Björkliden in Kiruna — Live Webcam

History of the Björkliden Ski Resort

Björkliden is not just a ski resort but a place with a unique history dating back to the late 19th century. The settlement emerged in the late 1890s when the Swedish mining company LKAB began construction of the Malmbanan (Luossavaara–Kiirunavaara) railway. Engineers and workers arriving to develop iron ore deposits in the Kiruna area needed housing, and so a small village appeared on the lakeshore.

Since then, Björkliden has transformed from a working settlement into one of the most attractive ski resorts in Swedish Lapland. Today, it is a destination where tourists from around the world come for the unique combination of skiing, the Northern Lights, and the midnight sun.

Geographic Location: Beyond the Arctic Circle

Björkliden is located in Swedish Lapland, within the Kiruna municipality, approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. This is one of the northernmost points in Sweden where ski tourism is developed. The resort sits at an altitude of about 550 meters above sea level, ensuring stable snow cover throughout the winter season.

Kiruna's latitude — approximately 68 degrees north — makes this place ideal for observing the Aurora Borealis. Here, the polar night lasts from December through January, and during the summer months the sun does not set below the horizon for several weeks.

How to Get to Björkliden

You can reach the Björkliden ski resort in several ways. The most scenic route is by train along the Malmbanan railway, which connects Kiruna with the Norwegian town of Narvik. The journey itself is a tourist attraction: the carriages pass through mountain passes and tunnels, revealing views of the snow-covered expanses of Lapland.

For those who prefer driving, the scenic E10 highway, linking Sweden and Norway, is available. Bus routes from Kiruna are also operational. Kiruna Airport receives flights from Stockholm, making the resort accessible to international tourists.

The Northern Lights and Unique Microclimate

Björkliden and its surroundings are known for a unique microclimate that locals call the "blue hole of Abisko". This phenomenon involves clouds clearing over the area even when neighboring regions are overcast. Thanks to this, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights here are significantly higher than in other parts of Lapland.

In Abisko National Park, near Kiruna, there is the Aurora Sky Station — an observation station on Mount Nuolja (Nuolja), which Lonely Planet named the best place in the world for viewing the Aurora Borealis. The station features an observation tower, an exhibition hall, and a café where you can warm up with a hot drink while admiring the dancing lights in the sky.

Ski Season and Slopes

The ski season at Björkliden lasts from November to May — significantly longer than at most European resorts. The resort offers slopes of varying difficulty: from gentle runs for beginners to steep descents for experienced skiers and snowboarders.

A distinctive feature of Björkliden is the ability to ski under the midnight sun in spring, when daylight lasts around the clock. This creates a unique atmosphere: you can hit the slopes at midnight and enjoy skiing in the light of the low-hanging sun, which paints the snow in golden and pink hues.

Summer Recreation: Midnight Sun and Hiking Trails

In summer, Björkliden transforms into a hiking tourism center. From late May to mid-July, you can observe the midnight sun — a natural phenomenon where the sun does not set below the horizon for several weeks. This is the ideal time for hiking, lake fishing, and berry picking.

The mountain slopes, covered in green vegetation, shrubs, and dwarf birches in summer, offer numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty. One of the most popular routes is the ascent of Mount Låktatjåkko, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Resort Infrastructure

Björkliden offers diverse accommodation options. The center of the resort area is the large Fjället Hotel ("Fjället"), which is visible on the webcam. Nearby are wooden cottages and guest houses, as well as the Lapland Resorts hotel complex.

The resort features restaurants, shops, equipment rental, and ski schools. Guests can enjoy dog sledding excursions, reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, and trips to ice hotels.

What You Can See on the Camera

The webcam is mounted on an elevation and provides a panoramic view of the Björkliden ski resort. In the center of the frame is the large dark Fjället Hotel building with its adjacent parking lot, where several cars are usually parked. To the right, you can see small wooden houses and cottages of the Lapland Resorts complex.

In the background is a large lake and mountain slopes covered with snow in winter or green vegetation in summer. Roads and paths are visible between the buildings. The camera operates in real time, allowing you to observe the life of the resort, weather conditions, and, if you are lucky, the Northern Lights at night.