Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Kiruna Snow Festival;
www.snofestivalen.com
)
Held during the last week of January, this festival is all about snow sculpting. The tradition
began in 1985 as a space-themed snow-sculpture contest to celebrate the launching of a
rocket
(Viking)
from nearby space base Esrange, and now draws artists from all over to
create ever more elaborate and beautiful shapes. The festival also features Sami reindeer-
sled racing.
Sleeping
STF Vandrarhem & Hotell City
HOSTEL, HOTEL
Skr250/450/500, hotel s/d/tr Skr750/850/1100; )
This catch-all hotel-and-hostel combo has a gleaming red-and-white colour scheme in its
modern hotel rooms and cosy dorms. Sauna and breakfast cost extra for hostel guests, but
there are handy guest kitchens.
Hotel Arctic Eden
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
(
MAP
0980-611 86;
www.hotelarcticeden.se
;
Föraregatan 18; s/d Skr900/1200;
)
At Kiruna's most luxurious lodgings, the rooms are a chic blend of Sami decor and mod-
ern technology, there's a plush spa and indoor pool, and the friendly staff can book all
manner of outdoor adventures. A fine breakfast spread is served in the morning and the
on-site Arctic Thai & Grill is flooded with spice-seeking customers on a daily basis.
Camp Ripan
CAMPGROUND, HOTEL
(
MAP
0980-630 00;
www.ripan.se
; Campingvägen 5; sites Skr150, cabins from
Skr1100; )
This large and well-equipped campground has hotel-standard chalets and stylish rooms
with Sami-inspired art - in addition to its caravan and tent sites. In winter you can bed
down in an igloo - a budget version of the Icehotel - and be defrosted in the morning with
hot lingonberry drink and a spell in the sauna.
