It was way back in 1985 when Athens was named as the first ever European Capital of Culture, and since then, 60 other cities have been granted the prestigious title, for their ‘unique culture and contribution to Europe’s cultural conversation’.
The spotlit cities tend to be announced a couple of years in advance, and we already know one of the destinations being championed for 2029: Kiruna, a city in Swedish Lapland.
From mining history and Arctic surroundings to aspirations for future space exploration, the city’s got plenty of unique characteristics feeding its culture. But what’s there to see when you visit?
Well, remember that ridiculously cool Icehotel we covered last year? That’s in Jukkasjärvi, just outside of Kiruna on the banks of the Torne River.
There’s the annual snow festival (snöfestivalen) which takes place in January and features reindeer racing, dog sledding and the Kiruna International Snow Sculpture festival.
You also have the chance to delve into Sámi culture and crafts in Kiruna and learn a whole lot more about Sweden’s indigenous history, as well as pay a visit to the LKAB mine, which is the largest iron ore mine in the world.
‘We at Kiruna Lappland are delighted with this recognition and see great potential for the tourism industry. This platform allows us to continue developing and showcasing cultural experiences within our destination,’ said CEO of Kiruna Lappland Peer Salomonsson.
Why not weave Kiruna into a trip around Sweden? These are the best things to do in the Scandinavian country. Oh, and here’s our roundup of lots of other underrated European destinations.
Did you see that Christmas in Lapland has been cancelled?
Plus: UNESCO has added 66 new traditions to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
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