When the cold is too extreme to handle, the people of Kiruna celebrate the snow and winter with their Kiruna Snow Festival. It is their way of celebrating and honouring the winter season. Held during the last weekend of January in the city centre since 1986 and regarded as Europe’s cosiest snow festival, it has activities for all age groups. Visitors can experience the rich culture of Kiruna while enjoying the glittering Northern lights. From snow-sculpturing to paintings to dog sledging and many more activities to keep you entertained. This is one of the local’s well-kept secrets that tourists don’t know, and how iconic it would be to be able to participate in the Kiruna snow festival.
Guide To Kiruna Snow Festival 2025
Dubbed as one of the most fascinating experiences that everyone should tick off from their bucket list. Here’s everything you need to know before attending the Kiruna Snow Festival.
Kiruna Snow Festival 2025 Dates
Kiruna Snow Festival 2025 dates are from 22nd January to 26th January 2025, which is expected to be huge this year. Many people come from all over the world to northern Sweden to experience the one-of-a-kind festival. It is one of the important events that transformed Kiruna into a magical paradise for all. Guests experience a variety of activities that are full of entertainment and adventure. And how can one forget the chance to partake in the culture of Arctic regions?
Also Read: Sweden In December
Things To Do At Kiruna Snow Festival
Get set snow…experience a one-of-a-kind experience with unique things to do at the Kiruna Snow Festival. Make Kiruna Snow Festival Videos for your gram and make your friends jealous. Here are a few things that are a must to participate in:
1. Kiruna International Snow Sculpture Competition
One of the main events of this snow festival is the Kiruna snow sculpture competition. Like every year, this year too, the locals expect bulk snow sculpture artists to lock down globally to compete in this prestigious and age-old traditional competition. Get ready to experience globally renowned artists’ work as they sculpt their art out of snow. The competition will be held from 22nd January till 25th January. All the sculptures will be built in the Snow Festival Park, across the street from the Kiruna bus stop. The winners will be selected by the official jury on Saturday afternoon, and the sculptures will be available for public display until they melt away. It is a must experience to indulge in at the Kiruna Snow Festival Sweden.
Location: Stadshustorget 1, 981 85 Kiruna, SWEDEN
Entry Fee: Free
2. Kiruna Snow Festival Snow Blower Race
Kiruna Snow Festival has been hosting Snow Blower world championships since 2013, and this year, too, you can get a chance to be part of this race. One of the major highlights of this festival is the snow blower race. It has always managed to attract a large audience of spectators and even a majority of people to participate in the fun and adventure that the Kiruna Snow Festival snow blower race offers. However, some contestants take the game very seriously and try everything to attain victory. This 20-meter-long snow heap is roughly 40 centimetres high; the racer that first gets through this wins the race and is declared the champion. Do not miss this unique and enjoyable experience while enjoying the snow festival.
Location: Stadshustorget 1, 981 85 Kiruna, SWEDEN
Entry Fee: Free
Related Post: Festivals In Sweden
3. Dazzle the Northern Lights at Kiruna
Kiruna is located in the Auroral Oval, which wraps around the magnetic North Pole. It’s 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and has a more stable inland climate. It is known for its northern lights, and if witnessing one has been on your radar for a long time now? Then what are you waiting for? Head to Kiruna and its surrounding area to experience the Northern Lights. Due to its unique weather patterns, there is often a clear patch of sky above the region, and it is a perfect area to spot the northern lights. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Kiruna is from September to April when the skies are dark and clear. You can sometimes see them as early as the end of August.
Where to see: Kiruna, Aurora Sky Station and Jukkasjärvi
What to look for: Northern Lights are slightly greenish and change shapes differently than clouds. One can also look for stars that can be seen through the lights but not clouds.
4. Get Ready To Experience The Thrill of Dog Sledging
One of the unique experiences to indulge in is the Kiruna, which is dog sledging. There are many companies that offer a genuine dogsledding adventure in the subarctic climate. Get to drive over the frozen lakes through the snow-capped mountains and trees in the forests as your backdrop. It is one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly ways of enjoying nature while providing an insight into the northern lifestyle. For those who are confused as to what dogsledding is? It is run by a musher(a person who stands behind the sledge) and is guided by different dogs. A team of dogs from 2 to 18 consisting of majorly Alaskan or Siberian huskies to sledge you through the snow.
Location: Depends on the company that you select.
Cost: The price varies between $83 and $2,295 per person.
Related Post: Shopping In Sweden
5. Visit the famous Abisko National Park
Imagine walking in the majestic mountains in the beautiful Abiskodalen Valley with the flowering alpine meadows and one of Scandinavia’s largest alpine lakes. Abisko National Park measures 7,700 hectares and is located south of Tornetrask Lake in Kiruna municipality. It is also considered one of the best places to visit on earth to witness northern lights. Nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike can enjoy Abisko National Park. Enjoy the most common and exciting activities like snowmobiling, dog sledging and photography at Sweden’s best places. The highlight of visiting the famous national park is exploring the birch woodlands on the mountain slopes.
Location: Kiruna, Sweden
Best Time To Visit: All year round
Kiruna Temperature
The temperature in Kiruna, Sweden, can vary depending on the time of year and location within the municipality:
Winter: In central Kiruna, temperatures are usually between -12° and -20° C in winter. In Jukkasjärvi, temperatures can drop below -30° C. January is the coldest month, with an average low of -2° C and a high of 17° C.
Summer: Temperatures are usually between 10° and 20° C in summer. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 61° F and a low of 46° F.
Snow: Snow usually stays until late May, after melting down.
Related Post: Things To Do In Sweden
How To Reach & Best Time To Visit Kiruna
Kiruna, located in the far north of Sweden, is known for its unique Arctic atmosphere, beautiful natural landscapes, and opportunities to witness the Northern Lights. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reach this fascinating destination.
By Air
The quickest way to reach Kiruna is by air. Kiruna Airport (KRN) serves both domestic and international flights. Several airlines, including SAS and Norwegian, operate direct flights from Stockholm Arlanda Airport to Kiruna. The flight takes approximately 1.5 hours. If you’re coming from outside Sweden, consider flying into Stockholm first and then taking a domestic flight to Kiruna.
By Train
One can take an overnight train from Stockholm to Kiruna, which takes around 19 hours. The journey offers stunning views of the Swedish countryside and forests. Booking tickets in advance, especially during the tourist season or holiday periods is advisable.
By Bus
For those on a budget, long-distance buses are available, although they may take longer than trains. Buses from Stockholm to Kiruna take about 20 hours. Several companies offer these services, so checking schedules and prices online is worth it. Buses may connect with other towns and cities in Sweden, making it a flexible option for travellers.
Best Time to Visit Kiruna
Winter – For those aiming to experience the Northern Lights, the winter months (October to March) are ideal.
Summer – If you want to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or visiting the Abisko National Park, the summer (June to August) is recommended.
You May Also Like To Read: Sweden Travel Tips
If, after reading this, you feel excited about the Kiruna Snow Festival, then plan your trip to Sweden now with your friends or family. It is one of the most thrilling and memorable festivals to honour snow and winter. Celebrate the 40th Kiruna Snow Festival in 2025 with various entertainment activities. While in the city, you can also experience the beautiful Northern Lights or visit the iconic Abisko National Park.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Source: Facebook
Frequently Asked Questions About Kiruna Snow Festival
Where is the Kiruna Snow Festival?
The Kiruna Snow Festival takes place in Kiruna, a town in the far north of Sweden, within the Arctic Circle. Known for its beautiful snowy landscape, Kiruna provides a stunning backdrop for this annual winter celebration, attracting visitors from around the world.
Can we see the Kiruna Snow Festival Northern Lights?
Yes, the Kiruna Snow Festival offers a fantastic opportunity to witness the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. This natural phenomenon can often be seen during the winter months in Kiruna, and the festival’s location enhances the chances of experiencing this breathtaking display of colour in the night sky.
What are the Kiruna Snow Festival Highlights?
The Kiruna Snow Festival features a variety of exciting activities, including snow sculpting competitions, dog sledging, reindeer races, and traditional Sami cultural presentations. Attendees can also enjoy live music, culinary delights, and guided tours that showcase the beauty of the surrounding ice and snow.
Why is Kiruna famous?
Kiruna is famous for several reasons, primarily its unique location within the Arctic Circle. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the nearby Icehotel—a world-renowned hotel made entirely of ice and snow. Additionally, Kiruna is famous for its rich cultural heritage, particularly the Sami people, and for being a prime location to observe the Northern Lights.
When is winter in Kiruna?
Winter in Kiruna typically spans from late November to early April, with the coldest months being December and January. During this period, the town is covered in a thick blanket of snow, making it a winter wonderland for both locals and tourists.
How cold is Kiruna in winter?
During the winter months, temperatures in Kiruna can drop significantly, often ranging from -10°C to -30°C (14°F to -22°F). However, with the right winter clothing and gear, visitors can comfortably enjoy the Kiruna Snow Festival's outdoor activities.
People Also Read:
Harbin Ice Festival Japan Winter Lights Festival Winter Festivals In India
Experience the world through captivating stories of adventure and travel. As a senior content writer, I bring my passion for exploration to life, crafting tales that take you on a journey. With my words, you’ll feel the thrill of discovery and the joy of experiencing new cultures. Let me turn your imagination into a reality with stories that inspire you to explore and embrace the world.
