Guaranteed snow and possible northern lights: where to spend an unforgettable Christmas in Europe

If you want to spend an unforgettable white Christmas in a real winter wonderland, choose the Swedish city of Kiruna, which offers the perfect conditions for a festive vacation. It will enchant you with snowy landscapes and the opportunity to see the northern lights.

This remote town in the north of Sweden boasts a 70% chance of snow at Christmas, making it a unique destination for holiday adventures. And although not all tourists know about this city, it is definitely worth a visit, Mirror assures.

A remote town with a rich history

Kiruna is the northernmost city in Sweden, founded in the early 20th century, known for its iron ore mine. It is so large that the entire city is gradually shifting to the east because of its operation, and locals are watching the construction of new buildings in the city. This process also attracts tourists, who can see how the face of Kiruna changes over the years.

Enchanted pastel houses and a wooden church

Kiruna will surprise you not only with its natural beauty, but also with its architecture. Walking around the town, you can see charming pastel-colored houses and the famous wooden church built in 1912. The church looks like a traditional Sami tent, which adds a special authenticity to the city and reminds us of local history.

Experience Sami culture

Kiruna is the center of the Sami culture, an indigenous people of Sweden. It is home to Nutti Sámi Siida, a travel company founded in 1996 that offers visitors a glimpse into Sami traditions. Travelers can see the life of Sami families, learn about their culture and even take part in reindeer sleigh rides – the perfect winter adventure.

Snow and darkness create a fairy-tale atmosphere

One of the peculiarities of Kiruna is the short days in winter. In December, the sun sets here around 14:30, which makes the day very short. However, this allows travelers to enjoy the starry sky longer and have a good chance of seeing the northern lights, one of the most impressive natural phenomena.

How to get to Kiruna

The best way to get to Kiruna is by air: First fly to Stockholm and then catch one of the local flights. Alternatively, you can take a train from Stockholm, which, although it takes longer (about 16 hours), gives you the opportunity to admire the winter landscapes of Sweden.

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