Experience the Arctic in a Whole New Way with Kiruna’s Build Your Own Igloo Overnight Tour
If you’re dreaming of spending a night in the snowy silence of Swedish Lapland, this Build Your Own Igloo Overnight Tour offers a memorable way to connect with the Arctic wilderness. From constructing your own shelter to possibly catching the Northern Lights, it’s a hands-on adventure that’s as much about the effort as the experience itself.
What we love about this tour is how it combines practical survival skills with the thrill of being outdoors in winter. Plus, the chance to watch the night sky shimmer with auroras makes it special. On the flip side, it’s not for everyone—particularly if you’re uncomfortable in small spaces or suffer from claustrophobia, since the igloo is quite snug and you can’t stand upright inside. This tour suits those eager for a real Arctic challenge and who want an authentic experience, rather than a luxury lodge stay.
Key Points
- Hands-on activity: You’ll learn how to build your own snow igloo, which is both fun and a practical skill.
- Cultural immersion: Experience genuine Arctic survival techniques and enjoy local wilderness surroundings.
- Northern Lights potential: Clear skies and solar activity could reward you with a spectacular aurora display.
- All-inclusive gear: Winter clothing, outdoor equipment, and meals are provided, making it easier to focus on the experience.
- Short group size: Limited to 9 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a cozy atmosphere.
- Designed for adventure: Not suitable for those with claustrophobia, young children under 12, or people over 95.
The Journey into Arctic Wilderness: What It’s Like
The tour kicks off in the afternoon, with pick-up from several locations in Kiruna (Camp Ripan, Best Western Hotel Arctic Eden, Malmvägen, or Stora Coop). You’ll transfer about 30 minutes to a remote spot called Kalixforsbron, where the real adventure begins. This setup keeps the experience away from crowded tourist spots and deep in nature, so you’re truly in the wilderness.
Once you arrive, you’ll be briefed on what’s ahead—primarily, building your own igloo. The process involves moving snow, carving blocks, and assembling your shelter. This isn’t a quick craft project; it’s a hearty effort that requires teamwork and patience, but the sense of accomplishment when you step inside your finished igloo is genuinely rewarding. An experienced guide will teach you the basics, and you’ll be surprised how quickly a snow shelter can come together with some effort.
Building Your Igloo: Why It Matters
Not only is this activity an engaging way to learn about traditional survival techniques, but it also offers a tangible connection to Arctic history and culture. Many reviews highlight how satisfying it is to see your own shelter take shape, especially since it’s a genuine skill you can carry forward. It’s one of those rare opportunities to try something most people will never do—actually constructing their own winter home.
The Night in the Arctic: Cozy and Spectacular
After your igloo is built, you’ll settle in for the night. The provided outdoor equipment—sleeping bag, inner liner, and mattress—ensures you’ll stay warm inside your snow home. Keep in mind, the igloo is quite small and doesn’t allow for standing up. If claustrophobia is an issue, this might not be the tour for you, but if you’re open to a snug, immersive experience, it’s quite memorable.
One of the highlights is the potential for Northern Lights sightings. If the skies are clear and the solar winds cooperate, you might witness this natural light show right from your snow shelter or nearby surroundings. Many guests find the sight of shimmering green or purple ribbons dancing across the sky unforgettable, especially after a day of building and exploring.
What’s for Dinner?
In the evening, you’ll enjoy a hearty meal, and the next morning, a breakfast around an open fire inside a tipi. This communal setting adds to the rustic charm of the experience, along with the chance to relax, share stories, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the Arctic dawn.
More Great Tours NearbyMorning Reflection and Return to Civilization
The morning begins with breakfast around an open fire, giving you a chance to warm up and reflect on your overnight adventure. Before heading back to Kiruna, you can spend some time with a team of friendly dogs, which often guests say is a lovely way to conclude the trip. The return transfer takes about 30 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off at your original pickup points.
If you’re craving more Arctic action, the tour can be combined with the Husky Day Tour the following day, giving you an extended dose of Lapland’s iconic wildlife and landscapes.
Practical Details: What You Should Know
Duration and Schedule
The experience runs from about 2:15PM to 10AM the next day, making it a full overnight adventure. Starting times depend on availability, so you’ll want to check ahead. The group is small—limited to 9 people—which helps keep the atmosphere intimate and ensures personalized guidance.
What’s Included?
- Transfers to and from Kiruna
- Essential winter gear: overalls, socks, boots, mittens, hats, head torches
- Outdoor sleeping gear: sleeping bag, liner, mattress
- Meals and snacks: dinner, breakfast, fika, and light snacks
- Instruction on igloo building
Who Should Avoid This Tour?
It’s not suitable for children under 12, people with claustrophobia, or those over 95, as the igloo’s small size and enclosed space might be uncomfortable or overwhelming.
Cost and Value
At $308 per person, the price includes all gear, instruction, meals, and transfers. Considering the hands-on nature and the novelty of building your own shelter in the Arctic, many find this to be a fair value, especially since it offers a rare combination of adventure, education, and natural beauty.
The Experience from Guest Reviews
Guests often comment on how challenging but rewarding the igloo-building part is. One reviewer mentioned, “It’s hard work moving snow, but the sense of achievement is worth it.” Others love the intimate size of the group, which makes the experience more personal. Many also highlight the local chance to see the Northern Lights, with one saying, “We were lucky with clear skies, and the auroras danced right above us — truly breathtaking.”
However, some reviews note that the small space inside the igloo can feel cramped, especially if you’re used to more room or have claustrophobia. Also, since the guide doesn’t sleep in the igloo, you need to be comfortable sleeping outdoors in winter conditions.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This is ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers who want an authentic, hands-on Arctic experience. It’s perfect if you’re curious about survival skills or simply eager to try building your own snow shelter. The tour also appeals to those wanting a more intimate, small-group experience away from large tourist crowds. It’s less suited for travelers after a luxury, cozy night in a warm cabin or those with special needs that make small, enclosed spaces uncomfortable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after an immersive Arctic experience that combines outdoor activity, cultural insight, and a good dose of adventure, this Build Your Own Igloo Overnight Tour really delivers. It’s a chance to create something tangible in the snow, spend a night under the stars, and maybe even catch the Northern Lights—all while learning about Arctic survival techniques.
The tour’s value lies in the blend of effort, education, and awe-inspiring scenery. It’s not just a sightseeing trip but a true hands-on experience. If you’re prepared for a bit of hard work and are excited about authentic outdoor living, this could be one of your most memorable Lapland adventures.
Kiruna: Build your own igloo overnight Tour
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 12 due to the small, enclosed space inside the igloo and the physical effort involved in building it.
What should I wear?
Bring layers of warm clothing, and the tour provides winter overalls, socks, boots, mittens, and hats. It’s also advisable to wear a balaclava or scarf for extra warmth.
Will I see the Northern Lights?
While sightings depend on weather and solar activity, the remote location and clear winter skies give you a good chance to see the Aurora Borealis if conditions are right.
What is included in the price?
The $308 covers transfers, winter gear, outdoor sleeping equipment, meals, instruction, and the igloo-building activity. It’s quite comprehensive considering the outdoor, hands-on nature of the experience.
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 20 hours—from early afternoon pickup to the following morning’s return—offering a full overnight adventure.
Can I combine this with other activities?
Yes, the igloo experience can be combined with the Kiruna Husky Day Tour for an extended Arctic stay, giving you more opportunities to enjoy sledding and wilderness adventures.
If you’re looking for a genuinely unique way to experience Lapland, building your own igloo and spending a night in the Arctic wilderness makes for a truly memorable trip. Just come prepared for cold, effort, and awe—and you’ll leave with stories to tell for years.
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