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Midnight Sun, Swedish Lapland
The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon where the sun never sets. It's occurring in the summer months at latitudes north of the Arctic Circle.
Photo credit: Tomas Utsi/imagebank.sweden.se

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 21 December 2022

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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Midnight Sun, Swedish Lapland

In the very north of Sweden, above the arctic circle, for roughly two months in early summer the sun doesn't set at all. For the rest of summer, the brief dip below the horizon is barely noticeable.

Photo: Asaf Kliger/imagebank.sweden.se

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Midnight Sun, Swedish Lapland

Photo: Asaf Kliger/imagebank.sweden.se

Midnight Sun in Rikgränsen, Swedish Lapland

Photo: Markus Alatalo

Midnight sun over the Scandes, Kiruna

Photo: JonatanStålhös/imagebank.sweden.se

Midnight sun, Norrbotten

Photo: Moa Karlberg/imagebank.sweden.se

Midnight sun in Kiruna, Swedish Lapland

Photo: Asaf Kliger/imagebank.sweden.se

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 23 June 2023.
  • 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 8 July 2023, 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.