10 Things to Love about the Midnight Sun

Midsummer is that time of year in the Nordic region when each day is longer than the last and, before you know it, the sun just never seems to set at all. It's the season of the white nights, when the sun just kisses the horizon before climbing back into the sky.

With long, dark winters being par for the course, residents of the North have strong opinions about the cycles of the sun and the bright summer nights. Here are a few things Nordic Visitor's travel experts love about the midnight sun.

"You're able to see the beauty of nature around you no matter the time of day." - Perla

Swedish Lapland is stunning in the glow of the midnight sun.

"It's so awesome to be outside at night with your friends playing golf, tossing a Frisbee, barbecuing, hot-tubbing or something like that and it is still bright!" - Aníta

There's no reason to cut your 18-holes short on account of daylight in Iceland!

"It's very nice if you're afraid of the dark." - Stefania

Nothing to be scared of here...

"It's a vitamin D boost." - Anna

Skagafjörður is known for its beautiful sunsets, and that hold true even when the sun doesn't set. (Photo: Lilja Hauksdóttir)

"It is way easier to wake up early than in the winter." - Helga

... with all that extra energy it gives, what better time to climb Snæfellsjökull Glacier?

"As an extreme night owl I like to do typical daytime things at night, like eat breakfast foods and do outdoor activities like whale watching tours." - Jessica

Whale watching is a magnificent experience any time of day... or night.

"The different light completely changes the landscape, and turns places like Þingvellir national park, Dimmuborgir, or Þórsmörk into mystical places." - Brynjar

Iceland's otherworldly landscape (in Flúðir, near the Golden Circle route) shines in the twilight.

"Sitting on a cliff somewhere in the north at midnight and watching how the sun never disappears..."  - Sigrid

Tromsø is as beautiful spot as any to marvel at the long, bright nights.

"I love the midnight sun because you have more time each day to explore. Going on a hike in the evenings and still have the sun shining." - Hafdís

No need to let the time of day stop your adventures in the North. Pictured: a late night soak in the hotsprings in Reykjadalur.

"Long hours of sun give me extra energy." - María

A midnight sunset sets the city centre aglow in Reykjavík, Iceland.

"There's something so serene about walking around a typically busy city with nobody else around." - Catharine

Reykjavík glows in the midnight sun

But it's not all sunshine and lollipops when daylight never ends. Here are a few of the downsides to the midnight sun:

• Trying to get yourself to sleep when it's still sunny outside. Sleep masks and blackout curtains are a must!
• Trying to get your children to go to sleep when it's still sunny outside. "No, mom, it's daytime. Can't you see the sun?"
• Thinking "what should I have for dinner tonight?" because you forgot that you already ate hours ago... and it's now 2 a.m.
• It eventually ends... but don't worry, it'll be back next year!

Have you experienced the midnight sun? If not, Nordic Visitor can help you with that. Get in touch with one of our friendly travel experts to put together your summer holiday in the North.