This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Wrapped in mysticism, folk beliefs and traditions, midnight sun is a chance to see the world in a different light. A phenomenon of constant daylight during summer in the northernmost parts of the Northern Hemisphere, it can impart a reddish yellow or a pastel pink tint on the sky during dusk and dawn, casting what feels like an otherworldly shroud over the world.
(What is the summer solstice? Here’s what you need to know.)
That magic is easily explained by science though. Due to the annual rotation of the planet and the tilt of the Earth’s axis, the North Pole is directed towards the sun during the summer months, which means increased daylight hours throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In some destinations closer to the pole, though, the sun barely dips below the horizon or doesn’t set at all, creating an illusion of a never-ending day. It's a stark contrast to the polar night in winter — some of these destinations get as little as a couple of hours of daylight during the winter months or no daylight at all — meaning summer is high time for making the most of ample opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.
If you’re looking for a unique summer experience, head to one of these six destinations where the day never ends.
1. Svalbard, Norway
The closer you get to the North Pole, the more likely you are to experience true midnight sun — and there’s few places closer than Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost permanent settlement. Here, the land revels in midnight sun for four months between 19 April until 23 August, before the onset of darkness come winter.
This small arctic town doesn’t offer much by way of extravagant celebrations but boasts adventures right on its doorstep, from kayaking and boat trips to mountain hikes and snowmobile adventures in the mountains where snow still lingers, reflecting the pastel-coloured sky. Many locals prefer to take advantage of the light evenings by sipping a cold Svalbard Bryggeri craft beer on the brewery's waterfront terrace while enjoying the sparkling ocean views.
2. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s capital might be one of few actual ‘24-hour’ cities during summer as the sun doesn’t truly set between mid-May and mid-July. The further north in Iceland you go the shorter the night is, but if you venture out to the small island of Grimsey, which lies right on the border of the Arctic Circle, you’ll see constant daylight between 7 June and 7 July.
The seemingly endless days are perfect for exploring the wealth of natural wonders Iceland has to offer — celebrate the longest day of the year by joining a family-friendly night hike up to the summit of Mount Thorbjorn on 23 June. The warm hues of the midnight sun and less visitors make it one of the best times of the year to capture perfect shots of dramatic landscapes crowd-free.
3. Swedish Lapland
Many travellers might typically head for Sweden’s fashionable capital, Stockholm, but between the end of May and middle of July it’s the country’s northernmost points you’ll want to visit to take in the wonder of the midnight sun. Here, the sun dips just below the horizon each night, painting the sky in vibrant pinks and oranges.
Hikers can scale Sweden’s highest mountain, Kebnekaise, while those who prefer a more leisurely adventure should head to the Råne river valley for wild swims, fishing and kayaking. Alternatively, experience the midnight sun from a different perspective by taking the 20-minute chairlift up Mount Nuolja to the Aurora Sky Station.
4. Lofoten, Norway
Rather than the green and pink hues of the Northern Lights illuminating the skies, the sun takes charge during the Norwegian summer. For those who don’t wish to travel as far as Svalbard, the Lofoten archipelago is great for basking in near-endless daylight between the end of May and mid-July.
Adventurous visitors should head up one of the many peaks to see Lofoten under the rays of the midnight sun — the mountain peaks Hoven at Gimsøy and Åndhammarn at Røst are challenging but especially rewarding. If you'd rather experience the magic of this phenomenon from sea level, farm Hov Gård on the island of Gimsøy offersMidnight Sun horseback riding trips.
(Rail travel to the Arctic: all aboard Norway's slow train under the midnight sun.)
5. Lapland, Finland
To experience the midnight sun the Finnish way, leave the cities behind between the months of May and August in favour of the country’s northernmost region where active adventures like hiking or fishing await. Late-night sauna sessions followed by wild swimming is also a popular activity this time of year, but note that the water only warms up after June.
If polar dips are too far out of your comfort zone, stick to the country's capital Helsinki where 19 hours of daylight mean the city's world-class architecture is bathed in a special kind of light, from the tentative touches of sunrise to the rich golden hues of late-night sunsets.
Alternatively, head to the Midnight Sun Film Festival taking place in Sodankyla mid-June — football enthusiasts will enjoy the annual football match that takes place between festival attendees and staff. There are also club and live music sets for night owls.
6. Qaanaaq, Greenland
Summer in Qaanaaq, Greenland’s northernmost town, means sun all day from April to August. Typically, peaceful and unhurried, Qaanaaq comes alive along as the days seamlessly blend into one — midnight iceberg spotting cruises take travellers out to see the icy giants reflecting the soft midnight light while orienteering races in Ilulissat or Aasiaat make the most of the bright, long days. It's also a rare moment for the locals to head out on the water to kayak, fish and sail in daylight.
It’s common in Greenland for hotels to be kitted out with blackout blinds given that several months of the year are spent in constant sunlight in the north, while towns in the south enjoy about 20 hours of sunlight a day.
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