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Two people hiking under the midnight sun in Swedish Lapland.
Midnight Sun, Swedish Lapland
In northern Sweden, above the Arctic Circle, the sun doesn't set at all for about two months around the summer solstice. For most of the rest of the summer, the brief dip below the horizon is barely noticeable.
Photo credit: Asaf Kliger/Swedish Lapland

When and where to see the spectacular Midnight Sun in Sweden

Imagine a summer where the sun never sets, and golden light stretches into the night. In Swedish Lapland, the Midnight Sun slows down time and makes outdoor activities possible around the clock.

Last updated 15 April 2025

What is the Midnight Sun?

What might sound like something from a fairytale is in fact a natural phenomenon. The Midnight Sun occurs in summer above the Arctic Circle when the sun stays above the horizon for several weeks. This means it remains visible even in the middle of the night, creating extended daylight hours that can feel both unusual and fascinating for first-time visitors.

When can you catch the Midnight Sun in Sweden?

Head to Swedish Lapland between late May and mid-July to bask in the 24-hour daylight. The further north you go, the longer the phenomenon lasts. Here are the approximate Midnight Sun periods for some Swedish towns, according to the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI):

  • Abisko: 25 May – 18 July
  • Kiruna: 28 May – 14 July
  • Gällivare: Around 2 June – 10 July
  • Jokkmokk: Around 5 June – 7 July

The extended daylight is remarkable even before and after these dates – or slightly south of the Arctic Circle. This phenomenon is known as the Midnight Light, and while the sun may technically dip below the horizon, the sky remains bright enough to enjoy the outdoors well into the night.

Where’s the best place to see the Midnight Sun?

Anywhere above the Arctic Circle will treat you to this surreal spectacle. Top spots include Abisko, known for its clear skies, and Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest peak. Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost city, is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding nature. Jokkmokk, often described as the cultural hub for Sámi traditions, offers deeper insight into the region's heritage.

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Midnight Sun in Swedish Lapland

When the sun doesn’t set, the possibilities for outdoor activities around the clock are endless.

Photo: Per Lundström/imagebank.sweden.se

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A person is rowing a boat on a mirrored lake under the midnight sun in Swedish Lapland.

Midnight Sun in Swedish Lapland

Photo: Per Lundström/imagebank.sweden.se

Image of a meadow during midnight sun and the summer solstice

Midsummer in Swedish Lapland

Two women are sitting on a hill in the mountains and enjoying the midnight sun.

Midnight Sun in Rikgränsen

Photo: Markus Alatalo/Swedish Lapland

Midnight Sun, Swedish Lapland

Midnight Sun, Swedish Lapland

Photo: Tomas Utsi/imagebank.sweden.se

An image over Kiruna during summer solstice and the midnight sun

Midnight Sun in Kiruna

Top things to do under the Midnight Sun

When the sun doesn’t set, the possibilities are endless. Here are some unforgettable ways to make the most of the Midnight Sun in Sweden.

Ski under the Midnight Sun

Yes, really! At Riksgränsen, late-season skiing meets the magic of the Midnight Sun. If there's enough snow, the ski resort stays open until Midsummer – making it one of the most unique places in the world to ski under the midnight sky. A surreal experience for any snow lover.

Celebrate Midsummer

Join in on the Midsummer festivities on 20 June. Dance around the maypole, wear a flower crown, and enjoy pickled herring and strawberries – all while the sun stays high in the sky. Midsummer is celebrated across the country, but participate in one of these for a more traditional and uniquely northern experience. (Please note: the two latter tips are located beneath the Arctic Circle, but still enjoy Midnight Light):

Dance into the night at the Kiruna Festival

What better way to celebrate the Midnight Sun than to dance and sing? The Kiruna Festival takes place 27-28 June, and this year it’s a double celebration: the festival marks its 15th anniversary, and Kiruna turns 125. Expect live music, a vibrant atmosphere, and memories to last a lifetime.

Try a triathlon under the Midnight Sun

Test your endurance at the Laponia Triathlon 67°N in Gällivare on 5 July 2025. This unique race lets you swim, bike and run beneath a glowing midnight sky – an unforgettable challenge for athletes and adventurers alike.

Midnight magic at Aurora Sky Station

Join a guided midnight hike to Aurora Sky Station in Abisko. You’ll get cosy with snacks and drinks while enjoying panoramic views from Mount Nuolja, bathed in endless sunlight.

Tee off at midnight

Play a round (or three!) at Björkliden Golf Course. This 18-hole course is one of the northernmost in the world, set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. Thanks to its Arctic location, you can enjoy teeing off under a glowing sky well past midnight – an actual bucket list experience for golf lovers. Or head to Green Zone Golf and tee up across two different time zones and countries – 11 holes in Sweden and 7 in Finland. While the course is located just south of the Arctic Circle, both countries enjoy the Midnight Light during summer, making for a genuinely memorable twilight round.

Hike Sweden’s highest mountain

Up for a challenge? Scale Kebnekaise and watch the landscape glow under the Midnight Sun. While it’s a proper mountain hike, it’s relatively accessible if you’re well-prepared. The most popular route starts at Kebnekaise mountain station and takes about 10–15 hours round-trip, depending on your chosen path.

Paddle, cycle or just soak it in

If you're more of a chill-out-and-soak-it-in kind of traveller, you're in luck. Go for a peaceful paddle on a mirror-still lake. Try night-time cycling through hushed pine forests. Or find a secluded hilltop, unpack a fika, and simply enjoy the warm, never-ending light. Sometimes, doing less is the best way to take it all in.

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Midnight Sun, Swedish Lapland

The Midnight Sun can be experienced above the Arctic Circle from the end of May until mid-July.

Photo: Peter Rosén/Swedish Lapland

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A man with a backpack stands next to a lake while watching the midnight sun.

Midnight Sun, Swedish Lapland

Photo: Peter Rosén/Swedish Lapland

Two people enjoy the Midnight Sun from Luossavaara outside Kiruna. The view is of the Scandinavian Mountain range.

Photographing in the Midnight Sun

Photo: Jonatan Stålhös/imagebank.sweden.se

Tips for photographing the Midnight Sun

Want to capture the moment? The Midnight Sun offers some of the most unique light conditions you’ll ever see. Here are a few tips:

  • Use reflections in lakes and rivers to double the drama.
  • Silhouettes against the glowing horizon create striking images.
  • Golden hour becomes golden hours – take your time!
  • Bring a tripod for steady, long-exposure shots in the soft night light.

Planning your trip to the land of the Midnight Sun

Ready to chase the sun across the Arctic Circle? Good news: getting to Swedish Lapland is easier than you think. Daily flights with SAS and Norwegian connect Stockholm with Kiruna and Luleå, and there are scenic train options with SJ, too – perfect for slow travellers.

Accommodation ranges from cosy cabins and lakeside lodges to glass-roofed rooms. Book early if you're visiting in June or July, as the Midnight Sun is on many people's bucket lists.

Tip: Layer up – even if it’s bright, the temperature can dip late at night. A sleeping mask can also be handy, especially if you try to stick to a regular sleep schedule. But the best advice? Embrace the light, follow your curiosity, and make the most of every glowing minute. After all, you can sleep when you get home.

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