Kiruna: Snowshoe Trek with Aurora Hunt and Warm Beverage

Kiruna’s winter forest is at its best after dark, when snow reflects the stars and even a cloudy sky feels bright. This three-hour snowshoe trek gives you a simple way to get beyond the town, search for the Northern Lights, and warm up with a drink and sandwich along the way.

I like the practical setup: winter overalls, boots, snowshoes, and poles are provided, so you do not need to pack a full Arctic wardrobe. I also like the guides’ personal touch, from Kevin explaining animal tracks to Carsten lighting a fire while preparing hot drinks. The main catch is that the tour can run longer than three hours, and some routes include a climb that is more demanding than the short description suggests.

At a glance

• Northern Lights search on snowshoes: You move through snowy forest rather than simply waiting beside a vehicle.
• Warm clothing supplied: Overalls and winter boots help visitors who have not brought full Arctic gear.
• Fire, sandwich, and hot drink: The break gives you a useful rest in the cold, not just a quick snack.
• Guides add local detail: Guides such as Kevin and Ronja may explain animal tracks, nature, culture, and wilderness survival.
• Close to central Kiruna: The meeting point is near Scandic Hotel in the new city centre.
• Some uphill walking: The route is accessible for many active visitors, but it is not always flat or effortless.

Leaving central Kiruna for the winter forest

You meet at the Kiruna Guidetur office in the new city centre, close to Scandic Hotel. Plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the stated start time. That early arrival matters because the group needs to sort out clothing, boots, snowshoes, and poles before walking begins.

The total tour time includes transfers to and from the starting point of the trek. This means the actual snowshoeing may take less than the full three hours, depending on the evening’s arrangements. One important practical lesson is to keep your schedule loose afterward. The setup can take time, and one outing did not begin snowshoeing until around 8:15 p.m.

Once dressed, you head toward a snowy forest area outside the main streets. The short transfer is useful because it gets you into darker surroundings without asking you to walk through town in bulky gear. The exact viewing area can vary, but the aim is to reach several good points for watching the sky.

Getting dressed for Kiruna’s cold

The supplied overalls and boots are more than a nice extra. In Kiruna, staying warm is central to enjoying any outdoor activity. You may be standing still for stretches while watching the sky, so proper footwear and an insulated outer layer can make the difference between a magical evening and a cold one.

You should still bring warm clothing. Wear comfortable base layers, thick socks, gloves, and a hat, then use the supplied gear over the top. Comfortable shoes are also listed as something to bring, though the tour provides boots for the outing. Snacks and water are sensible additions, especially if you tend to get hungry during exercise.

The team helps you choose suitable boots and adjust the snowshoes and poles. Carsten, for example, was praised for helping with footwear and snowshoe setup. That sort of help is valuable if this is your first time using snowshoes, since the equipment feels awkward for the first few minutes.

This is not a technical mountaineering trip. The pace is set by the group, and the activity is intended for different fitness levels. Still, snowshoeing requires more effort than walking on a cleared path. You lift your feet higher, push through soft snow, and may walk uphill. People under 10 and those with mobility impairments should not book this activity.

Following the guide through snow-covered trees

The snowshoes let you move across winter paths and, when conditions allow, a little beyond the most obvious trail. The route has been described as a good small hike with a beautiful forest climb and views along the way. You might walk straight uphill and return the same way, rather than follow a long loop.

That detail is worth knowing before you book. If you expect a gentle stroll on level ground, the climb may surprise you. If you are happy with a short outdoor workout, the uphill section adds interest and gives the guide a chance to reach a darker, quieter viewing point.

The walking itself is only part of the experience. Guides may point out animal tracks and talk about the surrounding nature. Kevin has been especially noted for explaining traces in the snow, while Ronja has shared information about local culture, wilderness survival, and the natural world.

Those details give the outing more purpose than simply checking the sky every few minutes. You begin to notice the forest floor, the shape of the trees, and the signs of life under the snow. Keep your pace steady and ask for help if the snowshoes begin to twist or collect snow.

The group can also choose a little off-trail walking when conditions and ability allow. This adds a wilder feel, but it is not something you should assume will happen on every departure. Route choice depends on the guide, weather, snow, and the group’s comfort.

The warm break by the fire

At some point, the group stops for a sandwich and a hot drink. Several departures have included a fire, which makes this pause much more than a quick snack stop. You get a chance to warm your hands, rest your legs, and look up at the sky without trying to walk at the same time.

The meal is modest but well chosen for the setting. You receive a sandwich, with cheese sandwiches mentioned on some outings, along with a warm beverage. Do not expect a full dinner. If you need more food, bring an extra snack, as the tour specifically advises.

This is also the social part of the evening. In a dark forest, a fire and a hot drink make it easier to settle in and enjoy the wait. Carsten has been described as preparing the drinks and sandwiches while the group watched the Northern Lights. That combination of simple food, fire, and sky is likely to be one of the most memorable parts of the tour.

The break can also help manage the cold. Northern Lights outings often include periods of waiting, and standing still is harder than walking. A warm drink gives the evening a useful rhythm: walk, pause, watch, then move again.

Searching the sky for the Northern Lights

Your guide takes you to several possible viewing areas rather than relying on one single lookout. That is helpful because cloud, visibility, and aurora activity change quickly. The tour cannot control the sky, but moving between a few locations gives the group more than one chance.

The midwinter setting has a special quality. Daylight hours are short, but the snow reflects starlight and any glow from the aurora. Even without bright Northern Lights, you can still experience a dark forest, a starry sky, and the unusual brightness of snow at night.

There is no guarantee of an aurora. One evening produced a beautiful forest walk but no Northern Lights, simply because the conditions did not cooperate. That is the central risk of any aurora activity, so book this for the full winter experience, not only for a photograph of green lights.

The good news is that several outings have included visible auroras, including dancing lights that appeared early in the walk or remained present through much of the evening. When the sky cooperates, the snowshoe setting makes the sight feel more special than watching from a hotel area. You are surrounded by trees, snow, and silence, with the fire and hot drink close at hand.

Your guide can help you make the most of the moment, but the tour is not presented as a dedicated photography workshop. Bring a camera or phone if you wish, but use gloves and warm clothing first. Cold fingers make poor camera operators.

The guides make the difference

The guide is a major part of the value here. Jonna has been described as friendly and attentive, while Kevin adds nature interpretation and optional off-trail walking. Ronja brings information on culture and wilderness survival, and Carsten has been praised for practical help with boots, snowshoes, fire, drinks, and food.

You should not expect every departure to have the same guide or exactly the same style. Some guides may focus more on steady walking and safety, while others may talk more about nature or local life. That variety is normal for a small outdoor operation and can change the feel of the evening.

The English-language guiding is useful for international visitors. You can ask for help with the equipment, the route, and the best places to pause. Since the pace is adjusted to the group, speak up early if you need a slower rhythm or a short rest.

Price and what the package is worth

At $143 per person, this is not a cheap walk in the snow. The price makes more sense when you count the supplied overalls, boots, snowshoes, poles, guide, warm drink, and sandwich. Renting Arctic clothing and snowshoes separately could add up quickly, especially if you are visiting Kiruna with ordinary winter clothing.

The experience also combines several activities in one evening: a guided forest walk, basic snowshoe instruction, a Northern Lights search, a fire, and a light meal. That makes it a better value for first-time visitors who want an organized introduction to the Kiruna winter outdoors.

The value is weaker if you already own full Arctic gear, snowshoes, and a car for reaching dark viewing spots. It is also less attractive if your only goal is guaranteed aurora photography, since no operator can promise clear skies or visible lights.

The holiday period costs more. For tours running from December 24 through January 6, add 300 SEK per person. Keep that extra cost in mind when comparing dates.

Who should book this snowshoe trek

I would recommend it to adults and families with children aged 10 or older who want an active Northern Lights outing without committing to a long expedition. It suits you if you like being outdoors, can manage a short uphill walk, and want a guide to handle the gear and route.

It is also a good first activity in Kiruna. You get an introduction to snowshoes, a look at the winter forest, and a taste of local outdoor life. The meeting point near central Kiruna makes it easier to fit into a short stay.

You may want another type of aurora trip if you have limited walking ability, dislike cold-weather exercise, or need a tightly timed evening. The start can be slow, and the outing may run past the three-hour estimate. Anyone expecting a flat path should also ask about the route before setting out.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity and the reserve-now, pay-later option give you some flexibility. That is useful in Kiruna, where weather can affect outdoor plans.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want the Northern Lights wrapped into a real winter outing, not just a drive to a viewing point. The supplied clothing, snowshoes, fire, sandwich, and friendly English-speaking guides make it an easy way to try Arctic activities without owning the gear.

Go in with sensible expectations. The aurora may not appear, the route can include a climb, and the evening may last longer than advertised. If you accept those limits and enjoy snow, quiet woods, and a bit of exercise, this is a strong choice for a memorable first night outside Kiruna.

FAQ

How much does the Kiruna snowshoe and Northern Lights tour cost?

The tour costs $143 per person. A 300 SEK per person holiday addition applies to tours between December 24 and January 6.

How long does the activity last?

The stated duration is three hours. This includes transfers to and from the starting point of the trek, and the activity can sometimes run longer.

Where do you meet the guide?

You meet at the Kiruna Guidetur office in the new city centre, very close to Scandic Hotel.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides warm overalls, boots, snowshoes, and poles. A guide, warm beverage, and sandwich are also included.

Is the tour guided in English?

Yes. The tour includes a live guide in English.

What should you bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, snacks, and water. You should also dress in warm layers for time spent outdoors.

Can children join the snowshoe trek?

Children under 10 years old are not permitted on this activity.

Can you cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.