Kiruna: Northern Lights Tour with Stejk Street Food Dinner

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Introduction

Looking for an authentic way to see the Northern Lights in Sweden? This Kiruna: Northern Lights Tour with Stejk Street Food Dinner offers a well-rounded experience combining tasty local cuisine, expert guidance, and multiple chances to catch the aurora. It’s a popular choice for those who want more than just a fleeting glimpse and appreciate good food and friendly guides.

Two things we particularly like about this tour are the delicious street food dinner served in a cozy tepee and the personalized, flexible approach to chasing the lights. The guides’ local knowledge really shines in helping you find the best spots, maximizing your chances for a memorable sighting. A potential consideration is the weather dependency—since the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, clear skies are essential. That said, the tour’s flexibility means they’ll change locations as needed.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of cultural authenticity, scenic beauty, and a small-group atmosphere. If you’re comfortable in cold weather and eager to combine a hearty meal with a once-in-a-lifetime light show, this tour is worth considering.

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Key Points

Authentic local dining in a cozy tepee setting offers more than just a meal; it’s part of the experience.
Expert guides with local knowledge increase your chances of spotting the Aurora Borealis.
The flexible itinerary adapts to weather conditions, moving to the best spots for viewing.
Includes warm drinks and snacks like lingonberry juice, adding comfort during chilly nights.
The entire experience lasts around 5 hours, with convenient pickup and drop-off in Kiruna.
Excellent value for money, considering the dinner, guided tour, and multiple viewing opportunities in one package.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kiruna.

Detailed Review

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour kicks off at the famous Stejk Street Foods Truck & Tepee located in Kiruna’s old city. This is more than just a starting point; it’s an inviting introduction to local flavors and culture. The cozy tepee, where dinner is served, sets a warm, inviting tone, especially after a day in the Arctic cold. The aroma of reindeer, moose, or other local specialties fills the air, making it clear this is authentic Swedish Lapland fare.

The dinner is a highlight for many travelers. One reviewer praised the delicious local street food and said, “Emilie’s special 50:50 reindeer and moose steak and panini was FIRE.” The portion sizes are generous, and the warm lingonberry juice, served alongside cinnamon cookies, adds a comforting touch. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a chance to connect with Lapland’s culinary traditions.

The Guide and the Planning

After dinner, the guide reviews the latest weather and Aurora Borealis forecast. This step is crucial because cloud cover often makes or breaks the sighting. Guides are experienced and enthusiastic, and they use their local knowledge to optimize your chances. Multiple reviewers highlighted guides’ friendliness, humor, and expertise, with one saying, “Danijel took us to scenic spots and waited patiently for the lights, even when it was cloudy at first.”

The guides don’t just drive around aimlessly—they strategically pick locations with low light pollution and good viewing potential. If the Aurora appears, they’ll stay longer at that spot; if not, they’ll move on to the next promising location. This adaptability makes a big difference, especially on nights with variable weather.

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The Transportation and Comfort

The journey is in a vehicle, typically a van or car, which is essential for reaching the best sights outside Kiruna. The group size tends to be small, making the experience intimate and allowing guides to offer personalized attention. Travelers have reported the transportation as comfortable, with the guides making sure everyone stays warm and safe.

You’ll be driving through scenic parts of the Kiruna – Abisko – Lapland area. The landscape is breathtaking — snow-covered trees, frozen lakes, and vast open skies. One reviewer described the drive as “scenic and peaceful,” which helps set the mood for the night ahead.

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The Aurora Viewing Experience

This tour boasts a high success rate for aurora sightings, according to reviews. Several travelers have described witnessing multiple displays across the sky, with some lucky enough to see the dancing, shifting lights that make the Aurora Borealis so famous. One noted, “Auroras showed up everywhere on the sky,” highlighting how unpredictable and spectacular the show can be.

The guides are attentive, offering snacks and warm drinks like lingonberry juice, which is vital in sub-zero temperatures. Many reviews mention how helpful the guides are in keeping everyone comfortable, even providing reindeer hides to sit on for warmth.

Scenic Spots, Campfire, and Additional Delights

Some guests have been taken to scenic lakeshores or other natural vantage points. The experience often includes moments around a campfire, where stories, roasted marshmallows, and hot drinks make the wait enjoyable. One reviewer loved the “campfire, grilled marshmallows, and great talks,” emphasizing how these small touches enhance the overall trip.

Value and Cost

At $151 per person, the tour offers a compelling package of dinner, expert guiding, transportation, and multiple chances to see the lights. Considering how much is included, and the fact that it’s a small-group experience focused on maximizing viewing opportunities, many travelers find it excellent value. Several reviews highlight the quality of food and guides’ friendliness, making the price feel justified.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for those who want a balanced experience — combining local cuisine, scenic drives, and a good chance of seeing the Aurora. It’s suitable for travelers who appreciate authenticity and don’t mind bundling up for cold weather. Children under 12 are not allowed, so it’s best for older kids and adults.

Note: It’s not a photography-focused tour, so if capturing perfect Aurora shots is your goal, you might want to bring your own camera or look for a specialized photography tour.

The Sum Up

This Kiruna Northern Lights Tour with Stejk Street Food Dinner offers a genuine taste of Lapland’s magic. The combination of local street food, friendly guides, and carefully selected viewing locations significantly enhances your chances of witnessing the aurora dance across the sky. The cozy dinner inside a tepee, alongside warm drinks, creates a welcoming atmosphere that balances comfort with adventure.

If you’re after a small-group experience led by knowledgeable locals, with the comforts of authentic food and scenic drives, this tour provides excellent value for the price. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want a relaxed, informative experience rather than a hurried, cookie-cutter tour.

However, keep in mind that aurora sightings depend heavily on weather and sky conditions. Flexibility from the guides helps, but no tour can guarantee a sighting. Still, with their experience and your warm clothes, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable Arctic night.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
Your package covers a local dinner at Stejk Street Food in a cozy tepee, an experienced local guide, weather and Aurora forecast, warm lingonberry juice, gingerbread, and pickup/drop-off at specific hotels in Kiruna.

Is this a good tour for families with children?
Children under 12 are not allowed on this tour, so it’s best for older kids and adults who enjoy cold-weather adventures and cultural experiences.

Can I bring my own camera or phone?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own mobile device or camera to capture the Northern Lights, though this isn’t a photography-specific tour.

What should I wear?
Bring warm clothing suitable for Arctic conditions. The tour doesn’t include extra winter gear, but you can rent shell jackets and winter boots at Stejk Street Food for 100 SEK per item per person.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 5 hours, with starting times depending on availability. It’s designed to maximize your chances of Aurora viewing while remaining comfortably paced.

Are there any weather restrictions?
Yes, the tour is weather-dependent. Cloudy nights reduce the likelihood of sightings, but guides will adapt by moving to different locations.

Can I arrange a private tour?
Yes, private tours are available upon request. Contact the provider for details.

Is pickup available outside Kiruna city?
Pickup outside Kiruna is not included but can be arranged for an extra fee. Confirm with the guide about transfer options.

Will I see the Aurora every night?
Not necessarily. Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity. The guides do their best to find clear skies and good viewing spots.

This tour balances the thrill of chasing the Northern Lights with the comfort of authentic local food and expert guidance. If you’re eager to experience Lapland’s night sky in a relaxed, friendly setting, this is a solid choice that offers both adventure and warmth.