Traveling to Kiruna and looking for a way to experience the Arctic’s magic? This tour offers a cozy night of traditional Sami cuisine combined with the thrill of hunting for the aurora borealis. While it’s not guaranteed you’ll see the lights — as nature has its own schedule — the experience itself is well worth it. From hearty reindeer dishes cooked over an open fire to stories about Lapland’s indigenous culture, this tour is a well-rounded way to spend an Arctic evening.

What really makes this experience stand out are the knowledgeable guides who go above and beyond to make it memorable, and the delicious Sami-inspired meal that adds an authentic touch to the night. On the flip side, weather conditions can impact the chance of seeing the Northern Lights, so it’s worth setting expectations accordingly.

This tour is ideal for travelers who love cultural insights, enjoy good food, and are flexible about Aurora sightings. If you’re after a warm, informative, and atmospheric Arctic adventure, this one could be just right for you.

Key Points

Authentic Sami Cuisine: Savor traditional reindeer and moose meat cooked over an open fire in a cozy Sami-style tent.
Expert Guides: Guides share fascinating stories about Lapland, Sami culture, and help with photography to capture the lights.
Flexible Aurora Viewing: The tour stops at multiple spots, giving you the best chance to witness the Northern Lights, weather permitting.
Warm Atmosphere: Enjoy the warmth of a fire, traditional lingonberry syrup, and stories that create a genuine Arctic experience.
Scenic Locations: The tour includes stops at Poikkijärvi and other vantage points with lovely views of rivers and open skies.
Customer Satisfaction: With a 4.8/5 rating from over 100 reviews, most travelers agree it’s a worthwhile and memorable experience.

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An In-Depth Look at the Tour

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What the Tour Entails

The tour kicks off with pickup from one of nine convenient locations in Kiruna, which includes hotels and popular spots like ICEHOTEL and Camp Ripan. The pickup times are spaced out from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, depending on your location, so planning your evening accordingly is smart. Expect a relaxed journey in a small-group setting, which allows for personal interaction and more flexibility from your guides.

Once you arrive at Poikkijärvi, you’ll find yourself in a Sami-style lavvu tent — a traditional tent that adds genuine Arctic flavor to the experience. Surrounded by peaceful views of a calm river, this is where the magic begins. Your guide will prepare the souvas, a Sami dish of lightly smoked reindeer and moose meat paired with vegetables. Watching this meal come together over an open fire is a special highlight, making the experience much more authentic than just eating in a restaurant.

Cultural Insight and Stories

While waiting for the food to cook, your guide shares stories about the Sami people, the traditions of Lapland, and local life. Many reviews, including those from travelers like Maria and Nancy, highlight how engaging and informative these stories are. It’s a chance to learn about a culture that’s deeply connected to the land, animals, and seasonal cycles.

The Northern Lights Chase

After the meal, you’ll head out in minibuses to find the perfect spot for Aurora viewing. The guides are experienced at reading the sky and will stop as soon as the lights appear. This part of the experience is where the unpredictability of nature comes into play — some nights are spectacular, others less so. But many reviewers, like Jacob and Val, mention how guides like Henrik and Sony go out of their way to find wildlife and even play music to make the trip memorable, regardless of the Aurora’s appearance.

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Viewing and Photography

You really want to make the most of this moment. The guides are happy to help with cameras, setting you up for shots against the starry sky and dancing lights. Travelers have loved having this extra assistance, especially those new to Northern Lights photography.

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Practical Considerations

Weather and Clothing: It can get very cold, especially outside, so dressing warmly is crucial. The tour advises bringing warm clothing and shoes.
Duration: The entire experience lasts around 4 hours, with roughly 2 hours in the Sami tent and 2 hours chasing the lights.
Group Size: Small groups keep the experience intimate and allow for personalized attention.
Price and Value: While the cost isn’t listed here, reviews suggest the experience’s value is high — you get great food, expert guides, and a chance to see the aurora, all in a comfortable setting.

Food and Atmosphere

Many reviewers rave about the delicious Sami-style BBQ dinner. The warm fire, cozy environment, and the storytelling create a welcoming atmosphere. Some mention that the dinner includes a mix of traditional Sami recipes with a contemporary twist, making it more appealing for a variety of tastes.

Wildlife Encounters

Even if the Northern Lights aren’t visible, guides often take guests to spots where they might see reindeer, moose, or other local wildlife. Reviewer Jacoob shares how, despite cloudy skies, the wildlife sightings and guide Henrik’s efforts made the trip memorable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who enjoy cultural insights, good food, and a relaxed outdoor setting. It’s also great if you’re traveling with someone interested in Sami traditions or simply want a cozy Arctic night with the chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Keep in mind, children under 5 are not suited for this activity, mainly due to outdoor conditions and nighttime hours.

It’s a solid choice for solo travelers, couples, and small groups who value a genuine, personal experience with knowledgeable guides. If your main goal is to see the Aurora, be aware that sightings depend on weather and sky conditions — but even without a sighting, the experience itself is rewarding.

The Authenticity and Quality of Guides

From reviews, it’s clear that guides like Henrik, Sony, Daniel, and Greg are highly praised. Travelers mention how their enthusiasm, friendliness, and knowledge elevate the experience. Guides go beyond just driving around; they share stories, play guitar, and help with photos, making each trip feel special.

Food Quality

The Sami BBQ dinner is consistently described as tasty and cooked with care. It’s a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out after a cold outdoor activity. Several reviewers mention that the food exceeded expectations, and some even highlight the Sami recipes as a highlight.

Flexibility and Customer Service

Booking is flexible, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Many travelers appreciate the professionalism and responsiveness of the team, which makes planning easier, especially during unpredictable Arctic weather.

Final Thoughts

This tour combines a culture, culinary delight, and aurora hunting in a way that’s approachable and genuine. The mix of storytelling, good food, and scenic stops makes it stand out among Arctic experiences. The guides’ passion and effort shine through in the reviews, and most travelers leave with both pictures and stories to cherish.

If you’re seeking an authentic taste of Lapland, enjoy a warm atmosphere, and are okay with some weather dependence, this tour offers excellent value. It’s especially suited for those who want more than just a quick glimpse — it’s about creating a memorable Arctic evening.

Ready to Book?

Kiruna: Sami-Inspired BBQ Dinner with Northern Lights Chase

4.8

(106)

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 5 years old are not recommended for this activity, mainly because of outdoor conditions and late hours.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing and sturdy shoes are essential. The weather can be very cold, especially outside the tent, so layering is key.

Can I see the Northern Lights every night?
No, the aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon and can’t be guaranteed. Guides will do their best to find clear skies, but visibility depends on weather and solar activity.

How long does the tour last?
The total time is about 4 hours, including pickup, dinner, and Aurora chase.

What is included in the meal?
You’ll enjoy a Sami-inspired BBQ with reindeer and moose, cooked over an open fire, and served in a cozy Sami tent.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are offered, so be sure to specify when booking.

How many people are typically in a group?
The tour is designed to be small-group, ensuring a more personal and flexible experience.

To sum it up, this Sami-inspired BBQ and Northern Lights tour from Kiruna hits a lot of checkboxes for travelers wanting culture, good food, and a chance at seeing the aurora. The guides’ dedication and the authentic setting make it a memorable Arctic night. While the Northern Lights can’t be guaranteed, the overall experience offers genuine insight into Sami traditions, cozy atmospheres, and perhaps even wildlife sightings. For those who appreciate storytelling, hearty meals, and scenic adventure — this tour is a solid pick.