11 EPIC THINGS TO DO DURING THE MIDNIGHT SUN IN NORWAY: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE
LOOKING FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO DURING THE MIDNIGHT SUN IN NORWAY?
MIDNIGHT SUN IN NORWAY:
AN INTRODUCTION
TOP THINGS TO DO DURING THE MIDNIGHT SUN
1. HEAD TO THE BEACH
Many Norwegians take advantage of the long daylight hours to enjoy outdoor activities and social gatherings.
Another one of the greatest benefits of visiting a beach during the glowing midnight hours is the opportunity to relax and unwind. The warm, soothing light of the sun can have a calming effect on the body and mind, making it the perfect time to snuggle up on the beach and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
Whether you prefer to read a book, take a nap, have a picnic, play beach volleyball or simply bask in the warm glow of the sun, this time of year provides the perfect setting to do so.
2. GO HIKING
Hiking in Norway during the midnight sun is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be on every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list. With daylight lasting 24 hours, you have the chance to explore stunning natural landscapes under the midnight sun’s warm glow.
The top hotspots for hiking in Norway during the midnight sun include the Lofoten Islands, Senja, Tromsø, and the Jotunheimen National Park. These places boast breathtaking scenery, including fjords, glaciers, and mountains.
If you are a confident hiker, you can head out self-guided. Or, another great option is to book a guided midnight sun hiking tour to enjoy hiking with like-minded people with the added reassurance of being with friendly, knowledgable guides.
3. VENTURE OUT ON A KAYAK
Going on a guided kayaking tour is an incredible way to experience the natural beauty of Norway. Paddling under the warm glow of the midnight sun is a magical experience that you will never forget.
A guided tour ensures that you are safe, and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings without worrying about navigation.
Moreover, experienced guides can provide insights into the local culture, wildlife, and history.
4. GO ON A FJORD CRUISE
The best places in Norway to go on a midnight sun cruise are the fjords of Western Norway and the North Cape.
The warm glow of the midnight sun illuminates the stunning natural landscapes, including waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife which makes a cruise one of the most magical things to do during the midnight sun.
One of the best tour operators that run midnight sun cruises in Northern Norway is Hurtigruten.
5. RIB SPEEDBOAT WILDLIFE SAFARI
Another brilliant thing to do during the midnight sun hours in Norway is to head out on a thrilling RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) wildlife safari.
This epic ‘Midnight Sun Safari By RIB Boat‘ tour in Tromsø, Northern Norway, is a great example. Head out on an intimate small-group tour, speeding through the waters to Hella (30km away from Tromso), while passing the idyllic Gåsvær, Musvær, and Risøya islands.
Likewise, there is a great chance you will see some of Norway’s amazing wildlife on-route, including (but not limited to) puffins, seals, sea eagles and cormorant birds – so keep your eyes peeled!
6. WHALE WATCHING IN VESTERÅLEN
Another incredible wildlife experience to do under Norway’s midnight sun is going on a whale watching safari! In Summer, the sperm whale is the most common whale to see in Norway, but it is also possible to see minke whales, humpbacks, pilot whales and even dolphins!
The Vesterålen coast is not only a great place to see the midnight sun in Norway, it is also one of the best places in Norway for whale watching, being the only area in Norway to see these majestic creatures all year round!
Here is an example of such a tour on the Visit Vesterålen’s site.
7. GO AND PLAY GOLF
One of the best places to go golfing in Norway under the midnight sun is the Lofoten Links golf course. This unique golf course offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, with the warm glow of the midnight sun illuminating the course all night long.
Golfers can enjoy a round of golf in a serene and peaceful atmosphere, making for a truly special and unforgettable experience.
8. GO CYCLING UNDER THE MIDNIGHT SUN
The longer days brought by Norway’s midnight sun offer the chance to go on epic cycling rides in the inner cities or amongst Norway’s stunning landscapes, whether that be on your own bike, renting a bike or joining a fun guided bike tour!
9. GO HORSEBACK RIDING
One of the best places to go horse riding in Norway under the midnight sun is in the Lofoten Islands.
This stunning archipelago offers breathtaking views of the sun illuminating the surrounding mountains and fjords. There are several tour operators in the area that offer horseback riding experiences, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the unique beauty of the midnight sun.
A great tour operator to use is Pukka Travels.
10. GO WILD CAMPING
For those who want to spend some extra time out in Norway’s glorious natural surroundings, the midnight sun offers the perfect opportunity to go wild camping, either solo or with family and friends.
Pitch your tents, get snuggled and warm in your layers, enjoy soothing hot drinks and roasted marshmallows by an open campfire (in permitted areas only of course), all while watching the sun that never sets.
11. TAKE A ROAD TRIP
The never setting sun not only creates beautiful vistas, it also extends the day fully allowing residents and visitors alike to squeeze every inch of possibility out of 24 hours.
One such possibility is taking an epic road trip to key hotspots in Norway. It especially allows for those who are less confident driving in the dark (like us!) so much more time to venture further and pack even more into our day.
We believe because of this, the period of midnight sun is the perfect time to take a long road trip across Norway! This is applicable to residents self-driving their own car, but more specifically for visitors who are renting a car who may be less confident on Norway’s roads in the dark of night.
WHEN TO SEE THE MIDNIGHT SUN IN NORWAY
During the Summer months above the Arctic Circle in Norway, there is a magical slot in time where you can experience up to 24 hours of sunlight, famously known as the midnight sun.
Early May to the end of August marks the longest window to see the midnight sun in Norway. The accurate period of time this phenomenon can be seen in Norway is solely reliant on how far north you travel.
The further North you go, you can expect up to 70 days of never setting sun until the end of August, however locations lower down and closer to the Arctic Circle border may only experience it up until the end of July.
We explain the exact windows for each of Norway’s top destinations to see the midnight sun below:
BEST PLACES IN NORWAY TO SEE THE MIDNIGHT SUN
There are five key locations in Northern Norway that are the best places to see the midnight sun.
See them all below, conveniently listed from ‘most Southern’ in Helgeland to ‘furthest North’ in Tromsø.
Psst! Click the ‘📍‘ to see each Google Map locations!
Helgeland: 📍
Dates visible in Helgeland:
Approx. 12th June until 10th July.
Time period in Helgeland:
Approximately 28 days.
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Bodø: 📍
Dates visible in Bodø:
Approx. 31st May to the 12th July.
Time period in Bodø:
Approximately 42 days.
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Lofoten Islands: 📍
Dates visible in Lofoten:
Approx. 28th May to the 14th July.
Time period in Lofoten:
Approximately 47 days.
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Vesterålen: 📍
Dates visible in Vesterålen:
Approx. 22nd May to 21st July.
Time period in Vesterålen:
Approximately 60 days.
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Tromsø: 📍
Dates visible in Tromsø:
Approx. 20th May to 22nd July.
Time period in Tromsø:
Approximately 63 days.
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NORWAY WEATHER IN SUMMER
The average temperatures in Northern Norway during the summer of 2022 ranged from 10°C to 20°C. In the Lofoten Islands and Tromsø, the average temperature in June, July, and August was around 12°C to 15°C.
However, there were periods of warmer and cooler temperatures throughout the season. For example, in June 2022, Tromsø experienced a heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 27°C.
Overall, travellers should be prepared for a range of temperatures and weather conditions when visiting Northern Norway in the summer.
NORWAY IN SUMMER PACKING LIST
- A warm hat, gloves, scarf, ear muffs and a light thermal coat.
- Comfortable breathable layers, including some short and long-sleeved tops to adapt to cooler / warmer days.
- Long comfortable trousers, ideally thermal leggings.
- Comfortable lightweight walking shoes (inner city exploring).
- Sturdy, robust hiking shoes or boots for hiking under the midnight sun.
- Refillable water bottle to take with you on your tours or just general exploring.
- Your swimsuit! You will need this for your visit to the Norways and give you the chance to swim!
- A microfibre beach towel (fast drying & lightweight). Perfect for a beach towel.
- A spare waterproof bag to store your wet towel / swimsuit after a water-based tour, swimming or a day at the beach.
- A lightweight waterproof poncho (just in case of bad weather)
DRIVING IN NORWAY IN THE SUMMER
It is generally safe for tourists to rent a car to self-drive themselves around Northern Norway during the Summer months.
Summer weather conditions in Northern Norway make it generally safe to drive on the roads. The roads are well-maintained and kept open year-round.
During the Summer, travellers can expect mild temperatures and almost constant daylight hours under the midnight sun, allowing for safe and comfortable driving conditions.
It is important to be aware of potential unpredicted hazards such as rain, fog, and wildlife on the roads, and to always check road conditions forecasts before traveling.
MIDNIGHT SUN IN NORWAY:
“KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S
DOES ALL OF NORWAY HAVE THE MIDNIGHT SUN?
No, not all of Norway experiences the midnight sun. The midnight sun can only be experience in areas north of Norway situated above the Arctic Circle.
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO SEE THE MIDNIGHT SUN IN NORWAY?
Some of the best places to see the Midnight Sun are located in northern Norway, specifically Helgeland, Bodø, Lofoten islands, Vesterålen and Tromsø. See more information on dates here.
DOES TROMSØ HAVE THE MIDNIGHT SUN?
Yes, Tromsø definitely experiences the midnight sun. In fact, it is known as the “Land of the midnight sun”! This exceptional phenomenon is visible here for approximately 63 days, approximately between 20th May to 22nd July.
WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT THE MIDNIGHT SUN?
The midnight sun is an incredible natural phenomenon which occurs in very few locations in the world, one of them being northern Norway.
To experience and live a day where the sun never fully sets below the horizon line is a thrilling, strange and almost otherworldly event that everyone should experience first-hand at least once in their lifetime!
WHY DOES THE MIDNIGHT SUN OCCUR?
The midnight sun occurs when the Earth is tilted on its axis more towards the sun, meaning that for a short period of time, the sun never fully sets below the horizon line.
It simply lowers to a point before beginning to rise again, not allowing for the dark of night even in the twilight hours. This is why it is commonly referred to as the ‘midnight’ sun.
IS IT HARD TO SLEEP WITH THE MIDNIGHT SUN?
Yes, it can be a challenge to sleep during periods of the midnight sun, especially if you are experiencing this phenomenon for the first time or are a light sleeper sensitive to light!
CONCLUSION: THINGS TO DO DURING THE MIDNIGHT SUN IN NORWAY
In conclusion, visiting Norway during the midnight sun is an experience not to be missed. With 24 hours of daylight, there are endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife safaris.
The stunning natural landscapes of Northern Norway, including the infamous Lofoten Islands and Tromsø, offer unique views of the sun that never sets.
In addition, the mild summer weather and longer days make it the perfect time to explore the country’s cultural and historical attractions.
Whether you are an adventure seeker or simply looking for a peaceful break soaking up the constant golden hues, visiting the midnight sun in Norway is something everything has to do once in their lifetime!
This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!
Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com
A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.
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