Experience The Midnight Sun

When the
Sun never
sets

Summer in northern Norway is the realm of the Midnight Sun. Above the arctic circle a polar phenomenon means the night time never comes, and dream-like days never seem to end.

THE MIDNIGHT SUN

Due to the earth’s tilted axis, during summer the Arctic region is angled towards the sun. At its peak, during the solstice, the sun doesn’t dip below the horizon at all for 24 hours, including midnight.The same applies during the Antarctic summer and the southernmost seventh continent.

THE POLAR NIGHT

The opposite of the Midnight Sun is the Polar Night which happens every winter. During this season the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon and the poles are shrouded in darkness - the perfect canvas for the swirling colours of the aurora borealis and australis.

WHERE ON EARTH?

Given that only a handful of hardy scientists live south of the Antarctic Circle, the more populated and accessible North provides the greatest opportunity to witness the Midnight Sun and Polar Night.

It’s known for its outstanding wildlife and nature, attracting explorers from around the world. People arrive in winter to witness the beautiful Northern Lights dance across the sky, while in summer, there’s the Midnight Sun, bringing 24 hours of daylight.

SVALBARD IS UNLIKE
ANYWHERE ELSE

But what most visitors to Svalbard don’t realise is that housed unseen within this magical landscape is an important treasure trove crucial to the survival of the planet.

How long does it last?

At both Poles, the Midnight Sun can be visible for up to six whole months each year. In the Svalbard Archipelago, the northernmost inhabited place in Europe, the sun doesn’t set for four months, from approximately April to August. South of Svalbard, the North Cape on the Norwegian coast enjoys 24 hours of sunlight for about three months from May to July.

Eternal sunshine in northern norway

If you want to experience this phenomenon, Northern Norway is your best bet. Some of the most popular places to see the never-setting sun are Bodø, Lofoten, Tromsø, Hammerfest, North Cape, and Longyearbyen in Svalbard.

In the northern parts of Norway, after the long dark days of winter, the once-hibernating communities come alive with a new-found zest for life, making the region even more welcoming. Neighbours often share coffee in their backyards at midnight, children play outside into the late hours, and there’s a distinct feeling of optimism in the air, as everyone makes the most of the long bright days.

EXPERIENCE IT YOURSELF

Visitors and locals take advantage of the extra sunlight hours to enjoy hiking stunning mountainous trails and kayaking in the pristine fjords.

No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, there’s something extra special about experiencing the Norwegian coast beneath a sun that never sets.

It’s known for its outstanding wildlife and nature, attracting explorers from around the world. People arrive in winter to witness the beautiful Northern Lights dance across the sky, while in summer, there’s the Midnight Sun, bringing 24 hours of daylight.

SVALBARD IS UNLIKE
ANYWHERE ELSE

But what most visitors to Svalbard don’t realise is that housed unseen within this magical landscape is an important treasure trove crucial to the survival of the planet.