The chairlift to STF Aurora Sky Station.

Midnight sun in Sweden

During the summer months, the sun never sets in northern Sweden. The constant daylight makes it possible to go hiking, swimming and spend time outdoors even in the middle of the night. The midnight sun is a unique natural phenomenon – here are our tips on how to experience it at its very best.

What is the midnight sun?

The midnight sun means that the sun stays above the horizon around the clock. The phenomenon occurs north of the Arctic Circle in summer and is the opposite of the polar night, the period in winter when the sun does not rise at all.

It happens because the Earth’s axis is tilted by about 23.5 degrees. During the summer months, the northern hemisphere leans towards the sun, and in the far north the tilt is so great that the sun never has time to sink below the horizon. At the Arctic Circle, the midnight sun lasts only a few days around Midsummer, but the further north you go, the longer the period becomes.

Even when the sun is at its lowest, in the middle of the night, a soft, golden light lies over the mountains. That is why many people choose to hike, take photos or simply sit outside after the clock has struck midnight.

Experience the midnight sun in Abisko from STF Aurora Sky Station

In Abisko, the midnight sun lasts for a long period – and few places offer an experience as magnificent as Njullá (Nuolja). Take the chairlift up to Aurora Sky Station and continue on foot towards the summit at 1,164 metres. Here, sweeping views await over Čuonjávággi (Lapporten), Torneträsk and the Abisko Alps. Guided tours can be booked through Abisko Mountain Station during the summer. Book a midnight sun package in Abisko.

Several beautiful hiking trails start from the summit, and on the bare mountain you will find a rich and unique flora. You can also settle down on the terrace and simply take in the landscape. Between mid-June and mid-July, the chairlift also runs in the evenings – perfect for experiencing the magical light of the midnight sun from one of Sweden’s most spectacular viewpoints.

Where can you see the midnight sun in Sweden?

Every place north of the Arctic Circle has the midnight sun for part of the summer, but the period gets longer the further north you travel. Here are some of the best places.

Abisko – 25 May to 17 July

Abisko has one of Sweden’s longest midnight sun periods and some of its most magnificent views. Take the chairlift up to STF Aurora Sky Station on Njullá (Nuolja) and watch the sun shine over Čuonjávággi (Lapporten) and Torneträsk in the middle of the night. Between mid-June and mid-July, the chairlift also runs in the evenings. Book a midnight sun package here. STF Abisko Mountain Station makes an ideal base, located in the heart of the national park with its own railway station.

Kiruna and Kebnekaise – 28 May to 14 July

Kiruna is Sweden’s northernmost town and a good starting point for the mountains. Stay at STF Kebnekaise Mountain Station and experience the midnight sun at the foot of Sweden’s highest mountain, or hike towards the summit in the bright summer night.

Gällivare – 3 June to 9 July

In Gällivare, the mountain Dundret is a popular viewpoint for the midnight sun, with wide views over forests and mountains in every direction.

Jokkmokk – 8 June to 4 July

Jokkmokk lies just north of the Arctic Circle and has a shorter midnight sun period. The town is a centre of Sámi culture and a great place to combine the midnight sun with cultural experiences.