Imagine wandering through majestic fjords, hiking rugged mountain trails, or soaking in geothermal springs — all while bathed in golden daylight at midnight. This surreal experience is brought to life by the Midnight Sun, a natural phenomenon that occurs in regions close to the Arctic Circle.
What is the Midnight Sun and Why Is It So Unique?
During the summer months, the sun stays above the horizon for 24 hours or more, creating a world where the concept of “night” dissolves into a glowing, endless day. This phenomenon creates a world where the sun refuses to set, casting an ethereal glow over landscapes, bathing them in perpetual daylight. This captivating occurrence is known as the midnight sun. It occurs in regions near the Arctic Circle during the summer months, offering travelers a unique opportunity to explore under endless daylight.
Here are some amazing places to see the midnight sun and the unique activities they have to offer if you are looking for extraordinary adventures this year.
1. Svalbard, Norway
Best time to visit: Late April to Late August
This remote Arctic archipelago is one of the northernmost inhabited places on Earth. During the Midnight Sun months, Svalbard is transformed into a surreal wilderness bathed in constant light. You can also explore glaciers on guided hikes, go wildlife-watching for Arctic foxes, or just revel in the rare quiet of this icy paradise with more hours in the day than anywhere else.
ET Recommends: Kayaking past towering icebergs and spotting polar bears in their natural habitat.
2. Lofoten Islands, Norway
Best time to visit: Late May to Mid-July
Known for its dramatic peaks, traditional fishing villages, and pristine beaches, the Lofoten Islands offer stunning scenery round the clock during the Midnight Sun season. Photography enthusiasts can join Midnight Sun tours to capture dreamy long-exposure shots, while others may prefer kayaking through mirror-like waters or fishing under the glowing sky.
ET Recommends: A midnight hike to the top of Hoven, Gimsøy, for panoramic views drenched in golden light.
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
Best time to visit: Mid-May to Mid-July
Iceland’s vibrant capital thrives during the Midnight Sun season, turning into a cultural playground of music, nature, and nightlife. You can explore waterfalls like Gullfoss and Skógafoss, trek across lava fields, or unwind in the iconic Blue Lagoon — all while basking in soft, perpetual sunlight.
ET Recommends: Taking a midnight dip in one of Reykjavik’s geothermal pools
4. Abisko, Sweden
Best time to visit: Late May to Mid-July
Located in Swedish Lapland, Abisko is known for its untouched wilderness and alpine beauty. The expansive Abisko National Park becomes even more magical under the Midnight Sun. Hiking here offers access to rare arctic flora and serene trails, and the light transforms the landscape into a photographer’s dream at all hours.
ET Recommends: Riding the chairlift to the Aurora Sky Station for sweeping views of sun-drenched valleys.
5. Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Best time to visit: Early June to Late July
Fairbanks celebrates the Midnight Sun with a sense of fun and festivity. Located just below the Arctic Circle, the city glows nearly 24 hours a day during peak summer. Join in the Midnight Sun Festival featuring live music, local food, and cultural performances, or simply take a scenic river cruise along the Chena River under the eternal sunset.
ET Recommends: Teeing off at midnight at the Fairbanks Golf Course — golf in golden daylight like never before.
6. Qaanaaq, Greenland
Best time to visit: Late April to Late August
One of the northernmost towns on the planet, Qaanaaq offers an unmatched Arctic experience. Here, the sun doesn’t set for months, and the icy landscape becomes a canvas for endless adventure. For thrill-seekers, dog sledding on glaciers — even in the middle of the night — becomes possible thanks to the continuous daylight.
ET Recommends: Going on a midnight cruise to see shimmering icebergs under the glowing sun.
7. Sodankylä, Finland
Best time to visit: Early to Late June
Tucked in Finnish Lapland, Sodankylä is famed for its Midnight Sun Film Festival — where screenings run non-stop under a sun that never sets. This year, the festival will run from 11th to 15th June. Beyond the cinema, you can go hiking through pine forests, relax in lakeside saunas, and immerse yourself in the serene, slow rhythm of Lapland summers.
ET Recommends: Watching indie cinema from dusk till dawn… without the dusk.
More than just endless daylight, seeing the midnight sun offers a beautifully unique perspective on the natural world and creates incredible travel opportunities. Longer days make for amazing experiences — whether you’re running a midnight marathon in Inuvik, hiking in the Lofoten Islands, or soaking in Iceland’s geothermal wonders. To fully appreciate the surreal beauty of daylight at midnight, schedule your trip around the events and cultural activities at each destination.