Kiruna, Sweden

Kiruna, Sweden
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kirunan_keskustaa.JPG
Author: htoyryla


Kiruna is the northernmost city in Sweden. Covering 15.92 sq km (6.1 sq mi) in Lappland province, Norrbotten County, it has a population of 19,000 (2011 estimate). The city is so far north that it experiences 50 days when the sun does not totally sets, and 20 days when it does not appear at all.

Church of Kiruna, Sweden
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kiruna_church.jpg
Author: Bermax


Kiruna is within sight of 2,111 m (6,925 ft) Kebnekaise, the tallest mountain in Sweden. It is said that if you stand on top of Kebnekaise on a clear day, you can see ten percent of all Sweden.

Although archaeological excavation shows that the Kiruna area has been inhabited for some 6,000 years, the town itself was only established at the turn of the 20th century, when discovery of iron ore led to its founding. It has the biggest underground iron mine in the world. Initially the iron ore was transported by reindeer and horses, but in 1899, the railway line was completed, linking Kiruna with Luleå.

Chapel of Kiruna Cemetery
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kiruna_gravkapell.jpg
Author: Helleborus


Kiruna experiences a sub-arctic climate. Summers are cool and short while winters bitterly cold and long. The warmest month is July, when the average temperature rises to 17.9°C (64.2°F). In January, the average low temperature drops to -21.9°C (-7.4°F), accompanied by total darkness. July is also the wettest month, receiving 86.1 mm (3.39 in) of precipitation.

Kiruna has taken full advantage of its climate and geographical position. In winter it holds the snow sculpture competition.

Visiting Kiruna

You can reach Kiruna by flight from Stockholm and Umeå. There are also trains going there from Stockholm and Gothenburg.

The Ice Hotel of Jukkasjärvi village, Kiruna, Sweden
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Icehotel-se-04.JPG
Author: Stephan Herz

Sights & Attractions in Kiruna