Experiencing Abisko’s Midnight Sun

There’s something a little disorienting about realizing it’s midnight and you’re still wearing sunglasses. But that’s Abisko in summer for you! The place where the sun simply forgets to go down, and time itself seems to stand still.

Between mid-May and mid-July, the sun never dips below the horizon here in Swedish Lapland. Days stretch endlessly, nights are bathed in a golden glow, and you start to understand why locals say, “Sleep is for winter.”

What Exactly Is the Midnight Sun?

The Midnight Sun is one of nature’s most fascinating quirks and the result of the Earth’s tilt and Abisko’s location north of the Arctic Circle. For a few magical weeks every summer, the sun circles the sky in a slow, glowing loop without ever setting. The light turns the mountains honey-gold, makes Lake Torneträsk shimmer like liquid glass, and gives even the most ordinary evening walk an otherworldly glow.

Because Abisko sits at 68° north, it’s perfectly positioned for round-the-clock daylight during the summer months. Combine that with our famously clear skies (the same microclimate that makes Abisko one of the world’s best places to see the Northern Lights) and you’ve got front-row seats to one of nature’s most surreal shows.

Just be warned: your sense of time will evaporate. Locals often find themselves gardening at 11 p.m. or hiking at 2 a.m., simply because they can. Bring an eye mask, but leave your sense of routine at home.

Abisko Under Endless Light

When the aurora takes its seasonal rest, Abisko transforms into something else entirely. The snow melts into rushing waterfalls, the birch trees burst into vivid green, and trails once covered in ice become gateways to wildflower meadows and mirror-like lakes.

It’s a season for hiking, kayaking, photography or simply enjoying a cup of coffee on your porch at midnight, wondering how it’s still light outside.

If you’re planning a visit, check out our guide to the Top 5 Things to Do in Abisko This Spring and Summer for some inspiration on how to make the most of the never-ending daylight.

Trollsjön: A Must-See Under the Midnight Sun

No trip to Abisko in summer is complete without a visit to Trollsjön, the clearest lake in Sweden. Surrounded by jagged peaks and accessible by one of the region’s most scenic hiking trails, this turquoise gem looks like something out of a fairytale, especially when illuminated by the golden midnight light.

It’s a moderate hike, about 10 km round trip, but every step rewards you with sweeping views and peaceful Arctic stillness. And if you’re feeling brave, you can always take a (very) refreshing dip.

Where to Stay: Find Your Midnight Sun Basecamp

Abisko may be small, but it’s packed with charm and comfort. Whether you’re looking for cozy houses, or a simple hostel stay, Accommodation in Abisko offers the perfect home base for your summer adventures.

Our properties are surrounded by trails, lakes, and mountains. Meaning you can step outside your door at any hour and be greeted by golden light and fresh Arctic air. It’s peaceful, scenic, and every bit as magical as it sounds.

Why You’ll Never Forget It

The Midnight Sun in Abisko isn’t just about endless light. It is also about energy. Everything comes alive: the wildlife, the landscape, even the people. There’s laughter echoing from campsites, hikers wandering home long after midnight, and photographers chasing that perfect golden reflection on Lake Torneträsk.

So if you’ve ever wanted to experience the feeling of being completely immersed in nature’s rhythm – summer in Abisko is the place to do it.

Ready to see it for yourself?

Visit Accommodation in Abisko to find your stay under the Midnight Sun, and start planning your Arctic summer adventure today.