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Village · Kiruna, Norrbotten
Jukkasjärvi
The village on the shore of the Torne River where the Icehotel is located, with a wooden church from 1726, an open-air museum and visits to Sami families who raise reindeer.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Jukkasjärvi
Jukkasjärvi is an old village, much older than Kiruna, on the banks of the Torne River, 17 km from the town. It was a market and meeting place for the Sámi from at least the 16th century, and the first church in the region was built there in 1608.
The present church, a red-painted wooden building, dates from 1726 and is among the oldest structures in the Swedish Lapland. Inside, the altar altarpiece painted in 1958 by the artist Bror Hjorth with strong colors is striking; it shows the preacher Lars Levi Laestadius, connected to the religious history of the north, and a Sámi woman. The walls and the organ are decorated with Sámi motifs.
Near the church is the Jukkasjärvi hembygdsgård, a small open-air museum with old wooden houses and objects from regional life. In the village, Sámi families who raise reindeer welcome visitors, with a guide, to show the animals, rural life, local cuisine and crafts, and to tell the story of their people. It is the most direct way to respectfully learn about this culture by hearing from the Sámi themselves.
In winter the village is a departure point for dog-sled and reindeer-sled trips across the frozen river; in summer it’s a base for canoeing and fishing on the Torne.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours, including the church and a visit to the reindeer.
Best time
All year round. In winter, from December to March, the landscape is usually snow-covered and there are sled tours; in summer, from June to August, there is the midnight sun and river activities. Check the church hours and the Sámi visit schedules.
How to get there
It is 17 km from Kiruna, next to the Icehotel, with regular bus service from the town centre. By car, the drive along the Torne River road takes about 20 minutes.
Tip
Book the reindeer visit with a Sámi family in advance. At the church, take time to look closely at Bror Hjorth’s altarpiece. Ask for permission before photographing people and reindeer.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Jukkasjärvi
Is the Jukkasjärvi church open to visitors?
It is usually open during the day outside of services. Check the opening hours.
How can I visit a Sámi family?
In Jukkasjärvi, Sámi families who raise reindeer host visitors on booked tours. It’s the respectful way to learn about the culture, with the Sámi themselves telling their story.
Is Jukkasjärvi far from Kiruna?
17 km, about a 20-minute drive or bus ride.