Heading north of the arctic circle during summer in Norway is where you can witness a wondrous phenomenon known as the midnight sun. Indeed, Norway itself has often been referred to as ‘the land of the midnight sun’, although this can only really be seen way up in the north of the country.
You can also see the midnight sun in other countries such as Sweden, Finland, Russia, Canada, USA (Alaska), Iceland and Denmark (Greenland). This is where the sun does not set during summer months within the arctic circle.
The midnight sun phenomenon is the opposite of the ‘polar night’ where the sun remains below the horizon all day and where you can see the ‘aurora borealis’ or ‘northern lights’ in these locations during winter.
You can also see the midnight sun in the southern hemisphere when you travel south of the Antarctic Circle. Essentially the closer you get to either the north or south poles, the greater the number of days during summer where the sun doesn’t set (and during winter the days where the sun doesn’t rise).
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How is the midnight sun even possible?
I thought this was explained really well on the Fjord Tours website as follows (quoted from their article):
“The Earth rotates completely every 24 hours, and it’s this movement which creates night and day. However, the length of daytime and night-time hours is not equal and this is because the Earth is tilted on its axis by 23.4 degrees. If it were completely perpendicular there would be a fixed night and day of 12 hours each.
In addition to the earth rotating around on its own axis, it’s also circling the sun. This orbit takes one year to complete. As it moves around the sun, the tilted axis means that at times part of the Earth will be closer to the sun than others. It’s also why summer occurs at different times of the year in the north and south hemispheres.
During the summer months when the hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, the poles experience sunlight for the full 24 hours. The further away from the pole you travel, the more diluted the effect of the sun becomes. This is why European countries which aren’t as northerly as Norway never get to experience the golden night-times of the midnight sun.
As the Earth continues on its orbit and the tilt of the hemisphere gradually moves away from the sun, the darkness of night slowly returns.
During the winter season, the exact opposite of the midnight sun occurs, with polar nights. During polar nights the sun never rises fully, bathing the landscape in a bluish light, similar to twilight, during the daytime.”
Our first experience of the midnight sun Norway: approaching Bodø
James and I first experienced the full midnight sun south of the city of Bodø during our road trip, well north of the arctic circle.
Although we had experienced the sky remaining light very late into the night before we reached the arctic circle, it was not until we were within the arctic circle itself that we saw the full effect of the midnight sun Norway.
We knew immediately what is was when the midnight sun came into view simply because the light you see is not at all like what you experience during the day.
Approaching the city of Bodø by road shortly before midnight we were amazed to see such a beautiful golden light basking the region and being so prominent. Yes, it was as light as daytime but there were certain places where the golden rays, in particular, shone so bright and lit up forested areas and water nearby with such a golden color, that it looked like an autumn day from the reflection of the leaves.
Even though we were running late to get to our booked accommodation in Bodø, we just had to pull over to take a closer look at this phenomenon and of course, take a few photos. It was just such a captivating sight and reminded me of the golden light you sometimes see at sunset for a brief period, but instead, this light was to remain in place for hours during the night.
As we continued our drive, we keep seeing the effect of the golden light from the midnight sun on a variety of different vistas as we continued our journey north. We didn’t arrive at our Bodø accommodation until close to 2.00 am as we immersed ourselves in this wonderous sunlight.
Lofoten Islands
Witnessing the midnight sun in such a beautiful part of the world was a real privilege. The light basked areas of these islands in such a lovely glow, enabling some fabulous photos during the quiet of the night when everyone was mostly indoors, fast asleep.
Below are just a few images we took during the night there.
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If you are interested in reading and seeing much more of the Lofoten Islands, then do check out the dedicated article on this paradise within the Natural Beauty Travel Series.
Narvik
While we were in Narvik during the night, there was a huge amount of cloud cover that had the effect of blocking the rays of the sun. So, while the area was still brightly lit up, the golden rays we experienced earlier were not able to shine through and hence could not be seen.
You can see what I mean from these images below:
The side effects of the midnight sun
James and I both found ourselves feeling very different while outdoors in the midnight sun Norway. It didn’t matter how late it was, we both felt wide awake. Going to sleep wasn’t easy as your body just didn’t feel like sleeping. It just felt like you were wide awake all the time and sleep was so far from your mind. The only thing that seemed to work was to block light coming in from the windows where we were staying, making the room as dark as possible. There were some days where we knew we had been awake and moving around for nearly 19 hours and yet we did not feel tired. It was a really strange sensation.
People we spoke to about this who lived in the arctic circle acknowledged this effect the midnight sun has on the human body. People also experience an issue at the opposite time of the year when the polar nights occur and that this leads to many people suffering depression.
What science has to say about the effects of the Midnight Sun
Since making the trip, I came across a very interesting article on the website Alaska Sleep which focuses on being able to get adequate, quality sleep in locations that experience the midnight sun. I quote the following below from the beginning part of their article.
“The midnight sun brings barriers to your sense of time and normal sleep cycles despite the fun and excitement that comes with the extra daylight. The science behind how light and dark affects your brain can help you understand why sleeping under the midnight sun is so difficult.
Your brain has a structure, called the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (or SCN). The SCN is the part of the brain the regulates and controls all of the circadian rhythms in the body. The SCN is located at the intersection of your optic nerves.
When light hits your eyes and optic nerves, a signal is sent out that it is time to wake up. When our eyes detect the sun going down, your suprachiasmatic nucleus sends out a signal to produce melatonin so the body can get ready to sleep.
The midnight sun messes with the signal to produce melatonin. Usually, your levels of melatonin start to rise one to two hours before you go to sleep. When you are exposed to daylight when it should be dark, your body gets confused about when you should be awake and when you should be asleep.”
The article goes on to provide really practical tips of how you can effectively manage this condition and is worth reading for anyone that has difficulty sleeping during the times and locations of the midnight sun.
When here, you don’t have to feel SAD
There is an actual term for the condition that affects people within the Arctic and Antarctic Circles. It is ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’ or ‘SAD’. It is as much a problem during the Polar Nights (and in fact considered even more so) as the Polar Days.
For anyone interested in discovering more about this condition for either the summer or winter time, then check out this article published by healthline.com
Conclusion
As we were only within the arctic circle for a limited time, and did feel the effect of the midnight sun, it is not as though this significantly or negatively impacted our health. However, as we physically felt so differently there, I felt it worthwhile to look into and share some of the science behind what we experienced.
Aside from feeling so invigorated, the opportunity to see the natural beauty of the midnight sun is something I would genuinely recommend you do. It is quite unlike what you experience during the day anywhere else.
Have you experienced the midnight sun in either the Arctic or Antarctic regions? If so, what were your impressions? If not, is this something you would like to see for yourself? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Outdoor adventure enthusiast that loves nature having travelled locations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
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The phenomenon of the midnight sun has always been so fascinating to me. Thank you for including the scientific descriptions of how this is possible as well as how this affects the human body. I would love to experience this and to see the unique golden rays in the middle of the night!
It really is a special experience Chloe and one that will always stay with you. So pleased you liked this and thank you for leaving your comment.
This sounds like such a cool experience! One of the things I dread most when visiting a destination is the sun going down, because that usually means the exploring stops for the day (unless there’s nightlife of course). Although most things would probably be closed at midnight, it would be nice to be able to explore the outdoors in the daylight, even if it is midnight! I can definitely see how the constant daylight would mess up a person’s sleep schedule, even just from working overnights in the past and trying to sleep during the day time hours. It is difficult! And I can see the opposite when the sun doesn’t rise for an extended period of time. That is something that would take some adjusting to!
That’s for sure Melissa! It was a very cool and interesting experience for us to have had, but I’m not sure coping with it on a full-time basis would be easy. It was a lot of fun at the time though. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts here.
This is such a fascinating post with so much scientific information. I have never experienced the midnight sun (although I live in Canada), but I can certainly see why it would have an effect on your body. During 3/4 of the year in Canada, we rarely see the sun and many suffer from seasonal depression. You are so lucky to have had this experience in such a beautiful place.
Thank you very much Kelly. Seasonal depression must be quite something to contend with and be challenging for sure. The Midnight Sun appears to be the opposite of this but still is a real problem to ensure you get the rest needed each night. It is really interesting to hear of your experience in Canada.
24 hours of daylight? I never heard about this before and I am so jealous that you get to experience it! Question: how far north can you go to see the midnight sun? Is Bodo the end of it? I know this also happens in Lapland (Finland) but I find it touristy and expensive. I would love to see this next time in Norway if you can recommend other cities/places to see it. Thanks for your tips, Nicole!
The Midnight Sun starts around the point where the arctic circle starts and goes north as far as you can go, Christina. Literally all the way to the North Pole! So in this post, you will see that Bodo, the Lofoten Islands and Narvik are all options highlighted here, as it would be any place in Norway north of that. Aside from Norway and Finland that you mentioned, you can also see this phenomenon in the other countries mentioned in the introductory part of this post. Hope this helps and that you will also see this for yourself one day.
There’s something wonderful about the Midnight Sun, though I’ve only experienced it myself in the Antarctic rather than the Arctic! Like you, I found it really hard to feel sleepy and it definitely played havoc with my body clock on that front. That said, I have visited the Scandi Arctic circle for that polar night you mention — I think I prefer the midnight sun!! I love that you road tripped Arctic Norway, it’s definitely the way we’d like to explore the region.
Thanks so much, Kavita. It’s so interesting to hear from someone who has also seen the Midnight Sun, but from the other side of the globe. I’m sure that was every bit as beautiful and exciting. Road tripping through Norway was certainly everything I had hoped it would be. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts here.
Your post makes me all sentimental: I guess we all have a place we intended to visit in 2020, but then…. And my place was Norway where I wanted to go for Easter. Obviously, it didn’t work out. Now I’m enjoying your beautiful post and travel with you virtually 😉
I’m so sorry to hear that, Renata. Hopefully the pandemic will be brought under control before too long and you will be able to enjoy some time, experiencing all Norway has to offer. Take care in the meanwhile and I’m so glad you enjoyed this post.
Midnight sun sounds like quite a phenomenon and would have been more so surreal having witnessed it first hand in Norway! I’d love to see it someday, gorgeous pictures!
Thanks so much Aradhana, so pleased you liked this.
I’ve been to the Nordic countries in summer, but not above the Arctic circle. I thought it was neat to still have some sunlight at 10:30-11 PM, but your midnight photos in Norway blew my mind! I think I’d have a really hard time convincing my brain that it’s time to go to bed, but I’d love to experience the midnight sun for a few days – it must feel so surreal!
It really does Carrie Ann! It surprised us so much the level of energy and feeling so invigorated, not at all feeling tired. It is something I would recommend you experience at least once.
Your photos are really lovely. I really love the photo that looks like it’s fall, even though it’s not. We used to live in Estonia and that was the first time I experienced almost midnight sun. It does throw your body off a little bit. Black out curtains are the way to go for sure. Now we have a place in Alaska and really have to pay attention to the time or we end up working late into the night because where we live there is only about an hour of not quite dark at night. We went up north above the Arctic Circle in the summer and experienced the true midnight sun. It’s something to behold for sure.
So great to hear you have expeerienced the midnight sun as well Kathleen and thank you for your comment on the photos here. Having a place in Alaska and the ability to travel up to the Arctic Circle there must be really good. I know what you mean about watching the time there as it would be so easy to just keep going with the energy your body feels. Thanks so much for sharing such an interesting comment about your situation.
Wow, it’s so funny to see how bright it is and then to hear you say that it’s midnight! The experience seems unparalleled.
I agree Joseph. It’s so different to our norm and takes a bit of getting used to.
Thanks for warning us about the midnight sun. I probably would not live in a place like that but would love to visit and feel the effect as you did.
It is a very strange feeling Carol and the at the same time, very beautiful.
I experienced the midnight sun when I lived in Alaska when I was a little girl. I could stay up and play until midnight as my parents let me as it was still light. It was a definitely a magical time when I think back on it (Maybe because I was little and I was able to stay up late). I would love to go and experience the midnight sun in Norway, it seems romantic in a way.
Alaska is another beautiful place that I love as well for all its natural beauty, but in different ways. Both have large areas within the arctic circle and of course experience the midnight sun you remember from your childhood. I hope you will be able also see what Norway has to offer. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts here.
Norway is absolutely breathtaking. I have not been fortunate enough to experience the “midnight sun” phenomenon yet but it certainly is on my bucket list. Your photos were amazing. Thanks for sharing this blog post!
You are so welcome Rina, I certainly hope you will be able to tick this experience off your bucket list soon.
I love your pictures and also enjoyed reading about midnight sun. Takes me back to my Norway trip. Thanks for sharing 🙂
So pleased you liked this and the joy such memories would have brought, Jumana.
Just how wonderful and powerful is nature with the effect it can have on your mind and body. Nonetheless, it’s absolutely beautiful. Loved the light during the midnight sun and the way it enhanced the beauty of this place even more. You were lucky to be able to experience it with and without all the clouds! Truly stunning and can’t wait to experience this myself someday. Haha although I’ll make sure to add an eye mask to my bag to help with the sleep.
Good point Harshita, although many places you can stay there do have good blackout curtains to prevent light pouring in. It is all worth it though for the experience. Thank you very much for such a lovely comment.
Looks beautiful. Norway has always been on our list to visit. Hopefully once everything is back to normal we are going to plan a trip to the northern lights. Thank you for sharing 🙂
My pleasure Matthew. Hope you have an enjoyable visit.
Sounds like a fantastic experience, totally worth it. You also shared great pictures.
Thank you very much Nikhila, much appreciated.
Midnight Sun in Norway is a fantastic experience. During my trip around Lofoten, I was surprised that it is so bright in the middle of the night. That around midnight, I could read a book without turning on the light. And the light was so soft at late hours that taking photos was a fantastic experience too. I agree that going to sleep wasn’t as easy as your body didn’t feel like sleeping.
That’s for sure Agnes! It really is such a different and exhilarating experience and I just loved how different the light is compared to the normal daylight. The Lofoten Islands are a truly magical location to have seen this and I’m so pleased you shared your comments in this regard.
This article and photos are too beautiful, this is true, seeing mountains, rivers, beaches is different, but seeing Midnight Sun is a lifetime experience. It is a detailed article and I love the scientific validation you shared in the article.
Thank you so much Ramya. I am so pleased you enjoyed this.
The concept of midnight sun is beautiful. Hailing from the tropics, I often wondered how this could be possible. My first encounter with it was in the UK when I had to deal with a really late sunset around 9 pm in the evening and my body had difficulty dealing with it. But I would really love to experience this sometime especially in Scandinavia. I have heard beautiful things and from your pictures, I am just inspired to make this trip soon. But like you said, I will have to see how my body deals with it.
I agree it is such food for thought to think about how the midnight sun occurs and how this really has such an effect on our bodies, Soumya. I hadn’t given it that much thought until I was already there and experiencing it, which prompted me to research this a bit more afterwards. It was still so beautiful to see and experience, and so worth the trip in my view. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
It is truly an humbling experience to experience midnight sun and aurora borealis. We experienced midnight sun in Iceland, and it was like we had all day to explore the places, and we drove through the night. We experienced Northern lights in Tromso and were stunned by the phenomenon!
No doubt these are both different types of phenomenon that are impressive, Anuradha, and I happy to hear you have seen both in your travels. Thank you for reading and leaving your comment.
It is soo humbling to see how the same exact world we live in has so many different geographical phenomenons. A midnight sun seems like something every travel lover should experience first hand at least once. Just seeing the stunning sky makes us want to hop on a plane this winter.
Thanks so much Sophia for such a lovely comment. I am also drawn to see more of our wonderful world for all the beautiful natural assets she has. Unfortunately if you go there in the winter though, you won’t end up seeing the midnight sun there but you might have a chance instead of catching the northern lights instead.
Being a student of Geography, phenonmena of both northern and southern hemisphere has fascinated me. Thank you for sharing the knowledge.
My pleasure, Nilakshi. So pleased you got value from this post.
I find it interesting that you really did feel the effects! Nature has a way of affecting both the body and the mind. Beautiful photos!
The feeling was indeed very real, Alice. This just added to the experience of the beautiful sights we saw and I totally agree that this is proof that nature does affect both mind and body as you say. Thank you for sharing such a great comment.
I had read about Norways midnight sun but your post is so breathtaking and the pictures are simply mindblowing!
Thank you so much Monidipa. You have made my day with such a lovely comment and I’m so pleased you liked this post.
This is something that I would love to experience! It would be great to go out late at night and you will still be greeted by a ray of sunshine. Norway is in our bucket list and hopefully it will be okay to travel again next year. Thanks for sharing your experience!
My pleasure Alyssa! I’m so pleased you enjoyed this post and that you are keen to experience Norway and the Midnight Sun. Hope you have a wonderful trip.
I plan out our vacation well in advance. This one is interesting. I will check out the possibility of us seeing the midnight sun as well.
That’s great Ramil. All the best for your plan and for a lovely vacation.
I would love to see the midnight sun in Norway – your photos look so pretty!
Thanks very much Krista, so pleased you liked this post.
I always assumed that the midnight sun would be exactly like regular daylight, but even in the picture I can tell the difference. I never looked it up before, so this post was extra fascinating including all the pictures. Loved every single one of them. Thank you for including the section on “How is the midnight sun even possible?”
I know what you mean about assuming the light would be the same as normal daylight, Stella. That was exactly what I assumed as well. It was so wonderful to find this was not the case and to be bathed in such a bright golden glow was quite amazing. It made me want to read up more on this phenomenon which lead to the ‘How is the midnight sun even possible’ section. Thank you so much for reading and sharing such a lovely comment.
A beautiful travel sharing you have posted here, enjoyed my read about midnight sun & viewed the captures of your journey. I wish to resume my travel plans real soon and this would be somewhere I would love to see for myself.
Looking back at the photos, I feel I would love to return after this pandemic as well, Sienny. The memories are very vivid as the experience was quite surreal and lovely. I hope you will get there to experience this one day and thank you for reading and leaving your very nice comment.
These photos of the Midnight Sun in Norway are breathtaking. Sounds like you have a lot of fun and it was interesting to learn something about this amazing phenomenon.
That’s so lovely of you to say Michele, thank you. I’m so pleased you enjoyed seeing this and finding out more about this beautiful arctic circle wonder.
Wow! Your photos are absolutely beautiful. I would love to see the Midnight sun one day, but I would be happy to even travel to Norway in general. It’s a country I’ve always wanted to visit someday! ????☀️
Thank you so much Meg. Norway is such a beautiful country even without the Midnight Sun and I’m sure you would love it also.
What a fun adventure! I’d much rather enjoy the midnight sun than months of darkness in the other seasons.
I can well appreciate your perspective there, Alexis. Too much darkness over a long period has caused people to become quite depressed.
There is nothing more peaceful than checking a great scenery and the midnight sun is quite amazing. I have always loved hiking and I love traveling to check different hiking trails. I hope I can go back to Norway to hike again.
When it comes to hiking, few places could be more beautiful than Norway, Emman. I’m so pleased you liked this post on the Midnight Sun and shared your thoughts.
How did you actually feel by staying awake for increased hours? We experienced the same while traveling in Iceland and surprising we did not feel tired or sleepy in spite of 4-5 hours of sleep. Now that you quoted the study of Midnight sun effects, I wonder if taking Melotonin may help get to sleep. Norway was on our list to visit this summer, hopefully next year we will make it.
It is really an incredible sensation isn’t it? You know you have missed out on so much sleep but you are continually wide awake and sleep is the furtherest thing from your mind. We had to force ourselves to go to bed and rest as best we could to ensure we got sleep that we knew we needed. Thanks very much for sharing your experience with the Midnight Sun, Binny.
This midnight sun experience would be something of a real life-changing experience. As in midnight, I can’t even think of having sunlight, but polar places have such things. I would love to be part of this mid-night sun experience in Norway. The middle of Svolvær at midnight looks beautiful and I can’t believe that it is midnight time here. Sun is so bright. I know that there are side-effects of this – as I too don’t feel sleepy if I don’t see dark outside. Good to know that here, people make their rooms as dark as they can.
I guess if you lived there, you would be used to it and ensure that you blocked all light coming into your room, Yukti. Otherwise it would be quite exhausting and not great for your health. For the limited time we were there, it was just so invigorating and we just didn’t feel tired at all, even though we had been awake for something like 20 hours in the day. Very weird.
So, the sun is not around but the sunshine stays around. It’s really phenomenal. Svolvaer looks like a ghost town in your picture. I can’t imagine living in this part of Norway. But you’re right, it’s something that I want to experience.
The sun is actually around Umiko as during the middle of summer, it actually does not set for a period of time. In some photos above you can actually see the sun but otherwise it can appear like a ordinary day, although the golden glow is something that just makes it so different. I hope you will experience it and enjoy it as much as I did.
I’ve always wanted to go to Norway, Finland or Iceland to expierience that long day! It sounds so unbelievable and amazing! Love your photos! It looks unreal and I can’t believe they were taken in the middle of the night! It’s also interesting to see how complicated our body’s are. To be honest I thought locals are used to it so this is a suprise for me! Love this post! I just learn something really interesting! Thank you!
You are so welcome Karolina. I am just so pleased that you enjoyed this and (like me) learned more about the documented effects of the Midnight Sun on people. Thank you for reading and leaving such a lovely comment.
How beautiful! Norway nature is so beautiful and raw and wild. I miss this place in general
Me too Lyosha! Hope to get back there again some day.
Totally know what you’re saying about the midnight sun’s effects on the body. Suddenly you have five hours more of energy a day…and in a place like Norway, you want to use every last drop! Adore Norway, and was only briefly in the Loeften islands…makes me want to back for more!
The Lofoten Islands were a true favorite spot for me also Mike. Just stunning out there – and to see them in conjunction with the Midnight Sun was a real treat. I would love to go back as well.
What an awesome natural phenomenon! Thoroughly enjoyed reading your experience of the midnight sun.
Thank you very much Lucy. I loved being there as well as sharing my experience here.
WOw! It really is naturally beautiful! I love your pics a lot
Thanks very much Aaliziyah.
Sounds like an experience worth waiting for! I haven’t experienced this phenomenon but I’d love to one day soon! A friend of mine actually experienced something similar in Alaska and he told me how they just didn’t wanna leave and get back to their hotel.. When I moved to USA first, sunset at 9 was weird for me, but the beauty of the dusky sky always made it all so worth it. But them imagining a place with just dusk but no night like Norway – can’t even imagine how crazy would that be. Guess the view like you mentioned is worth it! 😀
That is for sure, Vaisakhi. North of the arctic circle in Alaska would experience something extremely similar and both places have so much natural beauty. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts.
I admit I love Norway. I’ve never been but I’ve watched a few YouTubers that live in Norway and seen the beautiful nature there. Looks amazing!
It was the beauty of the place that I saw in photos and videos/documentaries that made me really want to go and see it for myself, Di. It was everything I had hoped for and more when you are there to see it in person.
This post brought back such great memories of our trip north in Norway. We expected the very long days. But the reality was quite something different. And we did not have full days of sunlight. It sure did make the sunsets last long! I don’t recall having any trouble sleeping while we were that far north. But we did have great black out curtains and were generally exhausted when we hit bed.
Great blackout curtains certainly make a big difference Linda. We found that when we did hit the hay we did sleep well once we got off to sleep, although initially it can take a while to wind down. While we were out and about at night time though, we were so wide awake and extremely energised. A very different sensation indeed. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and recollections.
Midnight sun sounds like an amazing experience. I so wish to visit Norway one day. Thanks for sharing these lovely photos and story.
My pleasure Natalie, I’m so pleased you enjoyed this post.
I haven’t experienced this phenomenon but I’d love to. When I moved from Asia to Europe, I did have a shock because of the way sunlight shines here. There sunset happens year round by 5:30, 6:00 and here to see the variation in summers & winters with a dark 4:00PM and bright 10:00PM was crazy. Norway would be crazier where the sun doesn’t set at all or rise at all!!! I’ll suffer with my sleep pattern as well.
Totally agree that these changes do really alter your sleeping patterns Bhushavali. It is something people living in the arctic circle have to learn to adjust to, as they move from the all daylight scenario to all night, and vice versa as the seasons change.
Your photos are beautiful! I have heard of the ‘midnight sun’ before, but never personally experienced it. That being said, it’s one phenomenon that I believe everyone should have the chance to experience at least once in their life.
Thank you so much Britt. It was both an amazing site to witness as well as a wondrous sensation at the same time.
This is flippin’ crazy! It reminds me of a parallel universe, to be honest, haha. Very cool. thanks for sharing.
I agree it seems to be something out of the ‘Twilight Zone’ Nkem! So different and fascinating. I just loved that immense golden glow.
Wow! Amazing. I don’t think I have ever experienced the midnight sun where I live but it’s fascinating to know that there are places where it is completely normal. Nice pictures you’ve got there..
Thanks so much Viano. It only really occurs for people living north of the arctic circle (or south of the antarctic circle) and it was indeed great to have experienced this.
When I lived in Washington state, the sun would surprisingly stay up until around 10 pm and like you mention, quality of sleep was interesting for us! I couldn’t imagine with the midnight sun. We had black out currents and sometimes would still struggle to get to sleep on time!
After this trip, I can really relate to what you are saying Suladys. It just feels so weird and yet quite wonderful at the same time. Being in a place like above the arctic circle in Norway where the sun never went down at all while we were there was so surreal.
My sister has a very similar experience in Alaska every year. She says that over the years they have learned to deal with the effects and it isn’t much of a problem anymore. But they also spend some time celebrating the midnight sun too! I agree with you that it would be a strange sensation.
It just felt impossible to ‘switch off’ to be able to go to bed and get some sleep, Marie. It was unlike anything I had experienced before. Really fun yet strange while we were there. People who live in these areas like your sister have had to learn to live with it long term and get on with life. It still is something so different to what most people are used to.
Man, I wish I could travel to places like this now! However, staying put until COVID is resolved and things return back to normal — at least in terms of travelling — is important for now.
I do understand what you are saying Emily. Hopefully the pandemic will be brought under control soon.
I would love to visit Norway one day. It is one of the places that I would absolutely love to go visit. So many amazing things to see.
That’s for sure Kileen. Thanks for reading and leaving your comment.
Ohhh, this was such a cool post! I visited Norway back in 2017, but in the wintertime, so the days were very short. We had such a blast and are really hoping to go back– hopefully we can explore at midnight sun time like you did!
Perhaps this may be possible in 2021 Tegan. Late May to early July I would suggest might be the best time to venture above the arctic circle there to experience this.
What a beautiful phenomenon!! Norway during the summer is definitely on my bucket list!
Glad to hear it Brianna! Hope you get there and enjoy it just as much as we did.
I have always been fascinated with the geography of Norway and the midnight sun. It seems like no matter where you look, you see an ocean and mountains. I’d love to go there one day. The only problem is I’m afraid to fly! LOL I’m wondering if I can find a cruise ship that make a trip all the way across the ocean.
There are certainly ships that will carry you across to mainland Europe, Ben (once covid is over) and then European based cruises, trains, buses or even hire cars to get you up to Norway and exploring after that. It might take longer but also might be a more enjoyable journey than flying if you can get the time needed to do it.
Norway certainly flaunts beautiful scenery and landscape, judging by your inviting pictures. I bet it will be interesting to experience the midnight sun.
It is altogether a very exilerating feeling Azubike. It really does add a whole new dimension to your trip.
I recently approached this way of vacationing and experiencing nature and I discovered that there is nothing more beautiful. This place gives me a sense of infinite serenity.
For me, vacations are so much more rewarding the further away I get from cities and the more I am able to explore the real country, Cristina. That feeling of serenity you refer to is definitely the way to a relaxing and enjoying time away in my view.
I was very lucky to be in Norway on a cruise ship..working on a cruise ship that is. We used to go there on a 10-day cruise coming from Copenhagen. I was amazed at the scenery and the midnight sun. They also have nice weather and very accommodating people..every night while cruising I look up into the sky I’m so amazed that I ask myself: is this real?
It really is so different from the usual sun we get during the day, Kenneth. I agree it does seem unreal, especially when you first see it. Thanks very much for reading and sharing your thoughts and memories of your encounter with the midnight sun.