Kiruna: Snowmobile Aurora Tour with Lappish Dinner & Gear

Summary

Snowmobile under arctic skies then share fireside reindeer stew

You’ll ride snowmobiles through silent forests near Kiruna, swapping drivers if you want, then warm up around a fire in a forest hut with traditional Lappish food. Your local guide keeps things easygoing while you scan for northern lights above frozen lakes. This isn’t just about chasing auroras — it’s those small moments: laughter over dinner, cold air on your face, and that hush when everyone looks up together.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I was nervous when they handed me the helmet — my glasses immediately fogged up (they warned me about that), and I fumbled with the balaclava. Our guide, Erik, just grinned and helped me adjust everything, saying, “Don’t worry, everyone looks ridiculous at first.” That broke the ice. We all piled into the minivan for a quick drive outside Kiruna, where the snowmobiles waited under this pale blue dusk. The air smelled sharp, like cold metal and pine needles.

The first few minutes on the snowmobile were bumpy — I kept thinking I’d tip us over but somehow didn’t. My friend took over driving after we crossed the Torne River (she’s braver than me), and I just sat back and watched the headlights bounce off frozen branches. It’s so quiet out there except for the hum of engines and this weird crunch beneath you. Erik would stop every so often to check on us or point out animal tracks in the snow — he said they were foxes but honestly they could’ve been anything; it was too dark for me to tell.

We made it to this wooden hut tucked deep in the forest, smoke curling up through a hole in the roof. Inside was warm and smoky from the fire — my gloves steamed as I held them close. Dinner was reindeer souvas (I tried not to think too hard about it) with some kind of sweet cloudberry dessert that tasted like honey mixed with frost. Someone tried to say “kiitos” for thank you — Li laughed when I tried to say it in Swedish instead (I definitely butchered it). There was a moment outside after dinner where we all stood quietly, hoping for northern lights. They flickered green just above the trees for maybe five minutes — not as bright as Instagram makes you think, but real enough that I still think about that glow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowmobile tour and dinner in forest

• Collect warm clothes and meet guide
• Drive by minivan to forest start point
• Receive safety briefing and driving instructions
• Snowmobile through forests, lakes, and river
• Swap drivers and take photos of northern lights
• Stop at forest hut for traditional dinner
• Warm up by open fire and enjoy dessert
• Return to start point by minivan

Top questions

Is pickup included for this snowmobile aurora tour?

Yes, transport from Kiruna town to the starting point is included by minivan.

Do I need special gear for snowmobiling in Kiruna?

No, all necessary winter gear like snowsuit, boots, gloves, helmet and balaclava are provided.

Can two people share one snowmobile?

Yes, two people can share each snowmobile if both have driving licenses; single driver option is available with extra fee.

What kind of food is served during the tour?

A traditional Lapland dinner (reindeer souvas) and local cloudberry dessert are served in a forest hut.

How long does it take to reach the starting point from Kiruna?

The drive from town to where you start riding is about 20 minutes by minivan.

Will we see northern lights on this tour?

Sightings can never be guaranteed but you'll spend time searching for them during your ride and breaks.

Is this tour suitable if I wear glasses?

It's not recommended as glasses may fog up inside helmets; contact lenses are suggested instead.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn't recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your evening includes transfer from Kiruna town to the snowy starting point and back again afterwards; all winter clothing like snowsuit, boots, wool socks, gloves, balaclava and helmet; use of a shared or single-driver snowmobile; a traditional Lappish dinner with dessert served fireside in a forest hut; plus plenty of chances to swap drivers or pause for photos under the arctic sky.