Surprisingly, midnight sun isn’t the latest instalment of the Twilight series, it’s actually a natural phenomenon that involves the sun remaining visible at midnight. It happens in places north of the Arctic Circle or south of the Antarctic Circle during the summer months across 8 countries: USA (Alaska), Canada, Russia, Greenland, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland.
Regardless of your sleeping pattern, exploring the
beauty in these stolen hours of lit-up nights has got to get on your bucket
list. Here’s a list of places you need to be wide awake in the midnight sun…
Alaska, USA
In Barrow, Alaska, the sun doesn’t set from 10 May to 2 August. And in other places within the state, even if the sun isn’t visible, the area is still exposed to extremely bright twilight. Places like Fairbanks receive 24 hours of light – which is loads of time to partake in as many daytime activities as you can cram in! Why not try fishing at 3am?! Or maybe a midnight kayak?
Canada
If you’re
around Inuvik, Canada, why not join some locals for a midnight barbecue?!
Apparently this is a common event during the 24/7 hours of light, lasting for
56 consecutive days, from late May to late July. There are plenty of other
activities to enjoy, at all hours: you could try exploring the Kluane National
Park and Reserve, hiking, biking, paddling out on the river, or just heading to
a nice bar for an endless beer. Either way, Canadians love their extra vitamin
D so there is plenty to be getting up to.
Russia & Its White Nights
From
around 11 June to 2 July, St Petersburg is known for hosting White Nights
Festival. During this time the sun doesn’t set until after 10pm and twilight
seems to last all night. White Nights relate to the country experiencing
midnight twilight instead of midnight sun. The sun remains less than 6 degrees
below the horizon, and allows daytime activities to remain possible without
artificial light. White Night festivals are common around the globe these days,
but were birthed in St Petersburg. Here, you will find the city comes alive in
the daylight night-time with music festivals, amazing firework events and
celebrations of all kinds.
Greenland
There is
no boundary between night and day in Greenland from the end of May until the
end of July. During this time, you’ll find communities enjoying every last bit
of extra light. The pinks, purples, yellows and reds might make you feel like
you’re in a dream as you take in the enchanting views. With so much to explore,
and with so many extra hours to do it in, fill your time with midnight strolls,
lakeside adventures or evening entertainment lasting through to the early
hours.
Finland
These
‘nightless’ nights in Finland are full of life, laughter and of course light.
Activities continue into the well-lit night such as swimming, kayaking and
hiking. Take advantage of what feels like stolen time and enjoy the novelty of
all the midnight events.
Sweden
Why not
indulge in midnight golf – experience 18 holes at Björkliden Arctic Golf Course –
sunset and lighting won’t affect your game. Or why not try ice-sculpting at the
Icehotel. You could always scale Kebnekaise, the highest mountain, or go
skiing. Whichever you choose, you’ll be doing it all throughout the well-lit
night. Head to Sweden between the end of May and mid-July for all the extra
hours of glorious light.
Norway
Get yourself to
Svalbard, Norway, between 20 April and 22 August if you’re looking for some
midnight sun rays. Whale safaris are an absolute must! Or explore the
surrounding nature and wildlife in the (normally dark) wilderness. Midnight
swimming or walks on glaciers are just some of the many things that are
accessible under the red skies of the lit-up night.
Iceland
On 24th
June, only 3 hours of modest darkness are experienced in Reykjavík. This time
of year is called Jónsmessa, and although not
celebrated as widely as some of the other midnight sun events mentioned above,
still is a great time to light a bonfire with the family. Historically,
Icelandic folk stories told that on this day all of nature worked unusually.
Apparently, rocks and herbs gained magical powers, cows started to speak and
seals took human form. If these folk tales are anything to go by, then why
wouldn’t you head to Iceland!
The midnight sun is one of our top
recommended natural phenomena to experience! It’s not just the extra hours of
daylight, it’s the entire state of mind. Experience a sense of timelessness as
your days merge into nights. Within this period of eternal exploring, allow
your surroundings to envelope you in their dreamlike essence – and truly forget
about clock-watching.
