See pictures of the Midnight Sun at visitnorway.com - the official travel guide to Norway.
- The perpetual daylight is utterly surreal. You feel like you have so much more time, my July month in Norway has felt like one endless day, says Simon Wilson from England.
He is visiting Lofoten and is making the most of the long days.
- Yesterday I played golf at 11:30 pm, and the day before I went for a long walk at 2 am. It doesn't matter what time it is when there's 24 hour daylight. I can catch a bit of sleep when I feel like it, and to be honest, I don’t need much sleep now, as the sun gives me an extra boost, explains Simon.
Magical midnight sun
The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon which means that the sun does not set during the summer months. In other words, given fair weather, you can see the sun for a continuous 24 hours.
The duration of the midnight sun depends on how far north you are. At the Arctic Circle in the county of Nordland, you can see the midnight sun from 12 June to 1 July, at the North Cape in Finnmark you can see the sun from 14 May to 29 July, and at the North Pole the sun does not set for six months.
Midnight sun safaris and cruises
There are several cruise lines visiting Norway. An excellent way to experience the Norwegian coast, is to go on a cruise with Hurtigruten (The Norwegian Coastal Voyage) You can sit on deck and just enjoy the midnight sun.
You can also choose a midnight cruise in Finnmark or go on a midnight sun cruise in Lofoten. These trips will take you out on the open sea to experience the special light.
Bird watching at the North Cape
The North Cape is a special place to experience the midnight sun. The only things seperating you from the North Pole are the sea and the Svalbard Islands.
There are several activities to choose from in the North Cape area, one of them is a cruise to the bird island of Stappan.
Golf above the Arctic Circle
In the Lofoten Islands, you can play golf at Lofoten Golf Links all night long, and watch the wildlife as you play.
Whale safaris
Many of the providers of whale safaris in daytime, will take you out at night-time as well. Vesterålen in Nordland is one of many places you can go on a whale safari in midnight sun.
Hiking
An excellent way to experience the arctic nature is to hike in midnight sun. The light gives the mountains a magical look at night-time. Many routes that are recommended in daytime, are even more interesting in the middle of the night. The midnight sun walk to Keipen outside of Harstad is an alternative with guide.
Fishing
Taking a boat out for fishing in the middle of the night is a good way to experience the special light from the midnight sun. This is also a good time to catch fish.
There are endless possibilties to hire a boat for fishing along the coast, just contact the local tourist office or the place where you stay, or even ask a local fisherman. Or you can try fly fishing in midnight sun in Vadsø in Finnmark.
Approximate dates when you can see the midnight sun
| Where: |
|
When: |
| The Arctic Circle |
|
12 June - 1 July |
| Bodø |
|
4 June - 8 July |
| Svolvær |
|
28 May - 14 July |
| Harstad |
|
25 May - 18 July |
| Bardufoss |
|
23 May - 19 July |
| Andenes |
|
22 May - 21 July |
| Tromsø |
|
20 May - 22 July |
| Bossekopp |
|
19 May - 24 July |
| Vardø |
|
17 May - 26 July |
| Hammerfest |
|
16 May - 27 July |
| Berlevåg |
|
15 May - 28 July |
| The North Cape |
|
14 May - 29 July |
| Longyearbyen (Svalbard) |
|
20 April - 22 August |