Where to Stay in Kiruna: Best Areas, Hotels & Unique Arctic Stays

Best Areas to Stay in Kiruna

Here is a quick overview of the main accommodation areas to help you decide.

Best Area by Travel Style

Use this table to quickly match your travel style to the right area.

How Far Are the Main Accommodation Areas From the Airport?

Kiruna Airport (KRN) is located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center. Here are approximate transfer times.

For most visitors, staying in Kiruna City or Jukkasjärvi offers the easiest airport access.

Kiruna offers the widest range of accommodation options, from central hotels to unique Arctic stays in the surrounding area.

Should You Stay in Kiruna City?

Kiruna City is the most convenient base for most visitors. It is where you will find the largest selection of hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and tour departure points.

Advantages of Staying in Kiruna City

• Walking distance to restaurants and supermarkets
• Airport bus and train connections
• Tour pickups from most hotels
• Wide range of accommodation options

Walking distance to restaurants and supermarkets means most visitors can explore the city center without needing a rental car. Restaurants, cafés, supermarkets and services are all within easy reach.

Most Northern Lights tours, dog sledding experiences and snowmobile safaris offer pickup from central hotels, making Kiruna City the simplest base for first-time visitors.

Disadvantages of Kiruna City

• More light pollution than wilderness areas
• Less Arctic atmosphere
• Longer drive to prime Aurora locations

While Northern Lights can occasionally be visible from the city, most tours leave Kiruna and travel to darker locations with better viewing conditions.

Travelers without a rental car should also read our Kiruna Without a Car Guide.

Should You Stay at Aurora River Camp?

Aurora River Camp is located in Poikkijärvi, approximately 15 minutes from Kiruna city. It is designed for travelers who want an immersive Arctic experience with excellent Northern Lights viewing.

Advantages of Aurora River Camp

• Glass igloos and cabins
• Low light pollution
• Forest and river setting
• Excellent Northern Lights opportunities
• Authentic Arctic atmosphere

The area offers a quieter environment than Kiruna City and allows visitors to experience Swedish Lapland's winter landscape directly from their accommodation.

Many travelers choose Aurora River Camp specifically because they want to combine accommodation and Northern Lights viewing without spending time traveling away from city lights each evening.

Aurora River Camp is particularly popular with couples, photographers and visitors looking for a quieter alternative to city hotels.

Disadvantages of Aurora River Camp

• No restaurants nearby
• Car recommended
• Limited services within walking distance
• Fewer accommodation providers than Kiruna City

Visitors who want a wide selection of restaurants, shopping and nightlife will generally prefer Kiruna City.

Aurora River Camp is better suited to travelers who prioritize nature, scenery and a quieter Arctic setting.

Aurora River Camp combines glass igloos, cabins and low light pollution, making it one of the most popular accommodation areas for Northern Lights travelers.

Should You Stay in Jukkasjärvi?

Jukkasjärvi is the home of the world-famous ICEHOTEL. It is located approximately 20 minutes from Kiruna city and is a popular choice for travelers who want to stay at or near the ice hotel.

Advantages of Staying in Jukkasjärvi

• Direct access to ICEHOTEL
• Sami culture nearby
• Close to Kiruna Airport
• Quiet village atmosphere

Jukkasjärvi offers a unique combination of Arctic accommodation, cultural attractions and easy access to both Kiruna and the airport.

Many visitors choose to stay here specifically because they want to experience ICEHOTEL beyond a simple day visit.

Disadvantages of Jukkasjärvi

• Fewer restaurants
• Car or bus usually required
• Fewer accommodation choices than Kiruna City

While the village is compact and easy to explore, most visitors still travel to Kiruna for additional dining, shopping or tour options.

For complete details, see our ICEHOTEL Jukkasjärvi Guide and ICEHOTEL Day Visit vs Overnight Stay.

Should You Stay in Abisko Instead?

Abisko is located approximately 100 kilometers west of Kiruna. Although it is a separate destination, many visitors choose to stay there instead of Kiruna or split their trip between both locations.

Advantages of Staying in Abisko

• World-class Northern Lights viewing
• Abisko National Park
• Lake Torneträsk scenery
• Aurora Sky Station
• Excellent hiking and outdoor activities

Abisko is internationally known for its favorable Aurora conditions and attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

The combination of mountains, frozen lakes and generally clearer skies makes Abisko one of the most popular destinations in Europe for Northern Lights travel.

Disadvantages of Abisko

• Far from Kiruna
• Fewer accommodation options
• Limited restaurants and services
• Higher demand during peak Aurora season

Accommodation in Abisko often sells out well in advance during the busiest winter months, particularly between December and March.

Travelers focused primarily on Kiruna activities may find the distance inconvenient unless they plan to spend several nights in the area.

For complete details, see our Ultimate Abisko Travel Guide.

Abisko attracts visitors seeking Northern Lights, mountain scenery and direct access to Abisko National Park and Lake Torneträsk.

Where Should Couples Stay in Kiruna?

Most couples choose Aurora River Camp, ICEHOTEL or a glass igloo experience. These accommodations offer a more intimate Arctic atmosphere and better Northern Lights opportunities than standard city hotels.

For a romantic trip, consider:

• Aurora River Camp – Glass igloos with Northern Lights views, forest and river setting.
• ICEHOTEL – A unique overnight experience in an ice room.
• Glass Igloos – Various properties around Kiruna offer igloo-style accommodation.

For more inspiration, see our guide to romantic experiences in Kiruna and Abisko.

Best Hotels in Kiruna City

Kiruna City offers a range of accommodation options from budget-friendly guesthouses to modern full-service hotels.

• Camp Ripan – Popular with families and couples, offering cabins, hotel rooms and a restaurant.
• Scandic Kiruna – Modern city hotel with breakfast included.
• Elite Hotel Frost – Contemporary design and central location.
• Best Western Hotel Arctic Eden – Pool, sauna and convenient tour pickups.

Most visitors do not need to stay in the most expensive hotel. Location and tour pickup access are usually more important than luxury facilities during a winter trip to Kiruna.

For detailed reviews, prices and seasonal availability, see our Best Hotels in Kiruna for Northern Lights guide.

Best Unique Stays Near Kiruna

For travelers who want something beyond a standard hotel room, several unique accommodation options are available around Kiruna.

• Aurora River Camp – Glass igloos and cabins with excellent Northern Lights viewing.
• ICEHOTEL – Rooms built entirely from snow and ice during winter.
• Glass Igloos – Aurora-focused accommodation across Swedish Lapland.
• Wilderness Cabins – Remote cabins for visitors seeking solitude and nature.

For a complete comparison, see our Glass Igloos vs Hotels in Kiruna and Aurora River Camp & Unique Stays in Kiruna guides.

How Much Does Accommodation Cost in Kiruna?

Winter is the peak travel season in Kiruna and accommodation prices vary significantly depending on the property type and travel dates.

Prices are generally highest during Christmas, New Year and February. Booking several months in advance is strongly recommended during peak season.

How Many Nights Should You Stay in Kiruna?

Most visitors should plan at least three nights in Kiruna. This provides enough time for a Northern Lights tour, one daytime activity and a visit to ICEHOTEL or another nearby attraction.

A stay of four to five nights is ideal for travelers who want a more relaxed itinerary and additional opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis.

Many visitors also combine Kiruna with Abisko, which becomes much easier with four nights or more.

For a complete itinerary, see our How Many Days Do You Need in Kiruna? guide.

If you are still planning your trip, also read our How to Get to Kiruna Guide and Ultimate Kiruna Travel Guide.

Which Accommodation Is Best for Northern Lights?

If seeing the Northern Lights is your main priority, accommodation location becomes particularly important.

If the Northern Lights are your primary reason for visiting Swedish Lapland, Abisko and Aurora River Camp are generally the strongest choices.

Visitors staying in Kiruna City can still experience excellent Aurora conditions by joining guided Northern Lights tours that travel away from city lights.

Where Should First-Time Visitors Stay?

Most first-time visitors should stay in Kiruna City or Aurora River Camp.

Kiruna City offers the easiest access to restaurants, transfers and activities. Most tours offer pickup from central accommodation, making logistics simple and convenient.

Aurora River Camp provides a more immersive Arctic environment and better opportunities to see the Northern Lights directly from your accommodation.

For travelers without a rental car, Kiruna City is usually the most practical option. For those who want a wilderness setting and darker skies, Aurora River Camp is often the better choice.

Which Area Is Right for You?

Here is a quick summary based on traveler type.

Most first-time visitors should stay in Kiruna City for convenience or Aurora River Camp for a more immersive Arctic experience. Abisko is best for Northern Lights, while Jukkasjärvi is best for ICEHOTEL visitors.

Where Should You Not Stay?

Most visitors should avoid choosing accommodation based only on price. Staying far outside Kiruna without a car can make transfers difficult, while changing hotels multiple times during a short trip often reduces the time available for activities and Northern Lights experiences.

Also avoid booking non-refundable accommodation if your travel dates are uncertain. Winter weather in Swedish Lapland can disrupt flights and train connections, and cancellation policies vary significantly between properties.

Quick Accommodation Comparison