Published 25th Apr. 2023
Reading time
A haven of natural wonder beckoning travellers from around the world, Sweden certainly knows how to put on a show. The yin to the Northern Lights’ yang, the Midnight Sun is the phenomenon of endless days. From late-May to mid-July, the sun hangs low in the sky but never sets, bathing everything in a surreal soft glow. Forget about sleep, this is the time for adventurers to amplify the summer fun. In addition to picture-perfect views and lingering light, visitors can enjoy late-night hikes, swims in crystal-clear lakes, wildlife watching tours, and festivals to celebrate the extended days. To see the magical Midnight Sun in Sweden, consider planning a trip around the summer solstice, when everything is illuminated.
Due to the tilt of Earth’s axis, parts of the globe experience dramatic seasonal swings. Between April and September, the northern hemisphere is angled towards the sun, resulting in longer days and warmer weather. Around midsummer, destinations close to and north of the Arctic Circle experience an astronomical phenomenon of perma-light known as the Midnight Sun, when the sun doesn’t set and hours become elastic.
The Midnight Sun shines in northern Sweden from late-May until the middle of July.
To see the sun when the clock strikes midnight, you’ll need to make your way north. The general rule of thumb is to be close to (or ideally inside) the Arctic Circle to see the Midnight Sun in Sweden. Swedish Lapland – the northern region covering almost a quarter of the country – is the best place to see the Midnight Sun. In Jokkmokk, just north of the Arctic Circle, the sun can be seen at midnight for 32 days in a row. The small town is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, making it perfect for a late-night hike or a midnight dip in the nearby lakes and rivers. Venture even closer to the North Pole to the quaint town of Abisko and you can expect 55 days without a single sunset.
Witnessing this phenomenon is magical, memorable and bewildering – rather like watching a sunset and sunrise all at once and feeling slightly jetlagged at the same time. Your eyes are telling you it’s happy hour, but the clocks confirm that a new day is dawning. Being out in Swedish nature during this enchanted moment is an experience you won’t forget.
There’s no doubt the constant light makes it harder to sleep, and you should expect to feel rather discombobulated. But there are some simple solutions to reduce the amount of light reaching your eyes, and thus encourage slumber, such as using black out blinds and packing a sleep mask. But honestly – who travels to Swedish Lapland to sleep through these confounding never-quite-nights? Our top tip is for you to get out and experience one of the many unique Midnight Sun activities available.
Here are some unusual Midnight Sun adventures on offer in Sweden:
Enthusiasm is contagious, and there’s no better way to get excited about a Swedish getaway than by talking to our travel consultants. Tap into the Swedish wilderness in a specially selected cabin (we’re constantly on the hunt for the best), or fika ‘til you drop in our favourite Stockholm cafes (which we’ve done the tough job of testing out for you). Along with our hands-on Concierge team, we can help you do as the locals do and organise the best activities for your trip, from overnight dog sledging to outdoor cooking.
ENQUIRE NOWPractical advice and inspiration for your next trip
From its fairy-tale-like landscapes to its vibrant cities and otherworldly Northern Lights displays, Sweden is an easy country to fall in love with. Beauty abounds in this Nordic nation,
1st February 2025 - Sweden Travel Inspiration
The Swedes know how to embrace the great outdoors, and our Europe specialist, Valeria, discovered what the hype’s all about during her recent research trip.
20th November 2024 - Sweden Travel Tips
Tracing the length of Sweden from the culture-rich Mora to the sparse Lapland in the far north, the legendary Inlandsbanan railway line cuts through some
17th October 2024 - Sweden Slow Travel
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
