Kiruna is one of the best bases in northern Sweden for exploring the mountains, national parks and nearby towns without renting a car. The railway follows the scenic route west from Kiruna towards Abisko, Björkliden, Riksgränsen and Narvik, making it possible to plan memorable day trips from Kiruna by train in every season. With a little planning, these train excursions can take you to dramatic lakes, hiking trails, ski areas and Arctic coastal scenery before bringing you back to Kiruna in the evening.
Why take day trips from Kiruna by train?
The railway west of Kiruna is more than a practical way to travel. It is one of the most scenic rail journeys in Sweden, crossing open fell landscapes and passing quiet lakes, birch forests and rugged mountain valleys. The train route connects Kiruna with several attractive stops, so you can experience the landscape without spending the day driving.
Train travel is especially useful in northern Sweden, where distances are long and weather conditions can change quickly. You can settle into a warm carriage, watch the scenery through the window and arrive close to many trailheads and village centres. It is also a more relaxing option if you are visiting Kiruna during winter, when snow and limited daylight make driving more demanding.
The most practical destinations for a day trip are along the Malmbanan railway, which runs west from Kiruna towards the Norwegian border. Abisko is usually the easiest and most popular choice, while Björkliden and Riksgränsen offer access to mountain scenery and outdoor activities. Narvik in Norway is farther away, but it can make a rewarding full day out when train schedules allow.
Before planning your train excursions
Rail services in this part of Sweden are not as frequent as trains in southern cities. Timetables can vary by weekday, season and engineering work, so check the current schedule before choosing your destination. The journey may be operated by different rail companies, and some services are affected by maintenance on the line or by winter weather.
- Check the return train before leaving Kiruna, especially if you plan to hike.
- Allow extra time for changing plans during winter, when snow and wind can cause delays.
- Buy tickets in advance when travelling during school holidays or around major events.
- Pack food and water because small stations may have limited services outside the main season.
- Wear sturdy shoes and bring warm, windproof clothing even on a sunny summer morning.
- Tell someone about your route if you are travelling alone in the mountains.
Kiruna Central Station is a short distance from the town centre, although the town is currently changing because of the mine related urban relocation. Confirm the location of your accommodation and allow enough time to reach the station. Local buses or a taxi may be useful, depending on where you are staying.
Abisko: the best all round day trip from Kiruna
Abisko is the most popular destination for day trips from Kiruna by train, and for good reason. It combines an easy rail journey with access to Abisko National Park, one of Swedish Lapland’s most impressive landscapes. The train ride normally takes around one hour and a quarter to one hour and a half, depending on the service and station.
There are two stops associated with the area. Abisko Östra is close to the village, shops and the Abisko Tourist Station area, while Abisko tourist station is convenient for several walking routes and mountain facilities. Check the exact stop for your planned activity before boarding.
What to do in Abisko
One of the simplest walks leads towards the famous Abisko Canyon. The trail follows the Abiskojokka river through a narrow landscape shaped by water and ice. It is a good choice for visitors who want to see the national park without committing to a long mountain hike.
Another popular route heads towards Lake Torneträsk, one of the largest mountain lakes in Sweden. The views are particularly striking when the surrounding peaks are reflected in calm water. In summer, longer trails lead deeper into the park, including sections of the Kungsleden, Sweden’s best known long distance hiking trail.
- Walk through Abisko Canyon and along the Abiskojokka river.
- Explore short trails near the tourist station and the shores of Torneträsk.
- Visit the Naturum Abisko visitor centre when it is open.
- Book a guided activity such as wildlife watching, photography or northern lights viewing in the appropriate season.
- Enjoy a café break before taking the train back to Kiruna.
Abisko is also one of the best places near Kiruna for viewing the northern lights because the area often has clearer conditions than locations farther east. However, a northern lights visit is not always a straightforward day trip, since the displays are usually visible after dark. If you travel by train in winter, check the final return service carefully and consider staying overnight if the forecast looks promising.
Björkliden: mountain views and a quieter atmosphere
Björkliden is a small mountain resort on the shore of Lake Torneträsk, between Abisko and Riksgränsen. The train journey from Kiruna usually takes around one and a half hours, although the exact time depends on the service. It is a good alternative if you want dramatic scenery with fewer visitors than the most popular parts of Abisko.
The village is known for its views towards the surrounding peaks and for outdoor activities in both summer and winter. During the warmer months, you can follow local walking trails, enjoy views over the lake and take photographs of the mountain landscape. In winter, Björkliden is associated with skiing and snow based activities, although you should check opening times and equipment rental availability before travelling.
Ideas for a day in Björkliden
- Take a short walk through the resort and towards viewpoints overlooking Torneträsk.
- Enjoy a relaxed lunch or coffee at one of the open hospitality venues.
- Book a mountain activity in advance if you are visiting during the ski season.
- Use Björkliden as a base for photography, especially in soft summer evening light.
Björkliden works well for travellers who prefer a flexible day. You do not need to plan a demanding hike to appreciate the location, and the views begin close to the station and accommodation areas. Still, some paths can be uneven or snowy, so choose footwear according to the season.
Riksgränsen: a border village for outdoor enthusiasts
Riksgränsen lies close to the Swedish Norwegian border and is one of the most distinctive nearby towns and resorts reachable by train from Kiruna. The journey generally takes a little over two hours, making it a longer day out than Abisko or Björkliden. It is best suited to travellers who want to spend most of the day outdoors or who are interested in skiing.
Riksgränsen is famous for its ski area and long season. In spring, the combination of snow, high latitude and long daylight can make it possible to ski well into the evening. The exact season depends on snow conditions, and facilities may operate on a limited schedule outside peak periods.
Things to see and do in Riksgränsen
In summer, Riksgränsen offers access to mountain walks and impressive border scenery. You can take a gentle walk around the settlement, find viewpoints over the surrounding valleys or plan a longer hike if you have suitable experience and enough daylight. The area feels remote and spacious, with few signs of urban development.
- Try downhill skiing or snowboarding when the resort is operating.
- Walk near the border and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains.
- Photograph the unusual light of late spring and early summer.
- Plan a longer mountain route only if you have checked the weather and return train.
Because Riksgränsen is far from Kiruna, avoid filling the day with too many separate activities. Choose one main purpose, such as skiing, hiking or photography, and leave a generous buffer before the return train. A missed final service can turn a day trip into an unplanned overnight stay.
Narvik, Norway: a longer cross border train journey
Narvik is the most ambitious option for day trips from Kiruna by train. The railway continues through the mountains from Sweden into Norway, ending at the coastal city of Narvik. The journey typically takes around three hours each way, though travel times and services can change. This means a day trip is possible only on days with suitable connections and a realistic plan.
The contrast between Kiruna and Narvik makes the journey memorable. Kiruna sits in an inland Arctic landscape surrounded by forests, lakes and high fells, while Narvik is shaped by steep mountains and the waters of Ofotfjord. Travelling by rail lets you watch this transformation gradually as the train crosses the mountain pass and descends towards the Norwegian coast.
How to spend a day in Narvik
Narvik is compact enough to explore on foot for a few hours. You can walk through the central area, visit a museum or find a waterfront viewpoint. The Narvik War and Peace Centre explains the town’s role in the Second World War and the importance of the railway and iron ore trade in the region.
The Narvikfjellet cable car is another popular attraction, offering wide views over the city, fjord and surrounding mountains. Check operating times in advance, since weather and seasonal schedules can affect access. If the cable car is closed, the city centre and waterfront still provide a pleasant introduction to northern Norway.
- Ride the cable car for panoramic views when weather and opening hours permit.
- Visit the Narvik War and Peace Centre for historical context.
- Walk around the harbour and central streets.
- Enjoy a Norwegian lunch before beginning the return journey.
Remember that Narvik is in Norway, so bring valid travel identification and check entry requirements that apply to your nationality. Also consider currency and mobile phone arrangements. Since the return journey is long, a day in Narvik can feel rushed. Travellers who want more time in the city should consider staying overnight rather than forcing the visit into a narrow timetable.
Gällivare: a different direction from Kiruna
Most visitors focus on the scenic railway west, but Gällivare is another possible destination for train travel from Kiruna. It lies south of Kiruna on the railway towards central Sweden and offers a different perspective on Swedish Lapland. The journey is longer than the trip to Abisko, so check the timetable carefully before treating it as a day trip.
Gällivare is a regional centre with shops, restaurants and access to outdoor areas. The nearby Dundret mountain is known for broad views over forests, lakes and open northern landscapes. Depending on the season and local transport, you may be able to combine a town visit with a walk or a viewpoint excursion.
This option is more suitable for travellers who want to see a working northern Swedish town rather than a national park or mountain resort. It can also be useful if you are continuing south by train and want to break up the journey.
How to choose the right destination
The best destination depends on how much time you have, your interests and your comfort with outdoor travel. Abisko is the most balanced option for first time visitors because the journey is manageable and the national park offers both easy walks and more challenging routes. Björkliden is ideal for mountain views and a quieter setting, while Riksgränsen suits skiers and experienced hikers.
- Choose Abisko for a straightforward national park visit, short walks and Lake Torneträsk scenery.
- Choose Björkliden for peaceful mountain views, photography and a relaxed outdoor day.
- Choose Riksgränsen for skiing, border landscapes and a more remote atmosphere.
- Choose Narvik for a full cross border adventure combining rail scenery, fjords and city attractions.
- Choose Gällivare for a regional town experience and access to Dundret.
If this is your first visit to the region, start with Abisko unless the timetable strongly favours another stop. It offers the clearest combination of accessibility, scenery and activities. If you are travelling in winter, daylight hours should influence your choice. A short visit to Abisko may be more enjoyable than a long journey to Narvik when the sun sets early.
Seasonal advice for train travel from Kiruna
Summer
Summer is the easiest season for hiking and sightseeing. The days are exceptionally long, and around the period of the midnight sun you may have daylight well into the night. Even so, mountain weather can change quickly. Pack a waterproof layer, warm clothing and sun protection, and do not assume that a lowland forecast applies to the fells.
Autumn
Early autumn can bring colourful birch forests and crisp air, but some seasonal businesses reduce their opening hours. Later in the season, snow can arrive on higher ground. Check trail conditions before setting out and keep your route close to the station if the return train is early.
Winter
Winter creates a beautiful landscape of snow covered forests and mountains, but planning becomes more important. Daylight is limited, platforms can be icy and delays are possible. Choose activities that fit comfortably into the available light. For northern lights trips, an organised evening tour may be more practical than relying on a late train.
Spring
Spring is popular for skiing and offers longer daylight while snow remains in the mountains. Conditions can vary considerably between the village and higher slopes. Riksgränsen and Björkliden may be particularly attractive for winter sports, but always check current snow reports and resort operations.
Practical tips for a smooth day trip
A successful train excursion in Swedish Lapland is usually simple, but it should not be improvised entirely. Download or save your ticket, timetable and accommodation details before leaving Kiruna. Mobile coverage can be inconsistent in remote areas, and some stations have limited shelter or services.
- Arrive at Kiruna station early enough to find the correct platform.
- Bring a packed meal if you are travelling beyond Abisko.
- Use a small backpack with water, snacks, extra layers and a charged phone.
- Keep an eye on the time rather than relying only on daylight.
- Stay on marked trails and respect restrictions in protected areas.
- Check whether the destination uses Swedish or Norwegian currency and payment systems.
- Leave room in your schedule for delays, especially in winter.
Public transport access at the destination can be limited. Before choosing a trail or attraction, find out how far it is from the station and whether a local bus, taxi or shuttle is required. In Abisko, several activities are accessible on foot, which is one reason it is such a convenient choice. In Narvik, city attractions are generally easier to reach, but the cable car may require local transport depending on your route.
Making the most of the journey
Do not treat the railway only as a way to reach your destination. Sit on the side of the carriage with the best views when possible, keep your camera ready and watch for changes in the landscape. The route passes through areas where the mountains, lakes and open tundra create a distinctly northern character.
Travelling by train also gives you the freedom to enjoy a full day outdoors without returning tired from a long drive. Whether you choose an easy walk in Abisko National Park, a scenic afternoon in Björkliden, a ski day in Riksgränsen or a cross border visit to Narvik, the railway makes the wider region accessible from Kiruna. Check the current timetable, plan around the return service and choose an activity that matches the season. That approach will help you enjoy the best day trips from Kiruna by train while keeping the journey comfortable and safe.