Mr NordicThe midnight sun is a natural phenomenon where the sun is above the horizon at midnight, and thus throughout the rest of the day and night. This phenomenon occurs annually during a certain period in areas around and especially north of the Arctic Circle, such as Northern Iceland and Northern Scandinavia. You can also see the midnight sun south of the Antarctic Circle, but then during the period when the Sun no longer appears above the horizon near the Arctic Circle.
The definition of midnight sun is that one should be able to see the center of the sun when it is exactly in the north.
Table of Contents
Where to see the midnight sun?
The midnight sun is a beautiful natural phenomenon. This phenomenon occurs between the south of the Antarctic Circle and the north of the Arctic Circle. The midnight sun can be seen in some parts of the world, but Norway is one of the best places to see the midnight sun.
Midsummer night is a special phenomenon that can only be seen north of the Northern Arctic Circle (66° 30′ N) and south of the Southern Arctic Circle (66° 30′ S). The sun remains above the horizon during this entire period. In other words, it remains light 24 hours a day.
Narvik
Narvik is one of the best places in Norway to see the midnight sun. Go up to Narvikfjellet mountain to an altitude of 660 meters. From the mountain you have a magnificent view over the fjords, the island, the mountains and the city. The period to watch the midnight sun is between May 22 and June 15.
Tromsø
Tromsø is considered the gateway to the Arctic Circle. It is also the starting point for expeditions to the Arctic. The best place to see the midnight sun is from the mountaintop of Storsteinen. This top can be reached via a 420 meter high cable car. Besides that you can enjoy the midnight sun from this place, you also have a beautiful view over the city and the mountains. The period to watch the midnight sun is between May 20 and June 22.
It is a wonderful period when it never becomes night and the landscape takes on a magical glow. A midnight sun hike to a mountain top is a special experience that you should definitely experience.
Senja
Senja is one of the towns you pass on the National Tourist Route. In Senja, architecture, culture, art and nature come together. Senja is also one of the best places to see the midnight sun, including Tungeneset, a wooden walkway in the middle of nature. The period to watch the midnight sun is between May 15 and July 30.
The Lofoten
The Lofoten archipelago has a beautiful nature. There are several lookout points on the Lofoten where you can get a good look at the midnight sun. The Midnight Sun can be seen between late May and mid-June.
Bodø
Bodø is a great city to visit, partly due to the many vantage points to admire the midnight sun. Bodø is one of the westernmost cities in Norway and not yet well known among foreign tourists. Rønvikfjellet mountain is one of the best places to watch the midnight sun. Here you have a wonderful panoramic view of the city. The period to watch the midnight sun is between June 4 and July 8.
Hammerfest
Hammerfest is the northernmost city in the world. This town is charming and one of the oldest towns in Norway. You can enjoy the midnight sun from the Salen viewpoint. The period to watch the midnight sun is between May 16 and July 27.
The Arctic Circle is the line that marks the area where the sun does not disappear below the horizon exactly once a year. This only applies to places at sea level. Many places are located a lot higher, so that the midnight sun can be enjoyed in many locations for several days on the Arctic Circle.
When is the midnight sun visible?
Midsummer night in Norway falls on the longest day of the year. This is on June 21, but Norwegians celebrate Midsummer’s Night on June 23. Or on the following weekend. This is accompanied by bonfires, which are lit in the evening. Oh, and that includes booze and food. I experienced it in the Lofoten. And was also offered everything. The residents were also curious about my plans. As well as why I wanted to experience Midsummer’s Night.
On the Arctic Circle, the midnight sun lasts for 1 day (on June 21), on the North Cape the ‘longest summer day’ lasts three months, and on Spitsbergen four months.
The period in which the sun is visible above the horizon is also lengthened by a phenomenon called refraction. For example, at the height of the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi you can even admire the midnight sun for a full month, depending on where you are exactly. And of course also depending on the weather conditions. In general, the further north you travel, the longer your chance of seeing the midnight sun.
Last Updated on June 12, 2023
