In spring, the midnight sun dazzles as much as it torments the countries of Northern Europe. To best appreciate the brilliance of this “polar day”, one place stands out.
It’s daylight…at two in the morning. During the midnight sun, or “polar day,” night never falls. This phenomenon occurs as the summer solstice approaches in countries in the northern hemisphere, usually between mid-May and the end of July. The sun shines for 24 hours (or more) when the Earth rotates around an axis more inclined in relation to the star and is strongly oriented towards it. In Europe it is visible from the Sweden there Finland IIceland or Russia. But one territory in particular is the ideal place to admire these uninterrupted white nights.
Endless days
“It was starting to no longer be night…“, described the Norwegian author and Nobel Prize winner for literature, Knut Hamsun, in 1894. It is in Norway – and for more than 100 years – we have witnessed the most enlightened spectacle on the continent. The archipelago of Svalbard nestled in the Arctic Ocean in the far north of the country, figures to be the ideal place to enjoy this “endless day”. Less than a five-hour flight from France, its capital, Longyearbyen, is the starting point for several expeditions to visit the region. Known for its sublime Northern Lights, this mining town is small, but cosmopolitan. Very popular for its geographical position, it is one of the northernmost municipalities on the planet. During the summer, the intensity of the sun varies depending on the time and freezes into a setting sun…which does not set.
The islands of Svalbard are revealed through their glaciers, fjords and wild expanses. Their surroundings can be explored by kayak or by dog sledding. You can see a large number of birds, shearwaters, penguins, as well as a large population of polar bears. Certified “Sustainable Tourism Destination”, the archipelago of 3,000 inhabitants is full of fragile natural treasures. The Norwegian government continues to take measures to limit the impact of tourists on the region’s ecosystem, such as the ban on snowmobiles in certain areas since March 1, 2024.
Sunny hikes at midnight
In Norway, there are several other islands where you can enjoy the midnight sun, such as Lofoten Islands. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the archipelago is characterized by its mountains and wooden fishermen’s huts. 300 km above the Arctic Circle, at noon or midnight, you can hike mountain trails, peer into sheep pastures and sail by boat through its Arctic landscapes. This is what Bruno Maltor, 33, content creator and travel enthusiast, experienced. Last year, in June, he traveled to Lofoten specifically to contemplate this rare sun.
“What I liked was this famous sunset which never disappears, it allows you to have two days and enjoy doubly. It was amazing to hike at midnight and have a leisurely picnic at 1 a.m., without having to worry about getting home early because it will soon be dark“, he testifies in an Instagram post. But the pace of the stay remained destabilizing, since the traveler had to take naps in the afternoon and get used to the Norwegian rooms, without shutters. A fatigue that is nevertheless justified, according to Bruno Maltor, who mentions it as one of the most beautiful trips of his life.
Advice and practical information
When the sky is covered by clouds, the lack of light does not always make it possible to distinguish the spectacular effect of the sun, so you must check the weather forecast in advance. Also be careful on the road not to let yourself be influenced by the light and drive for too long. And even if the color of the sky doesn’t tell us, let’s remember that we must not forget to sleep!
Dates and locations to see the midnight sun in Norway in 2024:
Svalbard: April 20 – August 22
Arctic Circle: June 12 – July 1
Bodo: June 4 – July 8
Lofoten Islands: May 28 – July 14
Harstad: May 25 – July 18
Vesterålen (Andenes): May 22 – July 21
Tromso: May 20 – July 22
Vardø: May 17 –July 26
Hammer Festival: May 16 – July 27
North Cape: May 14 – July 29