Now, when I ask you about Lapland, what comes to your mind?
You may think. Oh, it’s a place with snowy forests and reindeer sledges with a certain roly-poly fellow in red who brings gifts to good little children.
But did you know there exists a really secret place where most people never get to hear about it?
It is a magical place where, when the snow melts, the skies clear, and the sun forgets how to set. It becomes a dream.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to Lapland in summer.
You might think it is a Fairy tale? Where the sun never sleeps, time stands almost still. But lucky for you, this isn’t fiction, but a beautiful and enchanting reality in the Arctic Circle.
So, join us on this fantastic guide as we discover the world where day and night melt into one golden glow.
And see why Lapland in summer may well be one of the most underrated experiences on Earth
What Exactly Is The Midnight Sun?
Just imagine it for a second. It’s all dark. You are on the edge of a quiet lake, with fresh air, and the sky is glowing softly with amber and gold.
The chirping of birds’ songs soothes your ears, and everything around you feels calm, peaceful, and somehow more alive. That’s the magic of the Midnight Sun.
In the far northern corners of Lapland, the sun doesn’t set for weeks—from late May to mid-July, it simply hovers in the sky, glowing gently through the night.
This travel experience captures what it feels like to witness such untouched beauty and reminds us why exploring the world is one of life’s most rewarding adventures.
Why Does Summer in Lapland Feel Like a Secret?
Winter may get all the fame with snow globes, husky rides, and the Northern Lights. But summer in Lapland is a hidden gem only a lucky few discover. When the snow melts, it reveals lush green hills, blooming wildflowers, and peaceful forests full of life.
The rivers run clear, and the air feels fresh and rejuvenating. Best of all? It’s quiet, with no tourist crowds or long queues—just you and untouched nature under a sun that barely sets.
To explore exactly where Lapland is and what makes it so special, this guide offers everything you need to know about its unique location and beauty.
What Can You Do Under the Midnight Sun?
You might be thinking. If the sun never sets, does that mean that people just constantly stay awake?
Well, sort of. You will be really surprised how refreshing it feels. There is something bizarrely liberating about eternal daylight; it is as though you have double the hours in which to explore, play, and chill.
Here are a few things that Lapland in summer has to offer under those glowing midnight skies
Going Hiking Whenever You Like
It is nearly 11 p.m., and you are halfway uphill with the sun still warming your back. The adrenaline of “getting back before dark” is not applicable since evening does not come.
The Lapland trail guides you through pine forests along serene ridges and glittering lakes that invite you to pause and pick blueberries or simply sit and take in the silence.
Swimming in The Wild Lakes that Look Like Mirrors
The lakes of Lapland are crystal clear, surrounded by trees that are often completely still. It’s like pressing reset on your soul by dipping in. And with this endless daylight, you can swim any time, even at midnight.
Sleeping Under the Sun in Glass Cabins
You have probably heard of glass igloos for watching the Northern Lights, but in summer, cozy transparent cabins here provide a front-row seat to the Midnight Sun.
Just relax and lie back, pull the blanket up, and watch the sky change from gold to pink to pale blue without ever going dark.
Canoeing in Silence
With more than 180,000 lakes, Finland is a paradise for paddlers. The waterways in Lapland are serene, with wilderness beauty at its best. You can paddle through tiny islands or glide through the forests and find yourself lost in a dream.
The best part? No need to hurry up to get back before sunset, for there will be none of that.
Trying Your Luck in Arctic Fishing
Fishing in the Midnight Sun feels very movie-like. Casting from the shore or out in a boat on calm water is like a meditative activity in the summer evening. Who knows, you might even catch some delicious dinner.
Chasing the Sun on A Midnight Hike
Some of the more magical memories are made late at night when all is silent, the world is drenched in golden light, and you feel like the only soul on Earth.
Hike up a hill, sit with a thermos of coffee, and observe the world glow. There is
beauty in that simplicity, which is really unforgettable.
When the Wildlife Comes Out to Play
Summer isn’t just for humans to enjoy. In Lapland, the wildlife also comes to enjoy with its full enthusiasm. The reindeer saunter among the villagers, slowly eating moss as if they owned the place.
You might even get to see arctic foxes, eagles, and perhaps bears from a safe distance, of course, if you are lucky.
And birds? Birds are full of life. The forests with their own natural music are alive and dancing in glee, and if you have any interest in photography or bird watching, then this place will make your day truly satisfying.
Living The Local Culture Under the Sun
The Midnight Sun illuminates not only the landscape, but also the gathering of people.
Summer is the time when festivals, markets, and traditions animate all the towns and villages in Lapland. All of this hustle and bustle gives you the chance to catch a folk music performance, join in the smoke sauna ritual, or enjoy cloudberries, a local favorite with cream.
Here, life just slows down in the most pleasant of ways.
As for the locals? Warm, funny, and full of stories. Ask them about their lifestyle, and you will hear stories of fishing at midnight, berry-picking with grandma, and memories forged forever under the soft golden light.
Is It Hard to Sleep When the Sun Doesn’t Set?
Ah, yes, the question that everybody asks—and yes, it does feel a bit weird at first.
Your body might take a month or two to adjust, and blackout curtains become your best friend. But once you do, it becomes oddly refreshing.
Many travelers say they’ve never felt so energized or well-rested after a trip. It’s like your internal clock gets a much-needed reset. And soon enough, you’ll be having such a good time, you won’t even care what time it is.
Digital detox in Shetland, escaping into nature and disconnecting from daily noise can leave you feeling mentally clear, deeply rested, and truly present.
What to Pack for Summer in Lapland?
Say goodbye to those ultra-harsh winter parkas and snow boots. Summer in Lapland means wearing light and adjustable clothing.
The days are warm, but evenings can be a lot cooler, and the idea of having a light jacket is never a bad thing.
So do not forget to bring a:
A good pair of walking shoes.
A perfect swimsuit.
A refillable water bottle.
Bug spray, those little mosquitoes love the summer too.
And most importantly, a sense of adventure.
Why You Will Never Forget It?
There’s just something really poetic about the Lapland’s Midnight Sun because the most beautiful, memorable moments in life can only happen when you least expect them.
This land doesn’t want you to hurry it up with all the sightseeing and tick off the boxes from your bucket list..
It is inviting you to wander, explore, and enjoy life under a sun that never sleeps.
Conclusion: Should You Go?
Oh, Hell Yes.
Lapland in summer is simply different from other places. It is wild, warm, and I mean really warm and wonderfully weird in the best possible way.
Forget what you already read about it on the internet. Just take your sense of wonder, leave your watch, and prepare to lose yourself in the land of the Midnight Sun.
Because once you have experienced this magnificent sunset, you won’t ever be the same again.
FAQs
Does it really stay all light even during the night?
Yep, the sun is here to stay 24/7.
Should I visit in summer or winter?
You should definitely visit during summer as everything is so beautiful, clean, and refreshing to the eyes.
Can I see reindeer during the summer season?
Of course, you will because during this time, all wildlife is fully active and roaming with full energy.