Northern lights, the original Icehotel and the midnight sun in Swedish Lapland, far above the Arctic Circle. Here's what Kiruna is like, when to go and how long to stay.
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Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
February and March are the best time for a winter trip, with deep snow, longer days and good chances of the northern lights on clear nights. The Icehotel usually opens in December and lasts until spring. From late May to mid-July the sun doesn't set, and summer is lovely for hiking. The northern lights season runs from about September to March.
The original ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi, rebuilt from river ice every winter. Stay a night or visit the art suites by day.
Famous for clear skies and northern lights, with a chairlift up to the Aurora Sky Station on winter nights.
Drive your own team through snowy forest, from a couple of hours to a few days.
Meet reindeer herders and learn about Sami life on a guided visit near Kiruna.
Walk part of Sweden's most famous hiking trail from Abisko in summer, under the midnight sun.
The town centre is being rebuilt a few kilometres east, as the iron ore mine beneath it grows. The new centre and old wooden church are worth a wander.
On clear, dark nights from about September to March. Abisko, an hour or so away, is known for clear skies.
There are no direct flights. Fly via Stockholm, or another hub with a seasonal route, to Kiruna airport.
Daytime highs are often around -10°C in January and can drop much lower at night. Tour companies usually lend warm outer clothing.
Four or five nights gives you several chances to see the northern lights, plus time for huskies and the Icehotel.
Put Kiruna on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.