Kiruna: Build your own igloo overnight Tour

This hands-on experience in Norrbotten County offers travelers a rare chance to construct and sleep in your own igloo amid Sweden’s stunning Arctic landscapes. Guided by experts from Kiruna Husky, the tour combines outdoor survival skills, breathtaking scenery, and the chance to catch the elusive Northern Lights. It’s a chance to step away from typical tours and truly connect with the wild, rugged environment of Swedish Lapland.

What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to learn how to build an igloo from scratch — a skill many outdoor lovers dream of mastering. Plus, the overnight stay in your self-made shelter, combined with a night under the stars, makes this a memorable highlight. However, it’s worth noting that the tour involves some physically demanding activities and small, enclosed spaces, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy outdoor challenges and aren’t claustrophobic.

If you’re looking for an authentic, hands-on wilderness experience with a good mix of adventure, comfort, and culture, this tour fits the bill. It’s ideal for active travelers who want to learn survival skills, see the Aurora borealis, and spend a night in true Arctic style.

Key Points

• Unique experience: Build and sleep in your own igloo in the Arctic wilderness.
• All-inclusive: Includes transfers, gear, meals, and outdoor equipment.
• Natural spectacle: Good chance to see the Northern Lights under ideal conditions.
• Physical activity: Requires some effort to carve and construct your shelter.
• Small group: Limited to 9 participants for a more personalized experience.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for travelers over 12, but not for those with claustrophobia or mobility issues.

An In-Depth Look at the Kiruna Igloo Overnight Tour

What to Expect: An Adventure from the First Step

The experience begins with convenient pickup options from several locations in Kiruna, including the Camp Ripan, Best Western Hotel Arctic Eden, and nearby shopping centers. The transfer, lasting about 30 minutes, takes you into the stark beauty of Kalixfors, where the wilderness becomes your playground.

Once arrived, your guide, from Kiruna Husky, will equip you with winter gear—think insulated overalls, socks, sturdy boots, mittens, hats, and headlamps—ensuring you’re well-prepared for the cold. The focus here is on safety and comfort, but it’s important to remember that you’ll be outside in below-freezing temperatures, so layering and warmth are key.

Building the Igloo: A Hands-On Challenge

The core part of this tour is the igloo construction. With expert guidance, you’ll learn how to carve snow blocks, shape them, and assemble your shelter. Reviews have highlighted how rewarding this process can be, even if it involves some physical exertion. For example, one guest remarked, “I loved the way we got hands-on experience in snowcraft; it really made the night memorable.”

This activity is not just about building a pretty shelter—it’s about understanding the survival skills necessary for Arctic survival. Since the guide won’t sleep in the igloo with you, you’ll be responsible for your own comfort during the night, which many find empowering.

Night in the Arctic Wilderness

After dinner, which is included, the evening offers a significant chance to see the Northern Lights, conditions permitting. Clear skies and solar activity increase your odds, and the peaceful, dark landscape provides a perfect backdrop for Aurora photography. You’ll have time to relax and take photos before snuggling into a cozy arctic sleeping bag inside your self-made igloo.

Since the igloo doesn’t allow you to stand upright, it’s a snug, intimate space. If claustrophobia or small spaces are a concern, this might not be the ideal experience, but most guests find it surprisingly cozy and warm, thanks to high-quality sleeping gear.

The Morning: Wake Up to Arctic Bliss

The next morning begins around a campfire inside a traditional tipi, where breakfast is served—think hearty, warming options paired with fresh coffee. The outdoor setting, combined with the crackling fire, creates a authentic Arctic breakfast atmosphere.

After breakfast, you can spend some time with the friendly local huskies, who are a highlight for many guests. The tour concludes with a return transfer to Kiruna, leaving you with memories of snowcraft, Northern Lights, and a night spent in your own igloo.

Optional Add-on: Husky Day Tour

For those wanting to extend their Arctic adventure, the igloo overnight can seamlessly connect to a Husky Day Tour the following morning, which offers more dog sledding fun and interaction with the Arctic’s most iconic animals.

The Practicalities: What’s Included and How It Works

The tour is priced at $308 per person, which for an overnight Arctic experience, includes a lot of value. The price covers:

• Transfers to and from Kiruna, which are crucial as the wilderness is remote.
• Quality winter gear: Overalls, socks, boots, mittens, hats, and headlamps, meaning you don’t need to worry about packing bulky clothing.
• Outdoor sleeping equipment: A sleeping bag, inner liner, and mattress—essential for staying warm overnight.
• Guidance: Expert instruction on snowcraft and safety.
• Meals: Dinner on the first night and breakfast the next morning, plus snacks and fika (Swedish coffee break) to keep your energy up.

The small group size (max 9 travelers) ensures personalized attention and helps maintain safety and camaraderie. The tour duration is about 20 hours, with the actual outdoor activities comfortably spaced out, making it an immersive yet manageable experience.

Transportation and Timing

The pickup times vary based on your location but generally start at 2:15 PM, with the tour concluding around 10 AM the following day. This timing allows for an evening and night in the wilderness, with the chance to see the Northern Lights, and a relaxed morning with hearty breakfast.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

While the experience is suitable for most adventurous travelers over 12, it’s not ideal for those with claustrophobia, mobility issues, or very young children. The igloo’s small size and the physical effort involved in building it are key considerations.

Authenticity and Value: Why This Tour Matters

This experience’s strength lies in its authenticity. You aren’t just watching the Northern Lights from a bus or a hotel window—you’re engaging with the environment, building your shelter, and truly experiencing the Arctic in a hands-on way. It combines adventure, education, and natural beauty in a package that feels genuine.

The inclusion of meals, gear, and transfers makes it a convenient option that minimizes extra costs or logistical worries. Plus, the chance to spend a night under the stars, in a shelter you created yourself, offers a sense of accomplishment and connection to nature that few other tours provide.

What’s the downside?

Some guests have mentioned that the igloo space is small, and standing upright isn’t possible, which could be uncomfortable for some. Also, since the Northern Lights depend on weather conditions, there’s no guarantee of a sighting, but the chance is high if skies are clear.

The tour offers an excellent blend of adventure, comfort, and educational value, making it a worthwhile choice for those wanting a true Arctic experience.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for adventurous families with teens, outdoor enthusiasts, and curious travelers who want to learn a new skill while enjoying the Arctic’s beauty. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind a bit of physical effort and enjoy authentic, hands-on experiences. While the cozy, small space might not be for everyone, most guests find it surprisingly warm and inviting, especially after a hearty meal and a night under the stars.

If you’re after a meaningful Arctic adventure that combines nature, learning, and a bit of DIY fun, this tour will deliver. It’s a chance to step outside your comfort zone, learn a traditional survival skill, and perhaps catch the Northern Lights in one unforgettable night.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transfers from several locations in Kiruna to the wilderness area and back, making logistics hassle-free.

What gear do I need to bring?
All essential winter clothing and outdoor gear are provided, including overalls, socks, boots, mittens, hats, and headlamps. Just dress in layers and bring a scarf or balaclava for extra warmth.

Can I participate if I’m claustrophobic?
This experience might not be suitable if you’re uncomfortable in small, enclosed spaces, as the igloo doesn’t allow you to stand upright.

Is this suitable for children?
It’s best for travelers over 12 years old. Younger children might find the physical activity and confined space challenging.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
While the tour offers a good chance, Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity. Even if you miss them, the experience of building an igloo and overnight stay remains special.

How physically demanding is the igloo-building?
It involves moving snow and carving blocks, which can be strenuous but is manageable with proper gear and guidance. Guests have described it as “rewarding” despite the effort.

This Build Your Own Igloo Overnight Tour in Kiruna offers a genuine Arctic adventure that’s as much about learning and connection as it is about seeing natural wonders. For those eager to embrace the cold, master snowcraft, and spend a night in the wilderness, it’s a memorable choice.