Snowshoe up a Mountain in Kiruna: Above the Treeline

Climb above the trees and watch the arctic light change across the sky.

Snowshoe up a mountain in Kiruna with a small group and a trained guide, reaching a viewpoint above the treeline where you stop to watch the landscape and drink hot local berry juice. The 2.5-hour outing covers roughly 3 to 3.5 kilometers at a moderate pace, with pickup from three spots in town included; snowshoes and a headlamp (if needed) are provided. Minimum age is 12, and groups stay under eight people.

The Experience

You start from one of three pickup points in Kiruna — Camp Ripan, Tourist Information, or Hotel Scandic — and head out with snowshoes already fitted. The route climbs steadily, and your guide stops regularly to point out animal tracks pressed into the snow and other details of the forest floor. The pace is moderate and built for the group to move together, so you're not racing uphill; instead, the walk becomes a way to read the landscape as you go higher.

Once you break above the treeline, the view opens. In the arctic winter, daylight shifts constantly — from the blue "Kaamos" light of the polar twilight to sunsets where the sky fills with color — and being up high is what lets you actually see it. You stop at the viewpoint, drink hot local berry juice, and take photos if the light is right. The whole outing takes 2.5 hours, so you're back in town before the afternoon closes in.

Bring your own winter clothing suited to the weather and the activity; the company provides snowshoes, the hot drink, and a headlamp if you need one. A trained guide leads in English, Finnish, or Swedish, depending on the group. The group stays small — no more than eight people — which is why the stops feel unhurried and the guide can actually talk about what you're seeing instead of herding a crowd.

What’s included

• Snowshoes and a headlamp (if needed).
• hot local berry juice.
• a trained guide speaking English, Finnish or Swedish.
• pickup from Camp Ripan, Tourist Information or Hotel Scandic.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by Outdoor North 67°

Is this one for you?Choose this if you prefer a guided climb with frequent stops to learn about the landscape, rather than moving steadily with a larger group.

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Top questions

What is the route like on a snowshoe hike above the treeline in Kiruna?

The route climbs roughly 3 to 3.5 kilometers at a moderate pace, with regular stops to look at animal tracks and forest features on the way up. Once you break above the treeline, the landscape opens and you reach a viewpoint where the group stops to rest and take in the view.

What's included in the snowshoe activity, and what do I need to bring?

Snowshoes, a hot local berry juice, a headlamp if needed, and a trained guide are all included. You need to bring your own winter clothing — the company does not provide jackets, pants, gloves or boots, so dress for the weather and the activity level.

How does pickup work for the snowshoe tour in Kiruna?

Pickup is included from three spots in town: Camp Ripan (10 minutes before the activity starts), Tourist Information (5 minutes before), or Hotel Scandic (at the start time). You choose which one suits your location when you book.

What time of year can you snowshoe in Kiruna, and what's the light like?

The activity runs during the arctic winter, when daylight changes dramatically throughout the day — from the blue twilight of Kaamos to colorful sunsets. Being above the treeline is what lets you see these light shifts across the landscape instead of being surrounded by forest.

Is the snowshoe hike suitable for children or people who are not very fit?

The minimum age is 12 years old. The activity level is moderate, so you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. It is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.