Map showing location of Kiruna, Sweden
I had a chance to live in Kiruna, Sweden for a few months when I participated in a graduate exchange, studying at Luleå Institute of Technology for a term. For part of the graduate course I was completing, I worked on a ramp development project at Kirunavaara Mine (LKAB), which is the largest underground iron ore mine in the world.
Kiruna is the most northern town in Sweden approximately 200km north of the arctic circle. Being from Canada, I felt right at home when I visited in the heart of winter. Well, not exactly right at home. The climate was similar during the winter (cold) but as the city was north of the arctic circle, there was little sunlight during the day in January and February.
Picture of the Kiruna Stadshuset (city hall) taken by David Cheung. This building is no more after relocation of the city. The clocktower was moved.
Dog Sledding is a popular activity in Kiruna, Sweden. Picture taken by David Cheung
What is interesting about the city is that mining is the backbone of the city. In the early years, they had built the city close to the mine and as mining progressed, there was surface subsidence, which made the city impossible to maintain in its present location. As mining operations could not be moved and too valuable. The mining company decided to move the city instead! Some historical buildings are to be moved. The rest will be rebuilt. This move was started and the first phase of the new city center should be ready this year (2019). The company LKAB projected that the move will cost around $1 billion.
The culture was different in a way. Overall I found the people friendly and laid back. People worked hard, but tried not to stress too much and worked overtime if necessary. During the day, there were breaks called “fika” which were at 10am and 3pm which all employees gather in the room to socialize for a coffee break, which promotes better productivity and the wellbeing of the employee.
I hope to re-visit Kiruna in the near future and see the new city. Below are some photos of the famous ice-hotel taken in 2008. The rooms of this hotel can be toured during the daytime and booked for night stay. Each room has a different theme.
If you had enjoyed my blog and would like to be updated on my upcoming blogs, follow me @davidjcheung on Twitter.
Final photo is an ice toilet!
Dave's Travel Blog 