The church in Kiruna ©

Sweden's northernmost city and home to around 20,000 people, Kiruna is located in the Lappland province and has gained recognition as the closest city to Jukkasjärvi, the location of the world-famous Icehotel which is perched on the edge of the Torne River and attracts thousands of tourists from across the world each year. Kiruna is also famed for its Neo Gothic-style church which was built in 1912 and is one of Sweden's largest wooden buildings, even voted the country's best looking church.

What was once a sleepy mining town has now become a bustling hive of activity during the winter months when Kiruna hosts the annual Snow Festival, and although the city's population has not grown dramatically over the last few decades, it still sees throngs of travellers and tourists passing through each year to enjoy the festivities of the Snow Festival, which include an ice sculpture contest, the annual summer Kiruna Festival and, of course, the famous Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi.

At other times visitors can enjoy winter activities like dog-sledding, hunting, and experiencing the local Sami culture; Kiruna is also one of the best places in Sweden to see the Northern Lights. Summer in Kiruna offers a host of outdoor activities, including hiking, canoeing, river-rafting, cave exploration, and expeditions to view the famous Midnight Sun.