Kiruna: Guided Snowmobile Tour and Swedish Fika Experience

Imagine zooming across snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and wide Arctic landscapes, all with the thrill of driving a snowmobile – that’s what this guided tour offers. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to experience the raw beauty of Swedish Lapland with a dash of adventure. Whether you’re a first-timer or someone who appreciates well-organized outdoor activities, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

Two things we really like about this experience are the knowledgeable guides who genuinely seem passionate about sharing their homeland and the quality gear provided, which makes tackling the cold much more manageable. The inclusion of a traditional Swedish fika during the ride is a cozy touch that adds a warm, local flavor to the outdoor adventure.

One thing to keep in mind is the cold temperatures — even with good gear, the experience is best suited for those prepared for winter’s chill. If you’re sensitive to cold or have health concerns, it’s worth considering. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children, this might not be the best fit, as the minimum age is 12. Still, for most outdoor lovers, this tour hits the right notes for an exhilarating, scenic, and culturally immersive experience.

This activity suits those who want an active, scenic outing with expert guidance, and who enjoy a mix of adventure and comfort. It’s especially good for curious travelers eager to see Lapland’s winter wilderness from a new perspective.

Key Points

• Scenic landscapes: Expect to see forests, frozen lakes, rivers, and possibly wildlife like reindeer and foxes.
• Expert guides: Guides are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and safety-first approach.
• High-quality gear: You’ll be provided with overalls, shoes, gloves, a helmet, and wool socks, making the cold bearable.
• Fika break: Midway, you’ll enjoy a cozy fika with hot lingonberry juice and cake, capturing the spirit of Swedish hospitality.
• Family-friendly? Not for children under 12, but a fun activity for older kids and adults.
• Flexible and well-organized: Pickup and drop-off from multiple Kiruna locations make it convenient, and the tour is just long enough to be thrilling but not exhausting.

When we looked into this tour, the first thing that stood out was how well it’s organized. Starting with pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Kiruna, the transportation to Poikkijärvi is quick—about 15 minutes—giving you time to soak in the snowy scenery even before the adventure begins.

Once at the camp, you’ll be geared up with top-quality Arctic clothing and equipment, including overalls, shoes, gloves, a facemask, helmet, and wool socks. Most reviews mentioned the gear was very good, and a few travelers pointed out that these layers are crucial, especially if temperatures are below freezing. Some reviews also suggested bringing extra socks for extra warmth, particularly if the weather is especially cold.

Before hitting the snow, your guides will give a safety briefing and basic instructions on operating the snowmobile. If you’ve never driven one before, don’t worry — the guides are experienced and eager to make sure you feel comfortable. Several reviewers noted how patient and friendly their guides were, often sharing interesting local stories or tips for better driving.

The actual snowmobile ride is approximately 32 km through varied terrains—think frozen lakes, winding riverbeds, snow-laden forests, and open fields. The landscape is one of the main attractions, and you’ll love the way snow blankets everything, transforming the scenery into a winter wonderland. Many reviews highlighted the breathtaking views, with travelers describing the landscape as “spectacular” and “magical.”

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What’s Included

The tour starts with your pickup in Kiruna from various locations—many of which are hotels, campgrounds, or specific pickup points like the ICEHOTEL or Reindeer Lodge. You’re then transported to Poikkijärvi, a small village along the Torne River.

At the camp, after fitting into the gear, you’ll receive detailed safety instructions and driving guidance. Even complete beginners will find the guides attentive, ensuring you feel confident before you start exploring.

You’ll drive through a scenic route covering about 32 km, passing over frozen lakes, navigating snow-covered forests, and crossing frozen rivers and swamps. Depending on your pace and comfort level, you may get the chance to accelerate to speeds of 70-80 km/hr on open ice lakes, which is a rush for speed lovers.

Halfway through, there’s a dedicated stop for a Swedish fika—a lovely pause to enjoy hot lingonberry juice, cake, and conversation. Many guests mentioned this as a favorite part, describing it as a cozy, authentic moment in Lapland’s wilderness. This break also offers the opportunity to switch drivers if sharing the snowmobile and to take photos of the stunning scenery.

After the ride, you’ll return to the camp for a quick change and then be transported back to your accommodation in Kiruna. The whole experience lasts about 3.5 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity—just enough to satisfy your need for adventure without taking up your entire day.

What the Reviews Say

The feedback from travelers is overwhelmingly positive. Many reviewers rave about their guides, like Gaia, Elen, and Patia, calling them “fantastic,” “super nice,” and “very knowledgeable.” One guest said, “Our guide Elen was super nice and the whole tour felt like a half a day spent with a friend,” which captures the friendly vibe many experienced.

The scenery is consistently praised, with comments like “getting to drive over the frozen lakes was a definite highlight” and “the landscape was spectacular.” Several reviews pointed out that the guides are great at helping capture photos during the fika break, adding a meaningful touch to the trip.

Speed and thrill-seekers will appreciate the chance to push the snowmobiles up to 80 km/hr, especially on the frozen lakes. However, a few guests noted that if you prefer a slower, more relaxed pace, or if the weather is extremely cold, it’s good to be prepared.

The quality gear is another common theme. Multiple reviews mention the gear kept them warm and comfortable, even in temperatures around -30°C. One traveler shared that they wished they had accepted a second pair of socks, but overall, the warmth was well-managed.

The fika break is a crowd favorite, with guests enjoying the hot lingonberry juice, cake, and the chance to relax and chat in a serene natural setting. Some people thought the cake pieces could be a little larger, but most considered it a cozy, authentic touch.

The Practical Details

The tour is limited to a small group of 8 participants, which makes for a more personalized experience. The tour runs for about 3.5 hours, including pickup, gear-up, the ride, and the fika stop—a good length for most travelers. Costs are reasonable considering the quality of equipment, guide expertise, and scenic value, especially given the included fika and pickup/drop-off service.

Participants must hold a valid driver’s license from their country to drive a snowmobile. Passengers only need to bring a camera—they don’t require a license. The tour is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or anyone with back or heart problems, or wheelchair users.

The activity is flexible in terms of cancellation, with free cancellations allowed up to 24 hours in advance, making it a low-risk booking for spontaneous adventurers or those with uncertain schedules.

More Great Tours Nearby

Final Word

If you’re looking for an activity that combines scenic beauty, outdoor adventure, and authentic local experience, this snowmobile tour from Kiruna hits all the right notes. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge, paired with top-tier equipment and a charming fika break, make it a memorable outing in Lapland’s winter landscape. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of speed, want to see stunning Arctic scenery, and appreciate a cozy pause in nature.

This experience is best suited for travelers who are comfortable in cold weather, enjoy active pursuits, and seek a genuine taste of Lapland’s wilderness. While it’s not designed for very young children or those with certain health issues, most outdoor enthusiasts will find it a worthwhile, exhilarating adventure.

In short, this snowmobile tour offers a well-balanced mix of thrill, scenery, and local charm—an excellent choice for making your Arctic trip truly unforgettable.

Is it suitable for beginners? Yes, guides give full safety instructions and driving guidance, making it friendly for those new to snowmobiling. Many reviews mention feeling confident after the briefing.

What should I wear? You’re provided with high-quality Arctic gear, but it’s recommended to bring your own warm clothes underneath, especially layers and possibly an extra pair of socks.

How cold will it be? Temperatures can be below freezing, sometimes -30°C. The provided gear is designed to keep you warm, but dressing warmly is essential.

Can I drive the snowmobile if I don’t have a license? No, drivers need a valid driver’s license from their country. Passengers don’t need a license, just a camera.

How long is the tour? It lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including pickup, gear-up, the snowmobile ride, fika break, and return.

Is there an age limit? Yes, the tour is not suitable for children under 12 years old.

What’s included in the price? Pickup and drop-off in Kiruna, high-quality winter gear, safety briefings, the guided snowmobile ride, and the fika break.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the tour.

This guided snowmobile tour from Kiruna is a solid pick if you want a taste of Lapland’s winter magic, with the right mix of thrill, scenery, and cozy local flavor. It’s a memorable way to experience the Arctic landscape, especially if you’re eager to go beyond typical sightseeing and try something actively adventurous.

You can check availability for your dates here: