Kiruna, in the far north of Sweden, isn’t just famous for its stunning winter landscapes and the iconic ICEHOTEL. It’s also a place where authentic Arctic cuisine takes center stage. Whether you’re craving a Sami-inspired barbecue, a cozy street food dinner, or a spectacular dinner under the Northern Lights, Kiruna offers some truly memorable options. We’re especially fond of the Kiruna: Sami-Inspired BBQ Dinner with Northern Lights Chase for its immersive experience, blending traditional local flavors with a hunt for the spectacular auroras. Imagine savoring reindeer meat around a fire while waiting under the starry sky for the Northern Lights to dance overhead. That’s a true taste of Lapland.
If you’re after a lively atmosphere combined with excellent food, the Kiruna: Northern Lights Tour with Stejk Street Food Dinner is fantastic for its warm, communal vibe and top-quality street eats. For those seeking a scenic and cultural combination, the Experience the Majestic Auroras Kiruna-Abisko & Lodge Dinner offers a scenic drive, delicious meal, and a chance to see the Northern Lights in the best possible setting. And for a truly adventurous night, the Enjoy the Aurora Show on top of the mountain inc tipi dinner combines snowmobiling, stunning mountain views, and a cozy tipi dinner — a perfect blend of action and relaxation.
Below, we’ll explore each of these options in detail, helping you decide which one best suits your taste, budget, and schedule.
Types of Tours on Our List
Our top choices include a variety of dining and Aurora chasing options: from Sami-inspired BBQ adventures, like Kiruna: Sami-Inspired BBQ Dinner with Northern Lights Chase, to more elaborate multi-course dinners such as Aurora Tour with Dinner in Abisko. We also highlight combination experiences like snowmobiling and reindeer sledding, which pair outdoor Arctic activities with hearty local meals. Each offers something unique, whether it’s cultural insight, scenic views, or the thrill of chasing the Northern Lights.
Now, let’s look at each tour in detail, so you can see where they shine.
1. Kiruna: Sami-Inspired BBQ Dinner with Northern Lights Chase
At number one, this small-group tour combines authentic Sami cuisine with a hunt for the Northern Lights. You’ll start by experiencing the traditional Sami dish, ‘souvas,’ made with tender reindeer meat cooked over an open fire, which is both hearty and smoky in the best way. Your guide shares stories about the Swedish Sami people and Lapland’s cultural traditions, enriching the meal with context. After dinner, you’ll head out in minibuses to find the perfect spot for viewing the auroras — the key here is flexibility and patience.
This tour stands out because of its intimate setting (rated 4.8/5 with 106 reviews) and the combination of delicious food and natural spectacle. The tour lasts about four hours, making it perfect for travelers who want an immersive experience without sacrificing comfort. The key highlight: stopping at multiple vantage points until the aurora appears, giving everyone plenty of time for photos. Plus, you’ll enjoy the warmth of the fire as you wait.
Bottom line: If you want a balanced mix of culture, cuisine, and aurora hunting, this tour offers a memorable taste of Lapland’s traditional side.
2. Kiruna: Northern Lights Tour with Stejk Street Food Dinner
Number two on our list is perfect for lovers of informal, fun dining combined with a hunt for the Northern Lights. You’ll start at the popular Stejk Street Foods Truck & Tepee, where you can enjoy a delicious street food dinner in a cozy setting. The menu features local favorites, and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, perfect for families or groups of friends.
After your meal, the tour kicks off with a drive through Kiruna and the surrounding area, where your guide shares insights about the latest weather and Aurora forecast. The small group (94 reviews, 4.8/5) heads into the night, stopping at vantage points to maximize your chances of seeing the lights. Reviewers praise the thoughtful guide, the fireplace, and the reindeer steak panini—which they say is “FIRE” in their words.
This tour is valued for its combination of outdoor adventure and local street food in a cozy setting. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a lively, social atmosphere with plenty of chances to see the auroras.
Bottom line: If you want a casual, lively experience with excellent local food and Aurora hunting, this tour is a top pick.
3. Experience the Majestic Auroras Kiruna-Abisko & Lodge Dinner
This tour offers a scenic drive between Kiruna and Abisko, one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, with a delicious two-course dinner inspired by Lapland flavors. The tour lasts around five hours, during which you’ll enjoy a cultural experience—learning about local customs while watching the sky. The highlight is the Aurora chase along scenic roads, with the chance to stop at vantage points and have your photos taken.
The dinner, served in a cozy lodge or tipi, features local ingredients, and the tour includes arctic clothing loan—down jackets, pants, and winter boots—so you can stay warm without lugging gear around. The guide shares stories, making the experience both educational and atmospheric. Reviewers note the delicious food, the scenic drive, and being taken to spots with the highest likelihood of seeing the lights.
This experience is perfect for travelers who want a combination of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and good food in a relaxed setting.
Bottom line: For a luxurious yet authentic evening with a scenic drive, good food, and Northern Lights, this tour is hard to beat.
4. Enjoy the Aurora Show on top of the mountain inc tipi dinner
Number four is a combination of adventure and comfort. You’ll be picked up and driven to Mount Ednamvarri, where you’ll enjoy a tipi dinner around a fire with local flavors like reindeer stew and lingonberry juice. Afterward, the real highlight begins: snowmobiling across smooth trails, with the panoramic 360-degree view offering a perfect backdrop for the Northern Lights.
Rated 4.7/5 with 27 reviews, this tour is praised for its spectacular scenery and excellent guides. The snowmobiling is easy enough for most, and the tipi dinner offers cozy warmth while you marvel at the auroras overhead. Reviewers mention the “phenomenal” lights and the delicious food as being the perfect combination.
The tour lasts around five hours, making it suitable for those who want a more adventurous night with a good dose of excitement and scenic beauty.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for an action-packed evening with the thrill of snowmobiling and a spectacular aurora show, this is a great choice.
5. Aurora Tour with Dinner in Abisko
Number five offers a luxurious experience combining fine dining, Sami culture, and Aurora chasing. You’ll travel to Abisko, renowned for its clear skies and frequent auroras, with a 3-course dinner served in a traditional Sami setting. The tour also includes a cultural presentation and a chance to seek out the Northern Lights on the way back to Kiruna.
Rated perfectly at 5/5 by 11 reviews, this experience is praised for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and expert guides. It’s suitable for travelers who want a more refined evening with good food and educational insights. The abundance of opportunities to see the lights makes it especially appealing.
This tour balances culture, scenic beauty, and Aurora viewing, making it an excellent choice for those seeking comfort and quality.
Bottom line: For a luxurious, educational, and scenic Northern Lights experience, this tour is a top contender.
6. Kiruna: Reindeer Herder Tour with Sami Dinner and Transfers
Number six combines reindeer sledding, Sami culture, and traditional food. You’ll start with riding a reindeer sled through the winter landscape, then become a reindeer herder for a day by feeding the herd. The tour includes transfers to the reindeer farm, where you’ll enjoy a Sami dinner around a campfire in a lavvu.
Rated 4.8/5 with 10 reviews, this tour is praised for its authenticity and hands-on experience. The reindeer sledding is a highlight, offering a peaceful way to experience Lapland’s wilderness. The Sami dinner provides a hearty, traditional meal featuring local ingredients.
It’s perfect for travelers wanting a full culture and an active outdoor experience. The 7-hour itinerary might be a bit long for some but is packed with unique moments.
Bottom line: For authentic Sami culture and outdoor fun, this tour offers a memorable day in the Arctic.
7. Kiruna: Abisko Northern Lights Tour with Dinner
This shorter but equally immersive experience takes you to Abisko for dinner and Aurora viewing, driven by knowledgeable guides. The dinner in Abisko is paired with insights into Sami culture and an Aurora chase on the return trip.
Rated 5/5 by 2 reviews, it’s praised for its personal touch and excellent guidance. This is a great choice if your schedule is tight but you still want a quality Northern Lights experience with good food and cultural insight.
Bottom line: An ideal pick for travelers who want a compact, well-guided tour with scenic views and cultural context.
8. Kiruna: Northern Lights Snowmobile Tour with Dinner
Our final tour combines snowmobiling, cultural insights, and dinner. You’ll ride through Torne River’s snowy forests, learning about the Sami culture from your guide, and enjoy a dinner in a remote setting. The tour lasts about four hours and is suitable for adventure lovers and families alike.
Rated 4.3/5, reviewers mention the thrill of snowmobiling and the opportunity to see the Northern Lights in a quiet, natural setting. This experience is best suited for those who want active outdoor fun paired with a cozy dinner.
Bottom line: For adventure seekers who want a complete Arctic experience that includes snowmobiling and aurora watching, this tour delivers.
How to Choose Your Perfect Kiruna Dining and Aurora Experience
When selecting the best experience, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If you’re after an authentic culture combined with local Sami food, the Sami-inspired BBQ tour is ideal. For those seeking a more luxurious evening, the Aurora in Abisko offers elegant dining paired with scenic views. If adventure is your priority, the mountain snowmobile tour combines action, scenery, and aurora hunting.
Also, think about the logistics: some tours include clothing and transfers, simplifying your planning. Check availability early, especially in peak Northern Lights season (December to March), as tours fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
Kiruna offers a diverse range of dining experiences combined with Northern Lights adventures. For a deeply cultural experience with traditional Sami cuisine, the Sami-inspired BBQ stands out. If you prefer a relaxed, scenic drive with good food, the Abisko lodge dinner is perfect. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers will love the mountain snowmobiling tour with its spectacular mountain views and aurora backdrop.
No matter which option you choose, booking early is wise—these experiences are popular and weather-dependent. Whichever tour suits your style, you’re in for a genuine Arctic adventure that combines excellent food, stunning scenery, and the chance to witness one of nature’s most incredible displays.
Enjoy your trip to Kiruna, and don’t forget — the magic of the Northern Lights is best enjoyed with a full belly and a warm coat!