Northern Lights Snowshoe Hike

Planning a trip to Swedish Lapland? If the idea of walking across snow-covered lakes under a starry sky while hunting for the elusive Aurora Borealis appeals to you, the Northern Lights Snowshoe Hike offered by Kiruna Husky might just be your perfect winter escape. We’ve looked into this experience thoroughly, and while we haven’t done it ourselves, the details and reviews suggest it offers an authentic and well-rounded Arctic adventure.

What really catches our eye is how intimate and natural this experience feels—no crowds or city lights to spoil the view. Plus, the chance to see wildlife footprints, learn survival skills, and relax around an open fire with Swedish Fika makes it more than just a Northern Lights chase. That said, a potential consideration is the tour’s duration—about 3.5 hours—and the fact that it’s not suited for kids under 10 or for seniors over 70. It’s best for active travelers craving an authentic, small-group Arctic experience.

If you’re someone who enjoys outdoor activities, wildlife, and culture—and doesn’t mind bundling up—this tour is an excellent fit. It combines physical activity, natural beauty, and cultural insights into one affordable package.

Key Points

• Authentic Arctic Experience: Snowshoeing through lakes and forests at night, away from city lights.
• Northern Lights Potential: Chance to see the Aurora Borealis, depending on weather and aurora forecast.
• Wildlife Tracking: Opportunity to spot animal tracks and learn about local species like reindeer, moose, and Arctic hares.
• Cultural Touch: Enjoy Swedish Fika around a fire, with hot drinks and marshmallows, in a traditional Nordic tipi.
• All-Inclusive Gear: Winter overalls, boots, mittens, hats, and headlamps are provided, easing gear logistics.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, enhancing personal attention and camaraderie.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins with a pickup from one of four central locations in Kiruna, including the Malmvägen 9B, Stora Coop, Best Western Hotel Arctic Eden, or Camp Ripan. This setup makes it convenient for travelers staying in town. The transfer itself is a short 30-minute drive to Kalixforsbron, the base for the adventure.

Since pickup is included, there’s no fuss about renting a car or navigating snowy roads—something that can be a relief if you’re new to Arctic winters. The pickup times are flexible, with a brief wait of about 10 minutes, which gives you some leeway if your flight or accommodation schedule shifts slightly.

Safety Briefing and Gear

Once at Kalixforsbron, you’ll receive a safety briefing and be outfitted with all necessary winter gear, including winter overalls, boots, mittens, hats, and headlamps. This minimizes the hassle of packing bulky winter clothing and ensures everyone stays warm and dry. As the tour is designed for small groups (up to 8), you’ll get personalized attention from your guide, which enhances safety and learning.

The Snowshoeing Itinerary

The core activity is a 1.5-hour snowshoe hike across a frozen lake and through tranquil forests. The snowshoes help you glide over deep snow without sinking, turning what could be a strenuous workout into an accessible outdoor adventure. During the hike, your guide will share insights about local wildlife and nature, pointing out animal tracks—reindeer, moose, Arctic hares—and explaining their significance in the ecosystem.

You’ll also learn survival skills, like how to find dry firewood amid the snow-covered trees. This skill isn’t just practical; it adds a layer of authentic survival knowledge that many travelers find intriguing. Along the trail, wildlife sightings may be scarce, but the experience of walking in the Arctic night, under the stars and possibly the Northern Lights, creates a memorable vibe.

Aurora Borealis Viewing

The highlight for many participants is the chance to witness the Northern Lights dancing overhead. The experience provider advises checking aurora forecasts, such as Aurora Reach, to gauge the chances of a display. As the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, its appearance can’t be guaranteed, but the tour’s remote location maximizes your odds by removing light pollution.

We loved the way the experience sets the scene for a magical moment—quiet, dark, and filled with anticipation. If luck is on your side, you’ll be covered in the Aurora’s glow, with your camera ready to capture the once-in-a-lifetime shot.

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Fireside Fika and Camp Activities

After the hike, everyone gathers around an open fire in a traditional Nordic tipi. Here, you’ll enjoy Fika—Swedish for a cozy coffee break—featuring hot drinks, cookies, and marshmallows. This is a perfect time to warm up, share stories, and reflect on the adventure. The fire setting adds an authentic Nordic touch, making the experience feel genuine and intimate.

Practical Details & Value

The package costs include all the essential winter gear, transfers, and activities, which provide excellent value considering the remote location and specialized experience. The tour lasts 3.5 hours—enough time for a meaningful outdoor adventure without feeling rushed.

The small group size ensures you won’t be just another face in a crowd, fostering a more personal and engaging experience. Plus, the flexibility of booking now and paying later offers peace of mind for travelers with flexible plans.

This tour is ideal for active, curious travelers who enjoy outdoor pursuits and are comfortable in cold weather. It’s suitable for those interested in wildlife, nature, and cultural experiences—not just chasing the lights but also learning about the environment and local traditions.

However, it’s not designed for very young children, the elderly, or anyone with mobility issues, due to the physical nature of snowshoeing and the winter conditions. It’s also best for those who appreciate small groups and personalized attention.

For travelers craving an authentic Arctic experience, this snowshoe hike offers a balanced mix of adventure, natural beauty, and culture. It’s not just about trying to catch the Northern Lights—though that’s a real possibility—it’s about experiencing the Arctic landscape in a truly meaningful way. The snowshoeing through frozen lakes and forests, combined with wildlife tracking and cozy fireside Fika, creates a well-rounded, memorable outing.

The all-inclusive gear, small-group setting, and expert local guides make this an accessible, safe, and enriching activity—perfect for those who want to get off the beaten path. And because it’s tailored for a maximum of 8 people, you’ll enjoy genuine interaction and tailored insights that larger tours often lack.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique winter adventure, this tour provides good value and plenty of opportunities for awe-inspiring moments under the Arctic sky.

What should I wear?
Dressing warmly with weather-appropriate clothing is essential. The tour provides winter overalls, but layering with thermal underwear, a scarf or balaclava, and gloves is recommended to stay comfortable during the walk and fire-side Fika.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While the tour maximizes your chances by going to a dark, remote location, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings depend on weather and aurora activity. Checking aurora forecasts beforehand can improve your odds.

Is it suitable for children?
This experience is not suitable for children under 10 years old, primarily because of the physical activity and cold conditions involved.

How long is the snowshoe hike?
The hike lasts approximately 1.5 hours, but the overall experience, including transfers and breaks, totals around 3.5 hours.

What gear do I need to bring?
The tour provides all necessary winter gear, so you only need to dress warmly and bring your camera for photos. A scarf or balaclava is recommended for added warmth.

Is the tour private?
The experience is designed for small groups, limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personal touch and more direct interaction with your guide.

In all, the Northern Lights Snowshoe Hike by Kiruna Husky offers a genuine slice of Arctic life—blazing fires, wildlife tracks, and perhaps a glimpse of the Aurora—that’s perfect for those seeking an active, authentic, and memorable winter outing in Swedish Lapland.

You can check availability for your dates here: