There are some experiences that stay with you forever — and for me, witnessing the Midnight Sun in Swedish Lapland was one of them.
I’ve always lived in places where the sun quietly sets around 6 or 7 in the evening. Night follows naturally. Darkness feels normal. So the idea of a sun that never sets — a sky that stays awake for 24 hours — felt almost unreal to me. Magical, even.
Last summer, I finally decided to experience it for myself.
I chose July, just after the Summer Solstice in June, when the Arctic Circle experiences its longest days. The Midnight Sun still lingers strongly during this time, especially in northern Sweden. And that’s how I found myself heading toward Swedish Lapland, specifically the small village of Abisko.
Planning a trip
Planning this trip was both exciting and slightly intimidating. Abisko is small, remote, and beautifully untouched. It’s not the kind of place where everything runs every 10 minutes.
July is one of the best months to visit because: The Midnight Sun is still clearly visible. The hiking trails are open. The weather is milder (though still cool). But one thing I quickly learned — book your stay early. Accommodation options are limited, and summer fills up fast. I stayed at Abisko Mountain Lodge which is beautiful guest house. I was ready for the adventure. What I wasn’t ready for was how emotional it would feel once I actually stood under a sun that refused to disappear.
Reaching Abisko – A Small Lesson
To reach Abisko, most people travel via Kiruna and then take a train north. Here’s something very important I learned the hard way:There are two train stations in Abisko:
- Abisko Östra
- Abisko Turiststation
I didn’t realize this on my first day.I got off at the main station — Abisko Turiststation — thinking it was the correct one. Only after stepping down with my luggage did I realize my guesthouse was near Abisko Östra… which comes a few minutes earlier and is about 3 kilometers away.For a moment, I stood there thinking, “Do I really have to walk all this way with my bags?”And then something beautiful happened.A kind gentleman who was already heading toward the village noticed me and offered me a lift. He simply said he was going in that direction anyway. That small act of kindness meant so much to me. In a quiet Arctic village, a stranger helped me without hesitation.
It set the tone for the entire trip.
Local Transport – Plan Ahead!
Abisko is peaceful and simple. But that also means transport is limited.
I assumed I could easily get a taxi if needed.I was wrong. When I asked at my guest house, they told me there’s basically one taxi and one driver serving the entire area.Only one! I was amused at first… and then slightly worried. But I had no option. I called him and asked if he could take me to Silverfallet — a stunning waterfall I really wanted to visit.He dropped me there and later picked me up. It was convenient… but very expensive.So here’s my honest advice: Rent a car in advance if you can drive.Consider cycling.Plan your movements carefully.Do not rely on last-minute taxis. It’s beautiful — but remote.
Mid Night sun
Nothing — absolutely nothing — prepares you for the Midnight Sun.
My eyes were literally twinkling from the soft golden rays that looked like they were about to set… and yet, about to rise. That moment — standing between sunset and sunrise — is something I will never forget.During the day, the light is bright and powerful. But around midnight, something magical happens.The sky turns into this soft twilight — not fully sunset, not quite sunrise. It feels like dawn and dusk existing at the same time.I remember standing near a small river. The sun hovered just above the horizon, casting golden light across the snow-covered mountains. The reflection in the water created this glowing shimmer that looked almost unreal.
The wind was cool. I was wearing multiple layers, yet I could still feel the Arctic chill brushing against my face. It wasn’t harsh — just crisp and refreshing. The air smelled unbelievably fresh, pure, untouched.
Must Visit places
Mount Nuolja & The Chairlift Experience
One of the highlights of my trip was taking the Abisko Linbana up Mount Nuolja. As the chairlift slowly rises, the entire landscape unfolds beneath you — forests, lakes, and endless Arctic land. At the top, near the famous Aurora Sky Station, the panoramic view is breathtaking. And from there, you can see one of the most iconic sights of Swedish Lapland:Lapporten – The U-Shaped Valley. From the top of Mount Nuolja, you can clearly see Lapporten, the famous U-shaped valley carved by ancient glaciers.
It’s often called the “Gateway to Lapland.”
Framed by two peaks, it looks perfectly sculpted by nature. Seeing it in person — especially after climbing up — felt surreal. I took so many photos here. It’s one of the most iconic views in the region, and standing there, looking out across that vast landscape, I felt incredibly small — in the best possible way.
Silverfallet
Silverfallet is absolutely magical.
The water cascades down rocky layers, surrounded by untouched nature. When I visited, the air was cool and slightly misty near the falls. It felt peaceful, almost meditative. It’s not overly crowded, which makes it even more special. If you can fit it into your trip, please do. It’s one of those hidden gems that makes the journey unforgettable.
Abisko National Park is a dream for hikers and nature lovers.
It offers multiple trails — from easy walks to longer treks like parts of the famous Kungsleden trail. I wasn’t able to complete the entire trek, but even the section I walked left me speechless. Snow-capped mountains, wide valleys, crystal-clear lakes — every step felt like walking inside a postcard.
Kiruna
Kiruna is a charming Arctic town surrounded by vast open landscapes. It’s small but full of character. The colorful wooden houses, peaceful streets, and endless northern sky give it a unique atmosphere.
It’s also known for its fascinating mining history and Arctic culture. If you’re traveling to Abisko, you’ll most likely pass through Kiruna — and I highly recommend spending some time here instead of just rushing onward.
It feels like the gateway to the Arctic wilderness.
Tips for traveling Abisko
Final Tips for Your Midnight Sun Trip
- If you’re planning your own adventure, here are my honest tips:
- Book accommodation early (summer fills up fast).
- Pack layers — even in July, nights are cold.
- Double-check which train station you need (Abisko Östra vs. Abisko Turiststation).
- Rent a car if possible — taxis are extremely limited.
- Keep your schedule flexible.
- Take time to just sit and absorb the light — don’t rush the Midnight Sun moment.
Final Thoughts
Abisko isn’t just a destination. It’s a feeling. It’s standing under a sky that refuses to go dark. It’s fresh Arctic air brushing your face at midnight. It’s strangers offering kindness in quiet villages.It’s mountains glowing in golden light that never fully fades. And if you ever get the chance — go.
The Midnight Sun is waiting