For visitors contemplating a trip to the far north of Europe, the first question to ask is simple if rather a broad sweep. Do you want to search for the northern lights or experience the midnight sun. From there, many more questions may follow in order to find the perfect trip, but in essence, a trip to the Nordics is framed by these two heavenly highlights.
Much has been written about the aurora borealis and the enduring appeal of witnessing these shimmering lights is cemented in the travel sphere. Yet, the astronomical occurrence that brings perpetual daylight in the summer months up north is no less special. And the best part – it’s guaranteed.
With a growing trend towards summer holidays away from the sometimes-overbearing heat of southern Europe, the Nordics are the cool choice. Daylight in abundance, crisp air, uncrowded spaces that all add up to more time outdoors. More time to recharge and focus on what’s important.
What is the midnight sun?
Above the Arctic Circle, during summer, the sun doesn’t sink below the horizon, meaning it is light for 24 hours a day. The oppositive of Polar Night when the sun doesn’t rise, this is a period when life thrives, even in the most extreme environments such as Svalbard. Here, full daylight is a given from the end of April until August, even if cloud cover prevents you actually seeing the sun at midnight. In Northern Norway, most often referred to as the Land of the Midnight Sun, Swedish and Finnish Lapland you can experience 24-hour daylight from mid-May to late July. While in Iceland, which skirts the Arctic Circle, the sun barely sets during this period, though for the best midnight sun experience, head to the north of the island to places like Lake Myvatn or the West Fjords.
For anyone contemplating a trip to the Nordic countries this summer, the Discover the World team share first-hand experiences of what all-night daylight is like, why it’s a great time to travel, and practical tips to get the most out of the experience.
You can avoid the crowds…
Travelling in Iceland under the midnight sun is, in my opinion, one of the best times to explore the country. Often the weather is calmer and the lower sun can provide excellent photography opportunities. Summer is a peak tourist period and, as many people travel to Iceland to get away from the hustle and bustle, it can make a lot of sense to visit the major sites in the late evening or early morning.
Often it’s a very tranquil and peaceful experience where you feel like the only person in Iceland! The midnight sun is a great opportunity to experience Iceland at its best, under the conditions which make it a world class wilderness destination.
Sari – Head of Product Development
Hang out with the locals
Taking a stroll through most cities at midnight, is to be heading home in the dark after a night out. In Tromsø, in Northern Norway in June, it’s an entirely different feeling. You can be treated to beautiful sunshine and an atmosphere to match. It’s not bedtime. With people out at the various bars and restaurants, it feels like early evening, even though the clock tells a different story.
That it is still daylight seems to curb the sort of rowdy behaviour that night can bring. Instead, the locals just enjoy life with lots of laughter and the sense that everyone is having a good time. I think the most surreal moment for me, was having my evening meal at 11:30pm! Dining al fresco, beside by the harbour was the most natural thing in the world in Tromsø in summer.
Eric – Nordic Travel Specialist & Team Leader
It really doesn’t get dark!
I went to Ammassalik, East Greenland in mid-May and had never experienced the midnight sun before. I thought that surely it must get a little dark? I couldn’t quite believe when, after an incredible day exploring then sitting down for a lovely dinner that lasted three hours, the time was 11:30pm and it was bright daylight.
I can see why the Scandinavians, Icelanders and Greenlanders have so much energy – you just don’t get tired! Ever!! I ended up going to bed about 1am and when I awoke in the ‘night’ I had to peak out of my blackout blinds to really believe all the ‘it’s light all night’ talk. It’s not a myth – it honestly doesn’t get dark.
Jo – Senior Travel Specialist
The light and colours are incredible
Whilst camping in Asbyrgi National Park in north east Iceland, my partner and I decided to go for a walk after dinner up Eyjan (“The Island”), the high cliff formation that juts out into Asbyrgi canyon like a ship’s prow, dividing it almost in two.
We sat at the tip of Eyjan late into the evening – the midnight sun cast a golden, almost syrupy light over the landscape, low on the horizon but bright, making for fantastic colours and long shadows in the wide expanse of the national park below us. An amazing sight.
Thora – Iceland native
The seize the day mentality
It’s genuinely exciting to know you’re heading into a land of the midnight sun. The northern lights are all about that tingle of anticipation, but with 24-hr daylight, you can plan. Knowing it’ll be light means you can book an activity like heading out on a midnight sun whale watch from Husavik, Iceland. Or you can be entirely spontaneous. Hot tub at 2am, anyone?
On a small-ship voyage in Svalbard I had such a sense of carpe diem – I wanted to get up as early as possible and go to bed late just so I can take in the scenery. Wildlife doesn’t sleep like we do, so you never know what might happen. And when the views are extraordinary, you don’t want to take your eyes of them. You don’t have to.
Of course, I did need some sleep, but even with late nights and early mornings, I never felt tired. Sleep is for… well, for anywhere but here.
Pam – Marketing Manager
Not just in the northern hemisphere…
Travelling to Antarctica in December meant we could take advantage of long summer days, spending our evenings soaking up the scenery and watching for wildlife. One night after dinner it was decided we could do a late shore landing on Paulet Island.
This island had something for everyone – geologists were impressed with its volcanic origins, historians were fascinated by the remains of a stone hut from Nordenskjold’s 1901-1904 expedition, and wildlife enthusiasts were thrilled to find a huge colony of Adélie penguins (who apparently like to stay up late to party under the midnight sun).
This would have been an amazing experience at any time of the day but squeezing in this extra landing after dinner and then sailing back to the ship under a glowing pink sky just made it all the more special.
Liz – Head of Worldwide Product
Top tips for travelling under the midnight sun
Sleeping – when you visit locations under the midnight sun, your sleep can be affected. When you go to bed at 1am and the sun is still up in the sky, it can throw your body clock. However, the sun being up for 24 hours combats the lack of sleep, and you can feel perfectly refreshed from 4 hours sleep. Many hotels have ‘black-out’ curtains, so if you need dark to sleep well, you can. Remember to pack an eye-mask just in case.
Opening hours – restaurants and bars will be open later than usual, with the locals not eating until 10:30pm at the earliest. If planning an evening out on the town, don’t head out until 10pm. This will give you a chance to experience the midnight sun for dinner – a unique experience for those of us living in lower latitudes.
And finally – it might be midnight, but the sun can still burn. Don’t forget your sun cream!
Feeling inspired?
Browse our wide collection of imaginative itineraries in the Nordic summer or get in touch with our specialists for suggestions and let them tailor something just for you. From your first idea through to your return, we’ll handle the details. Call us on 01737 214 250 or send an enquiry.