Every summer, northern Sweden experiences one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles: the midnight sun.
Above the Arctic Circle, the sun never fully sets for weeks on end, bathing mountains, forests and lakes in a soft golden light around the clock. It’s a surreal experience. One minute your watch says midnight, the next you’re hiking, kayaking or drinking coffee beneath a sky that looks more like late afternoon.
From the hiking trails around Abisko to the ski slopes of Riksgränsen and the Sami heartland around Jokkmokk, these are the best places to experience the midnight sun in Sweden.
What does the midnight sun look like?
In terms of sheer wow factor, seeing the midnight sun isn’t really in the same league as seeing the northern lights. But it is still memorable – kind of like watching a sunset and sunrise happen all at once, and being slightly jetlagged at the same time. Your eyes will be telling you it’s 6pm or 7pm, but the clocks (and closed-down shops) will confirm that a new day is just beginning.
For a few magical hours the sun hangs low in the sky, creating great conditions for photography; it’s a far bigger window of soft light than the usual ‘golden hour’ you get before sunsets further south. At this time of year you’ll also notice that the locals, starved of sun all winter, suddenly seem quite sprightly.
Where to see the midnight sun
You should be able to see the midnight sun pretty much anywhere above the Arctic Circle, as long as there aren’t any valleys or mountains blocking out the views. That said, a big part of the fun is being able to say that you did some memorable outdoor activity while all your friends back home were tucked up in bed. Here are some of the extra-special places in Sweden that offer unusual midnight sun experiences.
Abisko
Why Abisko?
This tiny little Arctic outpost is one of the world’s best places for spotting the northern lights. But during the summertime, your chances of seeing them are practically zero. That’s because it stays light for around eight solid weeks. This surplus of sunlight can make it tricky to sleep (definitely bring an eyemask) but it does give you more time to explore the excellent hiking trails that snake away from Abisko and into the flower-speckled countryside.
Where to stay
Try the warm and welcoming Abisko Guesthouse, or Abisko Turiststation, which is well geared-up for outdoor activities.
When is the midnight sun visible?
Late May to mid July (56 days)
Gällivare
Why Gällivare?
Gällivare is one of the easiest places in Swedish Lapland to experience the midnight sun. The nearby Dundret mountain offers sweeping views across forests, lakes and fells, making it a popular spot for evening walks and photography beneath the never-setting sun. Unlike some of Lapland’s better-known destinations, Gällivare also remains relatively crowd-free.
Gällivare isn’t much of a destination in its own right but it does have a very good ski resort on its doorstep. There’s little chance of snow when then midnight sun is visible, but the ski resort is located high up on a hill with incredible views of the surrounding forests. A café at the top of the ski slopes stays open late during midnight sun season, serving waffles and hot coffee.
Where to stay
The modern Grand Hotel Lapland is the town’s best-known hotel, with comfortable rooms, a spa and panoramic views from the upper floors.
When is the midnight sun visible?
Early June to mid July (40 days)
Jokkmokk
Why Jokkmokk?
Jokkmokk is one of the southernmost towns in Sweden that can still offer a few weeks of midnight sun. It’s also connected to places further south by the scenic Inlandsbanan railway line – climb aboard for a whistle-stop ride through the green heart of Sweden. The town also has a rich Sami heritage and makes a comfortable base for exploring the nearby national parks.
Where to stay
Our favourite place to stay is the vermillion wooden house known as Jokkmokks Vandrarhem. If you’d rather sleep under canvas try Arctic Camp Jokkmokk but as it’ll be bright around the clock, you will almost certainly need to wear an eye mask (or stick your head under the pillow) to get any decent rest.
When is the midnight sun visible?
Early June to early July (32 days)
Björkliden
Why Björkliden?
Travel north of Abisko along the E10 and you’ll soon reach Björkliden, a small winter resort that transforms into a base for caving, fishing and hiking during the summertime. Perhaps coolest of all, you can also play a spectacular 18-hole golf course here – in midnight sun season, it’s open right around the clock.
Where to stay
One option is to base yourself in Abisko and make the drive to Björkliden each day (it’s only 20 minutes or so). Otherwise, there are rooms, cabins and dorm beds up for grabs at the resort itself. You can get up-to-date rates on Booking.com.
One option is to base yourself in Abisko and make the short drive to Björkliden each day (it’s only around 20 minutes). Alternatively, stay right in the heart of the action at Hotell Fjället, which offers comfortable rooms, mountain views and easy access to the area’s hiking trails and midnight sun experiences.
When is the midnight sun visible?
Late May to mid July (around 56 days). The golf course opens at the start of July, provided that all the snow has vanished, and stays open until September when the weather begins to turn.
Riksgränsen
Why Riksgränsen?
Riksgränsen sits in the far northwest corner of Sweden, close to the Norwegian border, and is one of the country’s best places to experience the midnight sun. Surrounded by rugged mountains and vast Arctic landscapes, it offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Swedish Lapland. The resort is also famous for its late-season skiing, with snow often lingering well into spring, but in summer the long, sunlit nights are perfect for hiking, photography and simply soaking up the surreal experience of daylight around the clock.
Where to stay
Despite its remote location, Riksgränsen has a surprisingly good range of accommodation, including hotel rooms, apartments, cabins and hostel-style options. Staying locally allows you to make the most of the long summer evenings and midnight sun, without having to travel back to Abisko after dark. Browse the latest accommodation options in Riksgränsen here.
Despite its remote location, Riksgränsen has a surprisingly good range of accommodation, including hotel rooms, apartments, cabins and hostel-style options. Staying locally allows you to make the most of the long summer evenings and midnight sun, without having to travel back to Abisko after dark. Browse the latest accommodation options in Riksgränsen here.
When is the midnight sun visible?
Late May to mid July (around 56 days).
Kebnekaise and the Kungsleden Trail
For a truly unforgettable midnight sun experience, head into the mountains. Sweden’s highest peak, Kebnekaise, and the famous Kungsleden hiking trail are both located well above the Arctic Circle, where the sun remains visible around the clock for several weeks each summer. The endless daylight means you can hike late into the evening, enjoy peaceful mountain landscapes after most visitors have gone to bed, and watch the golden light linger over valleys, lakes and snow-capped peaks. It’s one of the best times of year to explore the Kungsleden, and our complete guide explains everything you need to know before setting off.
Where to stay
Most visitors begin their adventure in Abisko or Nikkaluokta. If you’re planning a multi-day hike, the STF mountain huts along the Kungsleden provide simple accommodation in spectacular surroundings. For a little more comfort, the STF Kebnekaise Mountain Station offers rooms, meals and guided activities at the foot of Sweden’s highest mountain.
When is the midnight sun visible?
Late May to mid July (around 50–60 days, depending on your exact location).
Ready to experience the midnight sun?
Whether you’re hiking in Abisko, playing golf in Björkliden, exploring Sami culture in Jokkmokk or watching the sun hover above the mountains in Riksgränsen, experiencing the midnight sun is one of the most memorable things you can do in Sweden. The endless daylight creates a unique atmosphere that turns even simple activities into something special.
Planning a trip to Swedish Lapland? Take a look at our main Lapland guide for more ideas on where to go, what to see and how to make the most of your time above the Arctic Circle. f you’re considering a wider Scandinavian adventure, don’t miss our guide to the best places to see the midnight sun in Norway, where dramatic fjords and coastal mountains provide an equally spectacular backdrop. And if you’ve experienced the midnight sun yourself, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
