LKAB Mine Kiruna Sweden
Explore the world's largest underground iron ore mine and witness a city's unique relocation due to industrial expansion.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Secure your spot
LKAB Mine Kiruna Sweden
Best Time
Secure your spot
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the world's largest underground iron ore mine and witness a city's unique relocation due to industrial expansion.
"A fascinating visit to the mine, learning a lot of knowledge with free snacks and coffee!"
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot for the LKAB mine tour by booking online at least a day in advance. They sell out!
🧥 Dress Warmly
It's cold underground! Wear layers and warm clothing for your mine visit. :snowflake:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
LKAB Kiruna Mine Tour
Underground Visitor Centre
Descend 500 meters into the world's largest underground iron ore mine. Learn about its history and operations.
Kiruna Church Relocation
New location in Kiruna
Witness the unique process of moving a historic 1912 church due to mining subsidence. A symbol of Kiruna's transformation.
Kiruna Visitor Centre
Meeting point for mine tours
Start your mine exploration here. Discover exhibits and learn about the city's unique situation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Mine Tour in Advance
Understand the City's Transformation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot for the LKAB mine tour by booking online at least a day in advance. They sell out!
🧥 Dress Warmly
It's cold underground! Wear layers and warm clothing for your mine visit. :snowflake:
🚶♀️ Arrive Early
Be at the meeting point early for your tour to ensure you don't miss out. :stopwatch:
⛏️ Free Souvenirs
You can often take home a small piece of iron ore as a free souvenir from the mine. :gem:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot for the LKAB mine tour by booking online at least a day in advance. They sell out!
🧥 Dress Warmly
It's cold underground! Wear layers and warm clothing for your mine visit. :snowflake:
🚶♀️ Arrive Early
Be at the meeting point early for your tour to ensure you don't miss out. :stopwatch:
⛏️ Free Souvenirs
You can often take home a small piece of iron ore as a free souvenir from the mine. :gem:
💡 Learn About the Move
Understand Kiruna's unique city relocation project for a richer experience. :housewithgarden:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the LKAB Kiruna Mine tour fascinating, highlighting the depth and scale of the operation. The guides are praised for their engaging stories and knowledge, making the experience educational and memorable. The unique aspect of Kiruna's city relocation adds another layer of interest to any visit.
"It was an interesting tour.
We can easily buy the ticket in advance at the tourism office, which is also the meeting point for the visit to the world's largest underground iron ore mine.
If possible, I would recommend taking this tour on your first day in Kiruna. You would not only discover the mine at a depth of 500 meters but also learn more about the city's history and daily life. The guide told captivating stories, answered all the group's questions clearly, and was very attentive."
Lea Ser
"Fascinating visit to the mine. The visitors centre is 500mtr under the mountain."
Micheal O Conchuir
"Cool!"
Pierre Wijkman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
LKAB Mine Kiruna is located in Kiruna, Sweden. You can fly into Kiruna Airport (KRN) and then take a taxi or bus to the city center. The mine tours meet at the Kiruna Visitor Centre, which is easily accessible from the city center.
Yes, the Ice Hotel (Jukkasjärvi) is generally accessible by bus from Kiruna center, though schedules may vary. It's a popular day trip from Kiruna.
Kiruna is surrounded by beautiful Arctic landscapes, including forests and frozen lakes, perfect for snowshoeing. Always be mindful of safety and local conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for the LKAB Mine tour can be purchased online in advance through the official tourism office website or at the Kiruna Visitor Centre. It's highly recommended to book at least one day ahead as tours often sell out.
Tour times vary, but typically there are multiple groups per day, with some in English and some in Swedish. It's best to check the official LKAB or Kiruna tourism website for the most current schedule and book accordingly.
While specific age limits can vary, children are generally welcome on the mine tours. However, due to the underground environment and safety considerations, it's advisable to check the official LKAB website for any restrictions.
It is possible to buy tickets on the day of the tour, but it's not recommended as they sell out quickly. Booking in advance is the safest way to guarantee your spot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temperature inside the LKAB mine is consistently cool, around 4-6 degrees Celsius (39-43 degrees Fahrenheit) year-round. It's essential to wear warm clothing, including layers, a hat, and gloves.
The LKAB Mine tour typically lasts around 2-3 hours, including travel time to and from the visitor center and the underground exploration.
Wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must, as you'll be walking underground. A hat and gloves are also recommended due to the cool temperatures. :athletic_shoe:
Yes, visitors often report that free snacks and coffee are provided in the mine during the tour.
Photography is generally allowed inside the LKAB mine, but it's always a good idea to check with your guide for any specific restrictions. The underground environment can be challenging for photography. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While free snacks and coffee are provided during the mine tour, there aren't extensive dining facilities within the mine itself. You'll find restaurants and cafes in Kiruna town center.
Kiruna offers a range of dining options, from traditional Swedish cuisine to international fare. Local specialties often feature reindeer and other Arctic ingredients. :knifeforkplate:
📸 📸 Photography
Besides the mine, key photo spots include the unique Kiruna Church (especially during its relocation), the vast LKAB mining landscape, and the surrounding Arctic nature. In winter, the Northern Lights are a major draw. :camerawithflash:
The underground environment can be dimly lit, making photography challenging. Using a tripod or a camera with good low-light performance can help capture better shots. Always respect any no-photography zones. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting Kiruna, consider the unique urban transformation as a talking point for kids. The story of the moving church is particularly captivating. Ensure children are dressed warmly, as the underground temperature is consistently cool. The surrounding Arctic nature also offers opportunities for winter activities like sledding or spotting wildlife, making Kiruna a memorable family destination.
🌍 Budget Travelers
Beyond the mine, explore Kiruna's surroundings on foot or by snowshoeing if conditions permit, which can be a free or low-cost activity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The LKAB Kiruna Mine: A Giant Beneath the Surface
Operated by Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara AB (LKAB), this colossal operation has been extracting iron ore since the early 1900s and has now reached depths of over 1,300 meters.The mining process itself is a marvel of modern technology. Techniques like downreaming are employed, where pilot drilling is followed by mounting a special crown to create shafts and cavities without explosives.
This advanced method ensures efficiency and safety in such a vast underground environment. Beyond the technical aspects, the mine is also a source of valuable minerals, including a significant discovery of rare earth elements, which could reduce Europe's reliance on China for EV components.For visitors, the mine tour is an eye-opening experience that provides a deep understanding of resource extraction and its profound effects. The guides are known for their captivating stories and ability to answer questions, making the complex world of mining accessible and engaging. It's a chance to learn about the history, daily life, and the future of this unique mining town.
Kiruna's Unique Urban Transformation
This ambitious, multi-decade project is one of the most significant urban relocations in modern history, involving the dismantling and reconstruction of buildings, infrastructure, and public spaces.A poignant symbol of this transformation is the relocation of Kiruna Church. Built in 1912 and often lauded as one of Sweden's most beautiful wooden churches, it was carefully dismantled and is being reassembled at its new site.
Experiencing Kiruna means witnessing this ongoing evolution firsthand. The city's transformation is not just about moving buildings; it's about the community's adaptation, the challenges of living alongside a massive industrial operation, and the innovative solutions being developed. It offers a unique perspective on the interplay between industry, environment, and human settlement in the Arctic region.
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