Kiruna: Snowshoe Trek with Aurora Hunt and Warm Beverage

Kiruna’s winter forest feels most magical when you leave the streetlights behind, clip on snowshoes, and look up at a sky that may suddenly turn green. This three-hour evening trek mixes a gentle wilderness walk with a Northern Lights search, so you get more than a drive to a viewing spot.

I like the practical warmth here: insulated overalls and boots are provided, along with snowshoes and poles. I also like the friendly, personal guiding, with guides such as Jonna, Ronja, Kevin, and Carsten helping with equipment, local nature, animal tracks, and winter survival. The main catch is that the route can take longer than three hours and may include a steep uphill section, while the Aurora can never be promised.

Key points to know before you book

• The walk begins near central Kiruna: Meet at the Kiruna Guidetur office, close to Scandic Hotel in the new city centre.
• The Northern Lights are never guaranteed: You may see a spectacular display, but clouds and solar conditions remain outside anyone’s control.
• A hill can make this more active than expected: The route has included an uphill forest section, so bring a reasonable level of fitness.
• Your cold-weather kit is supplied: Warm overalls, boots, snowshoes, and poles are part of the price.
• Food is simple but welcome: You receive a sandwich and a hot drink during the walk, with some outings including a warming fire.
• The tour suits older children and adults: It is not suitable for children under 10 or people with mobility impairments.

Starting near Kiruna’s new city centre

Your evening begins at the Kiruna Guidetur office, very close to Scandic Hotel in the new city centre. This is useful if you are staying nearby, since you do not need to arrange a separate hotel transfer. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own way to the meeting point.

Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the stated start time. That extra time matters in winter. You need to be fitted with boots and overalls, learn how the snowshoes work, and collect your poles before the actual walk begins. A delayed start can eat into the advertised three hours, so do not arrive at the last minute.

The total tour time includes transfers to and from the starting point of the trek. In practical terms, this means the snowshoeing itself may not fill every minute of the three-hour block. One outing got underway later than expected and ran beyond the planned finish, so leave some space in your evening schedule.

Getting fitted for Kiruna’s cold

The supplied clothing is a major part of the value. You receive warm overalls and boots, then set out with snowshoes and poles. That saves you from packing or renting a full winter kit, which can be costly and awkward if you are visiting Kiruna for only a few days.

You should still wear warm layers underneath. Bring comfortable shoes for the meeting point, warm clothing, snacks, and water. The provided boots and overalls protect you from the cold, but your hands, head, and face still need sensible winter coverage.

Your guide will help you choose suitable footwear and adjust your snowshoes. Carsten, for example, was praised for helping participants find the warmest boots and get comfortable with the equipment. That early help is important because snowshoes feel clumsy for the first few minutes. Once you find a steady rhythm, the poles make the walking much easier.

Learning the snowshoe rhythm

Snowshoes spread your weight across the snow, allowing you to walk over soft winter ground without sinking as deeply as you would in ordinary boots. The route is intended to be accessible to a range of fitness levels, and the pace is set by the group.

That does not mean the walk is flat or effortless. A route through the forest has included a climb up a hill, with views along the way, followed by a return down the same general route. The guide can let you continue as far as you wish, but the uphill section may surprise anyone expecting a completely level stroll.

You should think of this as a light outdoor hike, not a sightseeing walk on a groomed path. Snow, darkness, cold, and the snowshoes add work. The pace remains manageable, but you will appreciate having water and a warm layer that you can adjust as your body heats up.

The reward is a quieter, more natural setting than you get from a roadside Aurora stop. You move through snow-covered forest, pause to look for lights in the sky, and get a feel for the winter conditions around Kiruna. Guides may also point out animal tracks and explain the surrounding nature.

Searching for the Northern Lights

The Aurora search is the heart of the evening, but it is important to set realistic expectations. Your guide takes you to several key areas where you have a chance to see the Northern Lights. The dark forest and open views give you a better setting than the bright centre of town, but no guide can control cloud cover or solar activity.

Some evenings bring a dancing display that follows you through the walk. Other nights offer stars and a beautiful winter forest but no Aurora at all. One outing had clear views and a fine forest route, yet the lights did not appear. That is not a flaw in the walking experience, but it is the central risk of booking any Northern Lights activity.

The tour works well if you value the walk even when the sky stays quiet. You are not simply standing in one place waiting. You keep moving, see the snowy surroundings, and have a hot drink and food break. If the Aurora appears, you already have a memorable setting for it.

The midwinter darkness also has its own character. In Kiruna, the snow reflects the faint light from the stars and sky, so the forest is not pitch-black in the way you might expect. Your guide will choose places to pause and scan the sky, and the snow can make the whole scene feel open and bright despite the short winter days.

A warm break in the forest

At some point during the trek, you stop for a sandwich and a warm beverage. The food is modest, but it is exactly the sort of pause you want after walking in cold air. Sandwiches with cheese have been served, along with hot drinks prepared during the break.

Some outings have included a fire, giving the pause extra warmth and atmosphere. You may sit or stand near the heat while the guide prepares the drinks and food. The fire is a memorable touch when conditions allow, but you should treat it as part of the possible character of the stop rather than the sole reason to book.

Bring your own snacks and water as advised. The included sandwich is a useful light meal, not a full dinner. If you are hungry after an active walk, you will want plans for food later in the evening.

Guides who add more than directions

The guide can make a major difference on a small outdoor experience. Jonna has been described as warm and attentive, with a strong focus on making sure everyone was comfortable. Ronja brought information about local culture, wilderness survival, and nature into the walk.

Kevin has provided explanations about animal tracks and the surrounding environment, while Carsten helped participants with their snowshoes and footwear before preparing hot drinks and cheese sandwiches. These details point to a tour that is not only about finding a good viewing point.

The English-speaking guides also adjust the pace to the group. If you are new to snowshoes, you can expect help with the basic movement rather than being left to figure it out alone. If you want a little more challenge, the route may include some off-path walking, but you should ask the guide what is suitable for the evening and for your fitness level.

How much the $143 price gets you

At $143 per person, this is not the cheapest way to look for the Northern Lights in Kiruna. The price makes more sense when you add up the equipment and support: an English-speaking guide, warm overalls, boots, snowshoes, poles, a sandwich, and a hot drink.

You are also paying for a structured outing in a cold and unfamiliar setting. You do not need to work out where to walk, which footwear to rent, or how to manage snowshoes in the dark. If the Aurora appears, the guide can help you make the most of the moment. If it does not, you still receive a proper winter activity rather than a short drive and a wait.

The value is strongest for visitors who lack their own winter clothing and want an active evening. It is weaker if you already have snowshoes, technical clothing, and a plan for viewing the sky independently. In that case, the guiding and food may not justify the full price.

A 300 SEK per-person holiday supplement applies to tours between December 24 and January 6. Check the final price carefully if you are visiting during that period.

Who should choose this outing

I would recommend this tour to adults and families with children aged 10 and older who want a hands-on winter activity. It is also a good first outing in Kiruna because the meeting point is central and the route gives you an introduction to the snowy forest close to town.

You should be comfortable walking in snow for several hours and handling a possible uphill section. People with mobility impairments should choose another activity, since snowshoes and uneven winter ground make access difficult.

This is a good fit for you if:

• You want to combine Aurora watching with exercise.
• You need winter clothing and snowshoes supplied.
• You enjoy nature, stars, and quiet forest time.
• You are happy with a simple sandwich and hot drink rather than a full meal.
• You understand that the Northern Lights depend on nature.

It is less suitable if you need a strict end time, dislike cold-weather activity, or want guaranteed Aurora photography. The walk can run beyond the planned duration, and the uphill portion may feel more demanding than the short description suggests.

Practical ways to improve your evening

Wear warm base layers, even though the outer overalls are provided. Wool socks, gloves, and a hat will make a bigger difference than bringing extra heavy clothing that restricts movement.

Arrive early enough to get fitted without stress. The 20 to 30-minute early meeting time is not wasted time. It gives you a chance to ask about the route, test the boots, and make sure your snowshoes are secure.

Keep your expectations flexible. A strong Aurora display is possible, but it is not part of the guarantee. Think of the Northern Lights as a bonus added to a winter forest walk, not as the only successful outcome.

If you plan to take photographs, ask the guide for advice about safe stopping points and handling your phone or camera in the cold. The supplied details do not promise photography instruction or equipment, so bring only what you can manage comfortably while walking.

The booking terms are useful for a weather-dependent plan. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Should you book the Kiruna snowshoe Aurora hunt?

Book it if you want an active, well-supported winter evening and would enjoy the forest even without green lights overhead. The supplied gear, helpful guides, simple food stop, and central meeting point make the $143 price reasonable for visitors who do not already own cold-weather equipment.

Skip it if you want a guaranteed Aurora sighting, a completely flat walk, or a tightly controlled three-hour schedule. For everyone else, this offers a pleasant balance: snowshoes under your feet, stars above you, and a hot drink waiting in the dark forest. The Northern Lights may or may not appear, but the outing still gives you a real taste of winter around Kiruna.

FAQ

Where does the snowshoe tour meet?

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

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is three hours, including transfers to and from the starting point of the trek. Meeting times are 20 to 30 minutes before the starting time, and the outing may run longer than three hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You are responsible for reaching the Kiruna Guidetur office.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides warm overalls, boots, snowshoes, and poles.

Is food included?

Yes. A sandwich and a warm beverage are included. Cheese sandwiches and a fire have been part of some outings, but the exact setup can vary.

Will I definitely see the Northern Lights?

No. The tour takes you to several areas where you may have a chance to see them, but Aurora sightings depend on natural conditions.

What language is the tour in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Is the walk suitable for children?

Children under 10 are not permitted. The activity is intended for children aged 10 and older who can manage walking with snowshoes.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.