Kiruna: Northern Lights Tour with Stejk Street Food Dinner

Introduction

Planning to chase the Aurora Borealis in Sweden? We’ve taken a close look at the Kiruna Northern Lights Tour with Stejk Street Food Dinner, a popular option in Norrbotten County that combines local cuisine with expert-guided aurora hunting. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned aurora chaser, this tour promises a warm, authentic experience with plenty of chances to see the lights dance across the sky.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the delicious street food dinner served at Stejk, a beloved local truck with a cozy tepee vibe. Second, the personalized guidance from experienced locals who know the best spots and forecast updates that maximize your chances of witnessing the aurora. And third, the warm drinks and snacks, ensuring comfort even in chilly Lapland nights. The main consideration? The tour’s success hinges heavily on weather and aurora visibility, which is always a gamble in the Arctic, but the guides’ flexibility and local knowledge make it worth it.

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, relaxed Northern Lights outing that combines good food, expert tips, and a chance to experience Lapland’s magic. It’s suited for those who enjoy small-group tours, cozy atmospheres, and don’t mind dressing warmly for the outdoors.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Authentic local dining: Enjoy reindeer and moose street food served in a cozy tepee.
• Expert guidance: Local guides forecast weather and aurora activity, increasing your chances of a sighting.
• Flexible locations: The tour drives through Kiruna’s surroundings, adjusting based on weather and aurora activity.
• Comfort in cold weather: Warm lingonberry juice, snacks, and optional rental gear help beat the chill.
• Small group experience: Personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
• Not a photography tour: Bring your own camera or phone for snaps, but no professional photography instruction.

What You Can Expect from This Tour

When booking this five-hour adventure, you’re signing up for more than just a chase for the Northern Lights. It’s a well-rounded experience that emphasizes local culture, comfort, and maximizing your chances of catching the aurora.

Starting Point and Dinner at Stejk

The night begins at the famous Stejk Street Foods truck and Tepee in Kiruna’s old city. Here, you’ll settle into a warm, intimate tepee, surrounded by rustic Lapland decor. The highlight? The delicious street food dinner—think reindeer and moose steak, hearty paninis, and local snacks—served in a cozy setting. As one reviewer raved, Emilie’s special 50:50 reindeer and moose panini was “FIRE,” transforming initial doubts into a full-blown craving.

While you enjoy your meal, your guide will review the latest weather and Aurora forecast. This step is key—local guides often have the inside scoop on where the skies are clearest, and they adjust plans accordingly. Several reviews mention guides like Per and Daniel, who are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility—crucial traits when chasing elusive northern lights.

Aurora Hunting by Vehicle

Post-dinner, the group climbs into a vehicle—usually a van or car—and heads out into the darkness of Kiruna’s surroundings and beyond. This mobility means you’re not stuck in one spot, which is essential since aurora activity is unpredictable. The guides will drive to promising locations, often outside of town where light pollution is minimal.

Drivers are experienced and attentive—one reviewer mentioned how Danijel’s careful driving and local knowledge greatly enhanced their experience. If the aurora appears, the guides will stay in that spot for longer, giving you a better shot at capturing the lights. If clouds roll in, they’re quick to move on to the next promising location. This adaptability is a significant advantage, especially in unpredictable Arctic weather.

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Viewing and Warmth

Once at a good vantage point, you’ll step outside for some of the clearest views. Don’t forget to bring warm clothes—layers, hats, gloves—as the Arctic night can be particularly biting. The tour provides warm lingonberry juice and gingerbread, which are much appreciated as you stand outside waiting for the aurora to appear. Several reviews highlight how guides like Cecilia and Sebastian go above and beyond, offering gloves, reindeer hides to sit on, and even fire lighting to keep everyone comfortable.

Additional Comforts & Practical Tips

• The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at specific hotels in Kiruna, making logistics straightforward.
• If you don’t have winter gear, shell jackets and boots can be rented at the starting point for around 100 SEK per item.
• Remember, children under 12 are not allowed, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible—a consideration for families or travelers with mobility needs.
• This isn’t a photography-focused tour, so bring your own camera or smartphone for snapshots—no professional tips are provided.

The Authenticity and Value of the Experience

At $151 per person, this tour offers a mix of good value and authentic Lapland charm. You’re paying not just for the chance to see the lights but for the experience of local cuisine, expert guidance, and the romance of Arctic nights. Many reviewers point out how the food, guides, and scenic locations combined to create memorable moments.

While the success of seeing the aurora depends on weather, the tour’s flexibility and local forecast updates give it a distinct edge over static, fixed-location excursions. Several guests describe waiting patiently, sometimes multiple times, only to be rewarded with spectacular displays of moving lights—sometimes dancing everywhere, other times more subtle but equally breathtaking.

The small-group setting, cozy atmosphere, and personalized attention mean you won’t feel lost in a crowd. Guides like Per and Daniel are praised for their friendly demeanor and practical tips. Plus, the opportunity for stories, warmth, and local snacks make the whole adventure feel like a genuine slice of Lapland life.

The Food and Cultural Touches

The dinner at Stejk Street Food is more than just a meal; it’s an introduction to Swedish and Sami flavors. Reviewer Gabriel called Emilie’s reindeer and moose panini “FIRE,” and several guests appreciated the warm lingonberry juice and gingerbread as perfect Arctic fare. The cozy tepee setting adds to the charm, making it a true Lapland experience.

The Aurora Sightings

Most importantly, guests consistently rave about the aurora sightings—from faint shimmering to vivid, dancing displays. Multiple reviews mention that guides like Jesper and Richard did everything to find the best spots and waited patiently, sometimes for hours. The guided flexibility and local knowledge seem to significantly boost your odds, especially when the weather is on your side.

Practical Considerations

• Dress warmly in layers—thermal underwear, insulated jackets, hats, gloves, and boots.
• Bring your camera or phone—although this isn’t a photography tour, you’ll want to capture the moment.
• Be prepared for the cold outdoors and stay patient—sometimes the lights appear after long waits.
• Confirm pickup details, especially outside Kiruna, as it’s not included in the base price.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who value authentic local food, enjoy small-group atmospheres, and are willing to brave the cold in search of the Aurora. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guides with extensive local knowledge and want a flexible, personalized adventure rather than a generic tour. Families with children over 12, couples, and solo travelers looking for a cozy, unforgettable experience will find plenty to love here.

If you’re after a more luxurious, photo-focused, or longer excursion, you might want to explore other options, but for genuine Lapland charm and a high chance of Northern Lights, this tour offers a compelling balance of value and authenticity.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at specific hotels in Kiruna are included in the tour.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing is essential—think layers, hats, gloves, and insulated boots. Optional gear like shell jackets and boots can be rented at the starting point.

Can I bring my camera or phone?
Absolutely, you’re encouraged to bring your own device to capture the lights. However, this isn’t a photography-focused tour.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour’s success depends on clear skies and aurora activity. Guides monitor weather and forecasts closely and will move locations to optimize your chances.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 12 are not allowed, mainly due to cold exposure and safety considerations.

Are winter gear rentals expensive?
Yes, jackets and boots are available for rent at 100 SEK per item.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 5 hours, starting with dinner and ending after a night of aurora hunting.

Is this a photography tour?
No, it’s not specialized for photography. Bring your own camera or phone to document your experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Final Thoughts

The Kiruna Northern Lights Tour with Stejk Street Food Dinner offers a genuine taste of Lapland magic. Combining local cuisine, expert guidance, and the thrill of chasing the Aurora, it’s a well-rounded choice for anyone wanting to experience the Arctic’s most iconic natural wonder. The cozy atmosphere, friendly guides, and flexibility in location make it stand out, even if the aurora’s appearance can’t be guaranteed.

This tour is best for those who seek a relaxed, authentic experience—delicious food, scenic drives, and a good chance to see the Northern Lights in a friendly, small-group setting. If you’re prepared for cold nights and a bit of luck, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of Lapland’s sky-dancing spectacle.

You can check if your dates are available here: