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Travel options
All roads lead to the Riksgränsen... well, but there are many alternatives!
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Flight via Kiruna
By plane, you can get from Stockholm to Kiruna in about 90 minutes. From Kiruna, you can continue by bus, train, or car to Riksgränsen. The transfer between Kiruna and Riksgränsentakes around 120 minutes, making the total travel time from Stockholm to Riksgränsen approximately five hours.
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Flight via Evenes
Evenes is served by flights from most European countries. From the airport, continue your journey towards the mountains by bus, train or car to Riksgränsen. The distance between Harstad and Riksgränsen is about 85 km, which means a travel time of about 1-1.5 hours depending on the means of transportation and road conditions.
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Transfer Kiruna -Riksgränsen
We have several transfer options from Kiruna to Riksgränsen such as buses, trains, and taxis. We most often recommend one of the bus options as it is the most sustainable option and has the fewest delays and cancellations. Search from Kiruna Airport to Riksgränsen turnaround.
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Transfer Events-Riksgränsen
From Evenes to Riksgränsen there are several options. You can choose to take an airport bus and then a train with SJ, VY, or Arctic Train. For those who wish, there are also taxi options or bus transfers. Read more about the transfer options from Evenes to Riksgränsen under ”Read more”.
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15% discount with AVIS
Rental car from Kiruna
At Kiruna Airport, you can rent a car. If you stay with us at Riksgränsen (or Björkliden), you will also receive a 15% discount at AVIS with the code S303712. There are also other car rental companies in Kiruna. Please read our guide to driving in arctic climates further down the page.
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Rental car from Evenes
At Evenes Airport, there are several car rental options such as AVIS, Hertz, Sixt, and others. Please remember to inform the car rental company if you plan to cross the border and keep an eye on whether the mountain passes are open. Feel free to read our guide on driving in Arctic climates further down the page.
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Train
Board the train in the evening in Stockholm or Gothenburg and wake up in a fantastic mountain environment the next day around lunchtime. SJ operates the route between Stockholm and Riksgränsen, which takes approximately 18 hours. From the train station in Riksgränsen, it is only a few hundred meters to Hotel Riksgränsen.
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A guide to safer car travel
The road, the road conditions, and the journey through the Arctic mountains by car
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The journey is part of the experience
Rent en bil i Kiruna
Traveling by car to Riksgränsen is something to behold. As soon as you leave Kiruna, the horizon begins to change. The low-key mountain forest opens up and the snow-capped peaks in the west become increasingly dominant.
One of the highlights of the trip is the view of Torneträsk, one of Sweden's largest and deepest lakes. The road winds along the southern shore of the lake, offering miles of views of the crystal blue (or sparkling white in winter) water, with steep mountain walls plunging into the depths on the other side.
As you approach Abisko and Björkliden, perhaps Sweden's most photographed motif reveals itself: Lapporten (Čuonjávággi). The U-shaped valley lies there like a magnificent gate in the landscape, watching over travelers.
At Kiruna Airport you can rent a car. If you stay with us in Riksgränsen (or Björkliden), you also get a 15% discount with AVIS. At the time of booking, enter code S303712 - either by phone or online. Remember that you cannot use the discount code afterwards, only at the time of booking. The discount code is only valid at AVIS in Kiruna.
Rent a car at the airport
One of the highlights of the trip is the view of Torneträsk, one of Sweden's largest and deepest lakes. The road winds along the southern shore of the lake, offering miles of views of the crystal blue (or sparkling white in winter) water, with steep mountain walls plunging into the depths on the other side.
As you approach Abisko and Björkliden, perhaps Sweden's most photographed motif reveals itself: Lapporten (Čuonjávággi). The U-shaped valley lies there like a magnificent gate in the landscape, watching over travelers.
At Kiruna Airport you can rent a car. If you stay with us in Riksgränsen (or Björkliden), you also get a 15% discount with AVIS. At the time of booking, enter code S303712 - either by phone or online. Remember that you cannot use the discount code afterwards, only at the time of booking. The discount code is only valid at AVIS in Kiruna.
Transfer options from Kiruna
Landing in Kiruna is the most common route to Riksgränsen. From here you have both affordable buses and the classic mountain train to choose from.
Direct bus
This is often the easiest option as you do not have to change in the center of Kiruna.
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Kiruna Bus offers airport transfers from Kiruna Train Station or Stadshustorget to Riksgränsen and onwards towards Narvik. Book via kirunabussab.rezdy.com
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Länstrafiken Norrbotten (Line 91): During the season (winter and summer), line 91 sometimes runs all the way from the airport to Riksgränsen Vändplan. Find the journey: Lanstrafikennorrbotten.se
Train
From Kiruna, the train heads towards Narvik, stopping at Riksgränsen, and is a historical and beautiful journey through the Kiruna mountains. The iron ore line was built long before there were roads to our fantastic location. Book your trip at sj.se.
taxi
For those traveling longer distances, sometimes convenience is more important than price, in which case there are taxis. Taxi Kiruna through Sverigetaxi operates the route - we recommend that you pre-book a taxi as there are not always taxis available.
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Car rental
Rent a car at Evenes airport
Landing at Evenes and getting in the car towards Riksgränsen is like starting a movie scene. This journey takes you through a landscape that constantly shifts character – from dramatic Norwegian coastlines to rugged, vast mountain ranges.
You meander along glittering fjords where mountains rise vertically out of the turquoise water. The views across the Ofotfjord are magnificent, and the bridge over to Narvik gives a sense of freedom. After passing Narvik, the climb begins towards Riksgränsen and the mighty ascent up Björnfjell. This is where the landscape really changes. The dense vegetation thins out and is replaced by a barren, Arctic high mountain landscape.
From Evenes you can easily rent a car to get to Riksgränsen. The journey takes about 2 hours depending on the road conditions. We recommend that you check that the roads are open. Sometimes they are closed due to storms when traveling over the Norwegian-Swedish mountains. More information can be found on the website of the Swedish Transport Administration and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.
Rent a car at the airport
You meander along glittering fjords where mountains rise vertically out of the turquoise water. The views across the Ofotfjord are magnificent, and the bridge over to Narvik gives a sense of freedom. After passing Narvik, the climb begins towards Riksgränsen and the mighty ascent up Björnfjell. This is where the landscape really changes. The dense vegetation thins out and is replaced by a barren, Arctic high mountain landscape.
From Evenes you can easily rent a car to get to Riksgränsen. The journey takes about 2 hours depending on the road conditions. We recommend that you check that the roads are open. Sometimes they are closed due to storms when traveling over the Norwegian-Swedish mountains. More information can be found on the website of the Swedish Transport Administration and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.
Transfer from Evenes to Riksgränsen
Traveling from Evenes Airport to Riksgränsen is one of the most spectacular ways to reach us. You leave the Norwegian fjords and follow the road up through Ofotdalen and further into the Arctic mountains. Here are your best options for a trip without a rental car:
Airport bus to Narvik
On arrival in Evenes, take the airport bus (FB82 aerobuses) which takes you directly to the center of Narvik. The journey takes about 50-60 minutes and offers beautiful views along the Norwegian coastal roads.
Tip: Ask the driver to drop you off near the railway station (Narvik stasjon). Otherwise, the stop is located at the Quality Hotel Grand Narvik, about a 3-minute walk from the station.
Arctic Train - A guided mountain journey
The Arctic Train runs on the historic Ofot Railway and is designed for those who want a little extra. The train has large windows for maximum views and there are often guides or apps with stories about the dramatic nature and history along the way.
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Stop: Get off at Riksgränsen station.
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Booking: Tickets can be purchased directly via arctictrain.com.
SJ's trains on the Malmbanan
SJ also operates the route as part of its lines between Narvik, Kiruna, Luleå and Stockholm. This is often the most affordable option and has several departures per day.
Bus stop: Get off at Riksgränsen station.
Booking: Search and book at sj.se.
Transfer bus (for those with Arctic Ski Pass)
During the ski season there is also The Arctic Ski Bus. If you have purchased an Arctic Ski Pass (valid in Björkliden, Riksgränsen and Narvikfjellet), the bus transfer between the resorts is included free of charge and the bus stops at Riksgränsen.
- Booking: Place should pre-booked to guarantee space.
Good to know: Riksgränsen train station is located in the middle of the village, close to hotels, restaurants and lifts. From here it is a short walk to most things - and you are directly surrounded by the mountain world.
Driving through the Arctic landscape - A guide to safe driving
The journey along the E10 between the sea in Narvik and the mountain peaks of Riksgränsen is spectacular, but the Arctic weather can change in minutes. To make your journey as safe and enjoyable as possible, there are some important things to keep in mind before you get behind the wheel.
Check if the road is open
Swedish Transport Administration (opens in new tab)
Public Roads Administration (opens in new tab)
Road safety in the mountains
Winter road conditions in the north demand respect. Even if the road looks fine, black ice can make the road surface slippery. Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front - braking distances are much longer than on dry roads. Also bear in mind that heavy transport is common on this stretch; give trucks space and avoid risky overtaking in curvy sections.
Why is the road sometimes closed?
Safety always comes first. The most common reason for closing the road over Riksgränsen (Björnfjell), or introducing convoy driving, is strong winds combined with snowfall. This creates ”whiteout” conditions where visibility becomes zero and the roadway can quickly drift again. If there is a risk of avalanches or extreme slipperiness, authorities may also choose to close the crossing until the road is cleared. Always check local traffic announcements via Trafikverket (Sweden) and Statens Vegvesen (Norway) before driving.
Checklist for your car trip
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Warm clothing
Never travel in just thin clothes. If you get stuck at a roadside or stop, keep warm jackets, hats and blankets in your compartment. -
Fuel and battery
Make sure you have a well-filled tank or a well-charged battery. When waiting for a column run, the engine may need to run for warmth. -
Wildlife Hazards
Reindeer and elk often move near or on the road, especially at dusk and dawn. Be extra vigilant where there is no fencing.
Driving in the Arctic is part of the adventure, but it requires planning. By taking it easy and respecting the weather, you can make sure your trip is as magical as the view promises.
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Kiruna bus - transfer between Kiruna to Narvik
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Local traffic
Ride the bus like the locals with Länstrafik Norrbotten
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A historical journey
The train on the ore line - a historic route
Rolling out of Kiruna station and starting the journey towards Riksgränsen along Malmbanan is like stepping straight into a living postcard. As the train winds its way through the barren landscape, you pass vast mountain ranges and sparkling lakes. It's a peaceful but impressive journey where you can sit back and watch the Arctic landscape change character outside the window.
Once you arrive in Riksgränsen, you get off at one of Sweden's highest stations, surrounded by magnificent mountain nature. From the station it is about 5-10 minutes walk to hotels and restaurants in the area.
Book a train
Once you arrive in Riksgränsen, you get off at one of Sweden's highest stations, surrounded by magnificent mountain nature. From the station it is about 5-10 minutes walk to hotels and restaurants in the area.