Midnight sun trail

If you do not have a car or just want to go out to enjoy some nature and fresh air, this hike is a great option for you. The trail, about 4,3km, starts at Camp Ripan. Follow the path until you have passed under the bridge. From there the signs are easier to find and the trail continues through the mountain birch forest before the terrain changes above the tree level on the city mountain Luossavaara. The trail is marked with wooden signs with a sun symbol and a text marked with “Midnattssolstigen”.

The trail is easy to hike and many locals come here during their free time. It is also a perfect trail running environment.

Before the hike continues uphill you can drink water from a cold spring. Just before the walk begins up the low mountains, via footbridges and steps, you can quench your thirst at the cold spring. When you reach the tree level you will enjoy a 360-degree view. First, you will be able to view the area where the new city center is built. You will also have a view over the village Jukkasjärvi where the famous ICEHOTEL is located.

Depending on the position of the sun, the direction you’re facing, and the time of year you’re hiking, the light and colours will change. Feel free to bring a small rucksack and find your own spot in the mountains to enjoy the vastness, the silence and the beauty.

Soon you will approach the summit, where you can see the traces of when ore was mined at Luossavaara (which means ‘Salmon Mountain’). You’ll see the open-cast mine, which is no longer in use except by mountain buzzards and crows, who love to find a spot near the warm rock faces. The mountain itself is now used as a recreational area for skiing and snowboarding in winter, whilst in summer there’s a downhill track for mountain biking.

As the walk continues along the front, the town and more infrastructure come into view again. You can see the road to the western mountains winding its way through the vast countryside. When you reach the gravel road leading up to the summit, you can take a detour from the trail and hike up. Here you’ll find a lovely view of Kiruna and Mount Kiirunavaara. The trail itself continues just below the summit on the other side of the gravel road. In clear weather, you can look out towards Sweden’s highest mountain range, Kebnekaise.

When you walk this trail at night in the summer, you can experience the light of the midnight sun over the countryside and the mountains. It is also possible to cycle large sections of the trail, but not the entire route due to the steps.

In winter, it is recommended that you bring snowshoes, as there can be a great deal of snow. You can easily rent snowshoes on site at Camp Ripan. The trail is easy to walk and suitable for all ages, but you should be reasonably fit. Rest areas with benches are located at regular intervals. Allow around 1.5–2.5 hours for this walk.