snow-covered landscape. The warm drink helps keep everyone comfortable during the outdoor experience, especially important during the cold winter night.

The guide will also share insights about the local environment and aurora phenomena, adding context to the experience. The snack and drink are included in the tour, ensuring you stay energized without needing to bring extra supplies.

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Practical Gear and Comfort in Cold Weather

All necessary equipment is supplied, including warm overalls and boots to keep you dry and comfortable. The overalls are designed to withstand the cold, while the snowshoes help traverse the snow with ease. The poles assist in maintaining balance and rhythm during the trek.

Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, snacks, and water. While the provided gear covers the essentials, dressing in layers is recommended to adapt to changing conditions. The equipment and clothing ensure that even those unfamiliar with winter outdoor activities can enjoy the experience comfortably.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels due to its flexible pacing and minimal physical demand. However, it not suitable for children under 10 years or people with mobility impairments. The activity involves walking with snowshoes in snow-covered terrain, which requires a basic level of mobility.

The duration includes transfers to and from the meeting point, which are not specified but are part of the total experience. The pace is controlled, making this an accessible option for most people interested in winter outdoor adventures.

Flexibility and Booking Options

This tour offers free cancellation if canceled up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for changing travel plans. You can reserve now and pay later, making it easier to plan your trip without immediate financial commitment. The availability is subject to seasonal variations, so checking the schedule is recommended.

The tour does not include hotel transfers, so travelers need to arrange their own transportation to and from the meeting point. The end of the trek is back at the same location, making logistics straightforward.

Special Considerations During the Holidays

For bookings between December 24th and January 6th, there is a additional fee of 300 SEK per person due to holiday surcharges. Travelers should factor this into their planning if visiting during the festive season.

Weather conditions can vary, and cold temperatures are typical. Proper warm clothing and gear are essential for comfort and safety. The guides are experienced in winter conditions and help ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Kiruna

This snowshoe trek combines the thrill of aurora hunting with the comfort of guided support and included warm refreshments. It offers a balanced outdoor adventure suitable for a wide range of visitors, from first-time snowshoers to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

The small group ambiance, combined with the expert guidance and flexible pace, makes it a cozy yet exciting way to experience Kiruna’s winter night sky. The gear provision and location in the wilderness make it accessible and memorable, especially for those eager to see the Northern Lights away from city lights.

Kiruna’s Winter Night Sky: A Unique Setting

The starry sky and aurora borealis in Kiruna are famously stunning, and this tour capitalizes on that. The white snow enhances the celestial display, providing a luminous backdrop for the Northern Lights. The dark but illuminated by celestial light environment offers an ideal setting for Aurora viewing.

The guides’ local knowledge and strategic stops maximize your chances of witnessing this natural wonder, making the experience both magical and memorable.

Final Thoughts on the Snowshoe and Aurora Experience

This 3-hour guided tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to experience Kiruna’s winter landscape and Northern Lights. The gear is provided, and the pace is flexible, making it suitable for most fitness levels. The included warm beverage and sandwich add a comforting touch after trekking through the snow.

While it doesn’t include hotel transfers, its central meeting point and simple logistics make it accessible and straightforward to join. The seasonal surcharge during the holidays is a minor consideration but worth noting in planning.

This tour is perfect for those seeking an authentic Arctic experience with minimal fuss, especially if you want to combine outdoor activity with the chance to see the Aurora. It’s a well-rounded, value-driven option for anyone visiting Kiruna during the winter months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a guide, warm overalls and boots, snowshoes and poles, along with a warm beverage and sandwich.

How long does the tour last?
The total experience is approximately 3 hours, including gear fitting and the outdoor trek.

Where does the tour start and end?
It departs from and ends at the Kiruna Guidetur office in the city center, close to Scandic Hotel.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it is not recommended for children under 10 years or those with mobility impairments.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, snacks, and water to stay comfortable and hydrated.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a holiday surcharge?
Yes, between December 24th and January 6th, an extra 300 SEK per person applies.

Do I need to arrange transportation?
No, the tour does not include hotel transfers, so you need to travel to and from the meeting point independently.

What is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
The tour is designed for evening hours, when aurora activity is most likely visible, especially in the winter season.

Is the experience suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, the pacing is flexible, and the activity is suitable for most fitness levels, with the main requirement being the ability to walk in snowshoes.

What makes this tour special?
Its combination of guided aurora hunting, snowshoe exploration, and warm refreshments in Kiruna’s winter landscape creates a memorable Arctic experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby