Kiruna: Northern Lights Tour with Photographer/Guide in Kiruna

Kiruna, a small town in the far north of Sweden, is one of the best places to view the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis or ‘Northern Lights’. To optimize your Aurora Borealis experience, you will want to join a tour with an experienced photographer/guide in Kiruna. This guide will provide you with the best tips and techniques on when and where the northern lights are likely to appear and how best to take amazing photographs of them.

What Can I Expect on a Northern Lights Tour with Photographer/Guide in Kiruna?

When joining a Northern Lights tour with a photographer/guide in Kiruna, it is important to understand what can be expected. Firstly, the aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon and predicting its exact location, intensity and timing is not possible. However, experienced guides often have a reasonable idea of where and when the northern lights might appear and will arrange the tour accordingly.The tour will typically begin shortly before nightfall and your guide will take you to an area with clear skies away from light pollution. Throughout the tour the guide will provide tips on how to best photograph the Northern Lights and may also bring along specialized equipment such as tripods and filters to help.

What Do I Need to Know About Taking Photos of the Northern Lights?

When it comes to photographing the northern lights, shooting with a DSLR camera that can handle night photography can produce amazing results. Your photographer/guide will provide you with tips on how to set up the camera correctly, but some key points are:

• Shutter Speed: It is recommended to keep shutter speed between 5-20 seconds depending on light intensity. Shutter speed greatly affects your results, so it is best to experiment with different values.
• Aperture: The f-stop on your lens should generally be set between F2.0 – F2.8 for optimum photos.
• ISO Setting: Optimum ISO setting for night photography will usually range from 800 – 1600 depending on ambient light, however your guide will advise this.

As well as these considerations, it is also important to be wary of any other light sources you may encounter while out taking photos, such as nearby towns ablaze with street lights or passing aircrafts. Additionally, your guide should be able to give you tips on focusing your camera and choosing the best photographic angle.

Where is the Best Place View and Photograph the Northern Lights in Kiruna?

Given the unpredictable nature of the Aurora Borealis, it is hard to guarantee the best place to view them in Kiruna – however places known for their dark skies such as Harads, Lunndörren Nature Reserve or Abisko National Park are popular choices. As these can often be too far away for a single day tour, many Kiruna based companies offer packages such as one night cabins in Abisko National Park alongside the photo tour – so you can stay out all night searching for the northern lights.

Finding a Reputable Company with Experienced Photographers/Guides

When looking for a tour operator with experienced photographers/guides, it is important to check reviews from past customers and find somebody who is reliable, knowledgeable and safety conscious. Many tour companies offer winter clothing such as thermal suits and boots for hire which greatly increase comfort during tours and indicates that they have a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction. Appearances can be deceptive, so be sure to dig into customer reviews and do an in-depth search on any company you are considering booking with. To get started, you can check out GetYourGuide, who has reliable tours available with experienced guides in Kiruna. The northern lights are an incredible phenomenon and by following the tips above, you can make sure that your visit coincides with heightened activity levels of this magical spectacle. Your photos will provide long lasting memories of your journey through the chilly night sky – brightening up your days whenever you look back at them.

An Insider’s Guide to Kiruna

Kiruna, a small town in northern Sweden, is a hidden gem that many tourists overlook. It’s a place where you can experience the beauty of Northern Lights, get off the beaten path, and experience the authentic Swedish culture. Here are some insider tips to make your trip to Kiruna unforgettable.

Local Attractions – Beyond the Touristy Spots

While many tourists flock to the famous Ice Hotel, there are other less crowded attractions in Kiruna. For example, the Arctic Escape company offers tours and activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. You can also visit the world’s largest underground iron mine, Kiruna mine, which offers tours for a unique experience. Additionally, make sure to check out the nearby Abisko National Park, known for its striking natural beauty and hiking trails, especially in autumn when the foliage explodes into an array of colors.

Dining Spots – Local Cuisine & Stories

Kiruna’s cuisine is heavily influenced by the harsh environment. You can try local delights like reindeer meat, Arctic char, and cloudberries in local restaurants like Hjalmar Alenius restaurant, Fjällbrynt, and Folkvandringen Cafe. Each restaurant has a unique theme and history, such as Fjällbrynt that has been around for over 100 years and is famous for its coffee. Hjalmar Alenius, on the other hand, is a national landmark and offers contemporary dishes inspired by local flavors.

Cultural Experiences – Art, Music, & Festivals

Kiruna is a place for unique cultural experiences. The city is known for its Sami culture, and you can visit the Sami Museum Ajtte to learn about their history and the present-day customs. During the summer, Kiruna hosts a music festival, Kiruna Festivalen, where you can enjoy local music, cultural events, and food. Also, visit the Sami church and the Kiruna Church, an essential landmark in the city.

Local History – Fascinating Stories

Kiruna was mainly a mining town in the past, and its history is fascinating. For example, the entire town has been moved due to the mine’s expansion, including its famous church that witnessed its moving process in 2018. The wooden church was cut in half, loaded on a truck and moved over a few kilometers to its current location. Also, did you know that Kiruna was the site of Sweden’s first ever UFO sighting?

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Beyond popular activities like seeing the Northern Lights, you can experience an overnight stay in a traditional Sami Tent, or ‘lavvu.’ You can also consider hiking one of the region’s mountain peaks, such as Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest point. Moreover, Kiruna is an excellent location for bird watching, where you can spot species such as grouse and owl.

In conclusion, Kiruna is more than its outdoor attractions and is an excellent location to reconnect with nature and experience authentic Swedish culture. This insider’s guide reveals just how much the town has to offer.