Kiruna is one of the few towns in the world that is deliberately being moved. It was founded in 1900 beside a mountain of iron ore, and ever since the mine has grown deeper and wider, the ground above it has cracked and shifted. Over the past decade, large parts of the centre have been relocated a few kilometres east, with new streets, a new town hall and new homes rising while old landmarks are moved or taken down. A guided minivan tour is the quickest way to make sense of all this. A local guide drives you past the old and new town centres, the viewpoints over the mine, the former industrial buildings and the neighbourhoods that have already been affected, explaining why the move was necessary and how it has changed daily life. Along the way you will hear about the town's founder, the early miners, the arrival of the railway and the role of the Sámi in the area. At two to three hours, it is short enough to fit around other plans, and it is an easy first activity on arrival.
How it works
You meet the guide in town and travel in a small vehicle, with stops at viewpoints and landmarks. The commentary follows a route that links the old centre, the mine area and the new centre. Time is allowed for photographs and short walks, and the guide can answer questions about local life.
What to know
In winter the stops are brief because of the cold, but the minivan is heated and the commentary continues on the move. The tour does not usually include entry to the mine itself, which is a separate guided visit. Wear warm clothing for the outdoor stops, and bring a camera.
The story
Kiruna was founded by the mining company LKAB and named after the nearby mountain, Kiirunavaara. The mine is among the largest underground iron-ore mines in the world, and the ore has supplied European industry for over a century. The relocation has been a huge undertaking, involving thousands of residents and a long list of buildings, including a historic church that has been moved to a new site.
The new centre
The town hall, called Kristallen, is a striking modern building with a faceted shape and a distinctive roof. The new centre is designed to be compact and walkable, with an eye on the long, dark winters and the need for shelter from the wind.
Why choose it
This tour is an efficient way to understand the town you are staying in. It is affordable, flexible and informative, and it pairs well with a visit to the mine, the church or the Sámi museum.
Extra context
The old town centre still contains interesting buildings and the streets around it were laid out in the early twentieth century with a deliberate plan, with curved roads meant to break the wind. Hjalmar Lundbohm, the first director of the mining company, was an art lover and a patron of artists, and his influence shaped the early town, including its architecture and public art.
Ask the guide to point out examples. If you want to explore further on foot, the new centre is compact, with cafes, shops and public spaces that make a pleasant place to warm up after the tour.
What to expect
The experience
A guided minivan tour of Kiruna covering the mine, the old and new town centres and the story of the relocation.
Best time
Any season, with daylight tours best for views.
How long
Roughly two to three hours.
Tips
Bring a camera, dress warmly for outdoor stops and ask the guide about local life.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want to understand the town.
- Families
- Comfortable and informative, suitable for older children.
- Couples
- A relaxed orientation.
- Pair with
- The mine tour or the church.
- Time needed
- Half a day or less.
Good questions
Why is Kiruna being moved?+
The mine beneath the town causes ground deformation, so parts of the centre are being relocated to safer ground.
Does the tour enter the mine?+
Usually not. The mine visit is a separate guided tour.
What is Kristallen?+
The new town hall, a modern building with a faceted design.
Is it suitable in winter?+
Yes. The minivan is heated and stops are short.
Can I do it on arrival day?+
Yes, it is a good first activity if the schedule fits.