Chasing the midnight sun: Summer escapes in Norway and Iceland

With the arrival of summer in the Arctic North, a celestial wonder dominates the skies: the Midnight Sun. It's an otherworldly phenomenon where the sun refuses to dip below the horizon, lighting up the landscape even at midnight.

No place is this spectacle more magical than in Norway and Iceland, two northern treasures where nature, culture, and light intersect to provide etched-out summer escapades.
Let's have a closer look at these places:

A phenomenon that defies time
The Midnight Sun takes place north of the Arctic Circle, where, at the height of summer, the tilt of the Earth guarantees that the sun never sets below the horizon. Rather than a sunset, evenings merge into nightless days, drenching the scenery in a warm, ever-present twilight. This occurs between late May and late July, the farther north you travel.
Where to visit?Towns such as Tromsø, Bodø, and the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway experience as much as two months of constant daylight. Farther north in Svalbard, the sun remains up for more than three months consecutively from late April to late August.
In Iceland, situated across the Norwegian Sea from Norway, although technically a bit south of the Arctic Circle, much of the nation still experiences virtual 24-hour daylight near the summer solstice, particularly in its northern locations such as Grímsey and Akureyri.
About Norway
Few destinations mark the Midnight Sun as extravagantly as Norway. The event has been a cultural symbol of hope and celebration throughout Nordic countries for centuries, and Norway is no exception. Farther north, the Lofoten Islands present postcard-perfect scenery: jagged peaks pushing out of turquoise seas, picturesque fishing villages, and white beaches. During the period from May 28 to July 14, the Midnight Sun sets the stage for enchanted midnight walks, surf rides, or mere reflection on the rocks.

About Iceland
Even though Iceland lies just beyond the Arctic Circle, land of fire and ice sees extended daylight in summer, particularly between early June and mid-July. Reykjavík, the world's northernmost capital, hardly ever goes dark during these months. Residents celebrate with music festivals, bonfires, and outdoor cinema nights that go late into the evening.

Places to visit in Iceland
For a real Midnight Sun encounter, travel north. In Iceland's second-largest city, Akureyri, or on the island of Grímsey, situated exactly on the Arctic Circle, the sun can be seen at midnight toward the end of June. Things to do include bathing in geothermal hot springs, horseback riding over lava fields, and trekking along volcanic landscapes steeped in golden light.
How do locals survive?The Midnight Sun is not merely a sight to see—a tourist attraction—it's a change of lifestyle. Locals adopt an adjusted sleep pattern, with children taking strolls or getting ice cream at midnight. Blackout drapes have become the norm in homes and hotels. And yet, the vast majority state that they would never give it up.

Travel tips
Best time to visit: Mid-June to early July provides the most sensational experience.
Bring eye masks: Blackout curtains are sometimes provided by hotels, but an eye mask aids in sleeping.
Pack layers: Despite the sun, temperatures can be chilly, especially in coastal areas.
Stay active: Take advantage of the light—plan late hikes, evening tours, or scenic drives.

A summer to remember
There's something deeply poignant about being on a still mountain at midnight, seeing the sun hang over the horizon. The Midnight Sun is not only an eye feast; it's also a reminder of the power and mystery of nature. It makes Norway and Iceland a season in which time stands still, days are long, and memories are created that will never lose their charm.