Northern Lights Snowshoe Hike

If you’re dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights while enjoying the quiet beauty of the Swedish Arctic, this Northern Lights Snowshoe Hike might be just the thing. While we haven’t personally strapped on snowshoes under the Northern Lights (who has?), reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a memorable way to connect with nature, especially if you love winter adventures and wildlife spotting. A few things stand out — like the small group size and the chance to learn about local wildlife — but it’s worth considering the duration and weather conditions before booking.

What we love about this experience is how it combines nighttime adventure with a cozy, cultural touch — like gathering around an open fire for fika. Plus, the all-inclusive gear makes it accessible without needing to pack special winter clothing yourself. On the flip side, if you’re not a fan of cold or if you’re traveling with young kids, this might not be the best fit. This tour suits travelers who want a small-group, authentic Arctic experience with a good chance to see the Aurora Borealis if luck is on your side.

Key Points

• Unique Nighttime Snowshoeing: Experience the Arctic night in a peaceful, natural setting away from city lights.
• Wildlife and Nature: Keep an eye out for local animals and learn about the ecosystem from your guide.
• Northern Lights Possibility: With some luck, you’ll witness the Aurora Borealis dancing overhead — a truly unforgettable sight.
• Comfort and Convenience: All gear and transport are included, making it easier for you to focus on the experience.
• Cultural Touch: End the night gathered around a fire with hot drinks and traditional Swedish fika.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (up to 8) ensure a more personalized and intimate experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience Breakdown: What You Can Expect

This tour offers a solid balance of adventure, education, and cozy comfort. Starting with pickup from central Kiruna, you’ll head to the base in Kalixforsbron, where the real fun begins. The whole experience lasts about 3.5 hours, which is just right for a winter outing – enough time to enjoy the landscape without feeling exhausted or rushed.

Pickup and Arrival

The tour begins with a pickup from four different locations in Kiruna, including Malmvägen 9B at the new Kiruna Lapland Tourist Center, Camp Ripan, and a couple of central spots. This flexible pickup setup means you’ll have a convenient start, without long transfers. Expect about a 30-minute drive to Kalixforsbron, where you’ll meet your guide and get outfitted.

Safety Briefing and Gear Fitting

Once you arrive, there’s a quick safety briefing, lasting around 15 minutes. During this time, you’ll also get fitted with cozy winter overalls, sturdy boots, snowshoes, mittens, hats, and headlamps — all included in the price. This setup is great because it ensures you’re warm and prepared, even if you didn’t bring your own gear. Plus, the snowshoes make walking through deep snow much easier, preventing fatigue and helping you stay in control.

The Snowshoe Hike

The core part of the tour is a roughly 1.5-hour hike across a frozen lake and into peaceful forests. As you walk, your guide will share insights about the natural surroundings, wildlife, and local culture. The snowshoe trek is designed to be accessible, but it’s advisable to dress warmly with layers, a scarf or balaclava, and perhaps contact lenses if you wear glasses, since cold air can be a challenge.

While the Northern Lights are the main highlight, the scenery itself offers an incredible sense of calm and solitude. You’ll likely see animal tracks — maybe reindeer, moose, or Arctic hares — and your guide will point them out. Keep an eye out for Ripa, Kiruna’s official bird, and listen to stories about local wildlife.

More Great Tours Nearby

Wildlife and Nature Spotting

According to reviews, the chance to spot wildlife or tracks adds an authentic touch. Since the guide is focused on local flora and fauna, you might find yourself more engaged than expected, with plenty of opportunities for photography. Even if the Aurora doesn’t appear, hiking through pristine snow-covered landscapes is a reward in itself.

Campfire and Fika

After the hike, everyone gathers around an open fire. The ambiance in the Nordic tipi, combined with the aroma of hot drinks and cookies, creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. This is a classic Swedish tradition called Fika, and it’s a lovely way to relax and swap stories about the night’s adventures. During this time, you might also learn how to find dry firewood and build a fire — handy skills if you’re venturing into winter outdoors on your own someday.

Return Journey

The evening wraps up with a comfortable ride back to Kiruna, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and a handful of memorable photos. The small group size ensures a relaxed atmosphere, and the entire experience is designed to maximize comfort and enjoyment.

The Practical Side: What’s Included and What to Know

This tour is designed to be straightforward and stress-free. Everything you need is provided — winter gear, snowshoes, transportation, and the cozy Fika session. The price reflects the convenience of included equipment and small-group intimacy, which can feel like a real treat compared to larger, more commercial tours.

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, which is manageable even if you’re not used to cold or winter outings. Since the tour is only suitable for those over 10 and under 70, it’s primarily aimed at adult travelers and older children who can handle a winter adventure comfortably.

If the Northern Lights are visible, your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon are pretty good, especially if you’ve checked the Aurora forecast. But even without the Aurora, many reviews mention how the experience of walking through snow-covered landscapes and sitting around a fire makes it worthwhile.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is great if you’re after a peaceful, authentic Arctic experience with a touch of cultural warmth. It’s particularly suited to those who enjoy nighttime outdoor activities and don’t mind bundling up in winter gear. If wildlife spotting, snowshoeing, and cozy fires appeal to you, this could be a perfect fit.

However, if you’re traveling with young children under 10, or if you’re not comfortable in cold weather or on snowshoes, you might want to look for something more family-friendly or less physically demanding. The small group size makes it ideal for travelers who appreciate a more personalized, intimate experience.

Final Thoughts

The Northern Lights Snowshoe Hike offers a genuine slice of Arctic life combined with the chance to see one of nature’s most spectacular displays — the Aurora Borealis. The combination of snowshoe trekking, wildlife spotting, and relaxing around a fire provides a well-rounded, memorable outing. The included gear and transportation remove much of the hassle, leaving you free to enjoy the landscape and the moment.

This experience is best suited for travelers who value authenticity, comfort, and small-group intimacy. If you’re prepared for cold weather and eager to spend an evening under the stars, this could be a highlight of your trip to northern Sweden.

FAQs

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed on this tour?
Not exactly. While the tour maximizes your chances by taking you away from light pollution, seeing the Aurora Borealis depends on weather conditions and solar activity. Checking the Aurora forecast like Aurora Reach can help gauge the likelihood.

What should I wear for the snowshoe hike?
Dress warmly with weather-appropriate clothing, including layers, a scarf or balaclava, and sturdy boots. The tour supplies winter overalls and gear, but layering is key for comfort.

Can I bring my camera?
Absolutely. The dark skies offer a great opportunity for photos of the Northern Lights and starry landscapes. Just remember to bring it along and perhaps a tripod if you have one.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s recommended for travelers aged 10 and above due to the cold and physical activity involved. If you’re traveling with younger kids, consider other options.

How long is the snowshoe hike?
The hike lasts about 1.5 hours, covering a snow-covered lake and forest paths, offering enough time for a good trek without overexertion.

What’s included in the package?
All necessary winter gear, snowshoes, transportation, and a cozy Fika around an open fire are included, making it quite convenient and hassle-free.

Exploring the Arctic under the northern lights via snowshoe hike sounds like a special adventure — one filled with quiet beauty, wildlife encounters, and the warmth of traditional Swedish hospitality. If those elements appeal, this tour could become one of your favorite winter memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: