Sweden's northernmost city and home to around 20,000
people, Kiruna is located in the Lappland province and has gained
recognition as the closest city to Jukkasjärvi. Indeed, Jukkasjärvi
is the location of the world-famous Ice Hotel which is perched on
the edge of the Torne River and attracts thousands of tourists from
across the world each year.
The city is also home to the famous Kiruna Church,
which was built in a Gothic Revival architectural style.
Interestingly, the altar reflects an Art Nouveau design. It was
constructed in 1912 and is one of Sweden's largest wooden
buildings, even voted the country's best looking church.
What was once a sleepy mining town has now become a
bustling hive of activity during the winter months when Kiruna
hosts the annual Snow Festival, Although the city's population has
not grown dramatically over the last few decades, it still sees
throngs of travellers and tourists passing through each year to
enjoy the festivities. This is in addition to the annual summer
Kiruna Festival and, of course, the famous Ice Hotel in
Jukkasjärvi.
Located 124 miles (200km) inside the Arctic Circle
and seven and a half miles (12km) from Kiruna Airport, the amazing
Ice Hotel was first opened in 1990. The hotel is built anew each
year, usually around mid-November, when ice is collected from the
Torne River and moulded into magnificent bricks, sculptures, ice
furniture, and a bar. The Ice Hotel is open to day visitors
throughout the winter season.
Visitors can enjoy winter activities like
dog-sledding and hunting in Kiruna and the surrounding countryside,
as well as experiencing the local Sami culture. Kiruna is also one
of the best places in Sweden to see the Northern Lights. Summer in
Kiruna offers a host of outdoor activities, including hiking,
canoeing, river-rafting, cave exploration, and expeditions to view
the famous Midnight Sun.
