How to Experience the Midnight Sun: Adventure Travel in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Beyond!
Can you imagine standing beneath a sky that simply refuses to darken, the sun hovering on the horizon well past bedtime?
In most places, every day life has two constants: Day and night. Every 24 hours we move from sunrise to sunset, natural light and back into darkness - rinse and repeat. This daily cycle has shaped how we live life - when we wake up, go out, work, study, eat, and sleep. For most, it’s hard to fathom anything other than a clear divide between day and night.
But in certain parts of the world, things are vastly different.
Welcome to the Midnight Sun, a natural phenomenon that's an absolute must for adventurous individuals who live for chasing the extraordinary.
What Exactly is the Midnight Sun?
The Midnight Sun is a naturally occurring event where the sun remains visible for a full 24 hours in certain areas close to the Arctic and Antarctic Circles. During peak summer, the sun doesn't dip below the horizon, creating a summer day that never ends. This constant daylight makes it ideal for kayaking under the golden sky, late-night hikes, and taking in the magic of an everlasting sunset.
Why Does it Happen? (A Quick Science Lesson!)
We have the Earth’s 23.5-degree axial tilt to thank for this uncanny occurrence. As our planet orbits the sun, various regions receive differing amounts of daylight. In the summertime, the North Pole is tilted towards the sun, so areas within the Arctic Circle experience 24-hour daylight. Hence, the Midnight Sun.
On the other end of the spectrum, the opposite occurs in wintertime, plunging these regions into long, dark Polar nights.
How Long Does It Last?
The length of the Midnight Sun varies by location. Simply put, the further north you go, the longer the daylight lingers.
At the Arctic Circle – About 1 day (Summer Solstice only)
Tromsø, Norway – 2 months (Late May–Late July)
Svalbard, Norway – 4 months (April–August)
Utqiaġvik, Alaska – Over 2.5 months (May–August)
The North Pole – 6 months (March–September)
Why It’s Worth the Chase
Still need convincing? Here are five reasons why experiencing the Midnight Sun should be on every Gutsy Girl’s bucket list:
Endless Golden Hours
Photographers, rejoice! The soft, glow of the Midnight Sun creates dreamlike landscapes and stunning photos—without the rush to catch a fleeting “golden hour”
Time Feels Infinate
Midnight kayaking? A 10 PM summit hike? Why not! With no sunset to call time on your outdoor pursuits, the adventure never has to end.
A Surreal Experience
There’s something truly mind-bending about watching the clock strike midnight under a bright sky—it makes time feel irrelevant.
Wildlife Encounters
With extra daylight, animals like reindeer, puffins, and Arctic foxes remain active for longer, increasing your chances of spotting them.
A Unique Natural Phenomenon
The Midnight Sun only happens in a handful of places on Earth. It’s a rare experience that few get to witness firsthand.
Where to Chase the Midnight Sun
Experiencing the Midnight Sun is so much more than just witnessing the sky refuse to dim. It’s also about immersing yourself in places that honor and celebrate this phenomenon - the rich cultural traditions, grand festivals, and fun activities that are dedicated to the limitless golden hour.
Here’s our list of some of the best ways to encounter the endless day:
Dance Around the Maypole (Sweden)
Midsummer is an important date in the Swedish calendar. Taking place throughout the country during the summer solstice, it's a staple tradition and a chance for the whole community to celebrate the endless daylight. Participants wear flower wreaths and dance around the ‘Midsommarstang’ (maypole). There’s also singing, and schnapps, as well as a chance to try traditional foods like salmon, potatoes, and pickled herring!
Run the Midnight Sun Marathon (Tromsø, Norway)
Leaning towards a more active adventure? Then try the Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromsø.. This event is held annually in June and attracts runners from all over the world with its scenic route through the city bathed in ceaseless daylight.
Experience the Midnight Sun Festival (Fairbanks, Alaska)
Fairbanks truly comes alive during its Midnight Sun Festival, a lively street fair commemorating the summer solstice. Filled with live music, local vendors, and multiple activities all under the extended daylight, the festival is a communal celebration showcasing the best of Alaskan local culture.
Attend the Secret Solstice Festival (Reykjavík, Iceland)
The Secret Solstice Festival is a three day event over the summer solstice hosted by Iceland’s capital. Festival-goers enjoy a diverse lineup of must-see music performances while basking in the continuous daylight.
- Image by Secret Solstice Festival
Play Midnight Golf (Fairbanks, Alaska)
Golf enthusiasts, this one’s for you! Tee off at midnight and take full advantage of the Midnight Sun with a round of golf at the Fairbanks Golf & Country Club, which is open 24 hours during the summer months.
Ready to Chase the Midnight Sun?
Join us this summer and experience the untouched wilderness of Svalbard!
One of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas, from late April to September the sun barely sets in Svalbard, offering plenty of light to hike across ancient glaciers and paddle through Arctic waters.
If you’ve ever dreamt of experiencing one of nature’s most surreal wonders, now’s your chance. We currently have two adventures to this remote location - our Kayaking Expedition or Wilderness Adventure Camp.
You can also check out all our upcoming adventures here!