IKEA Identifies Sweden’s Sunniest Square Metre and Turns It into a New Summer Landmark

IKEA has unveiled what it says is Sweden’s sunniest square metre, transforming the exact location into a permanent outdoor landmark that celebrates the country’s love of sunshine after its long, dark winters.

Located on the island of Gotland off Sweden’s east coast, the site has been marked with two stone armchairs inspired by the IKEA SKARPÖ outdoor chair, designed by Magnus Elebäck. The installation invites visitors to experience what has been identified as the brightest spot in the country and is intended to become a new summer destination for sun seekers.

To determine the location, IKEA analysed 20 years of solar data in collaboration with the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI). The study used SARAH-3, a high-resolution satellite-based climate database that tracks solar radiation, to map how sunshine was distributed across Sweden between January 2005 and December 2025.

The analysis found that the selected location received an average of 2,137 sunshine hours each year over the two-decade period, equivalent to nearly six hours of sunshine every day throughout the year.

After identifying the sunniest area, IKEA worked with architect and topographic advisor Erik Gardell to pinpoint the exact square metre. The assessment considered local conditions including elevation, slope, exposure and shadowing to determine the precise location where sunlight historically had the greatest opportunity to reach the ground for the highest number of hours and minutes.

The permanent monument is situated in southern Gotland, southwest of Burgsvik, and serves as both a celebration of Swedish summers and a tribute to the country’s enduring appreciation for every moment of sunshine.

According to IKEA, the project combines long term climate data with local topographic analysis to create a destination that visitors can experience for themselves, offering a unique way to enjoy the brightest spot in Sweden.