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View over Torne river, Swedish Lapland during midnight sun
Midnight Sun, Swedish Lapland
The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon occurring in summer months at latitudes north of the Arctic Circle where the sun remains visible at local midnight.

When and where to see the spectacular Midnight Sun in Sweden

Midnight Sun is when the sun never sets in the summer. The Midnight Sun is a 24-hour period of sunlight that can be experienced above the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland.

Last updated 02 January 2024

What is the Midnight Sun?

Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon occurring in the summer months and means that the sun can be seen even in the middle of the night.

When can you see the Midnight Sun in Sweden?

Summertime in Swedish Lapland, usually between the end of May and mid-July. However the further north you go, the longer the Midnight Sun will last.

Where are the best places to see the Midnight Sun?

You can see the midnight sun in places above the Arctic Circle. Abisko, Björkliden, Gällivare, Jokkmokk, Kebnekaise, Kiruna and Riksgränsen to name a few.

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Midsummer in Northern Sweden

In the very north of Sweden, above the arctic circle, for roughly two months around summer solstice the sun doesn't set at all. For most of the rest of summer, the brief dip below the horizon is barely noticeable. It's the ideal spot for celebrating Midsummer.

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Image of a meadow during midnight sun and the summer solstice

Midsummer in Northern Sweden

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

Midnight Sun in Rikgränsen, Swedish Lapland

Photo: Markus Alatalo

Midnight sun over the Scandes, Kiruna

Midnight sun over the Scandes, Kiruna

Photo: JonatanStålhös/imagebank.sweden.se

Silhouettes of beech trees by a river at dusk.

Midnight sun, Norrbotten

Photo: Moa Karlberg/imagebank.sweden.se

An image over Kiruna during summer solstice and the midnight sun

Midnight sun in Sweden

A woman is jumping from a boat in the swedish summer, and the sun is to set

Midnight sun evening swim

Midnight Sun experiences

  • Midsummer is the Swedish celebration of the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. For something extra, take part in the festivities at a place where the sun doesn't set. Midsummer is celebrated on 21 June 2024.
  • Past midnight you can get 18 holes in at Björkliden Arctic Golf Course; in fact, you can get as many rounds in as you want since there is no sunset. And at Tornio Haparanda Golf you can play in two countries at once since 11 holes are located in Sweden and 7 in Finland.
  • The more adventurous traveller could always take on the challenge of scaling Kebnekaise, Sweden's highest mountain. Or join a midnight hike to Aurora Sky Station, where you enjoy snacks, beverages and colourful views from Mount Nuolja.
  • A truly unique race is Laponia Triathlon 67°N, held in Gällivare on 6 July 2024, where you swim, bike and run under the Midnight Sun.
  • The possibility to ski under Midnight Sun is one of the draws at ski resort Riksgränsen.
  • For your very own midnight sun experience, pick a quiet spot with uninterrupted views; which is not a problem in vast Swedish Lapland, and bathe in the rays of the unique and spectacular Midnight Sun.

Wide awake in Swedish Lapland

Experiencing the Midnight Sun in Sweden might mess with your head for the first few days after you arrive, so pack a sleeping mask if you want to get some shut-eye. Even the people who live in Swedish Lapland have problems sleeping and blackout curtains are a big seller.

The best advice is to simply succumb to the light and stay vertical for as long as you can to enjoy this unique part of the world. Slow down and enjoy the never-ending summer days in Sweden. You can sleep when you get home.