Kiruna

Kiruna, Sweden's northernmost town, sits 90 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland. What makes this place special is its remarkable transformation - the entire town is currently being moved 3 kilometers east due to mining operations threatening its foundation. How often do you hear about a whole town relocating?

This Arctic frontier isn't just about its famous ice hotel or northern lights viewing. Kiruna has a rich Sami heritage, with indigenous culture deeply woven into local life. The town was built around the world's largest underground iron ore mine, which has been operating since the early 1900s and remarkably goes more than a kilometer deep.

The winter landscape transforms into a snow-covered wonderland with temperatures dropping to -40°C, while summer brings the midnight sun phenomenon with 24 hours of daylight. Despite harsh conditions, Kiruna maintains a vibrant community spirit with unique architecture designed specifically for Arctic conditions.

The nearby Esrange Space Center conducts satellite tracking and scientific research, making Kiruna an unexpected hub for space science. Between its mining history, indigenous culture, extreme weather, and space research, Kiruna offers a fascinating glimpse into life at the edge of the Arctic wilderness.