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The midnight sun at the North Cape, Norway Photo: Trym Ivar Bergsmo/Samfoto/Innovation Norway
When standing on the cliff at the North Cape, only the Svalbard Islands separate you from the North Pole. Photo: Trym Ivar Bergsmo/Samfoto/Innovation Norway
Different exposures of the sun between 11 pm and 1:45 am at Uttakleiv in the Lofoten Islands. Photo: Istockphoto.com
The impressive Lyngsalpene are located above the Arctic Circle, not far from the city of Tromsø. Photo: Hurtigruten
Go on a cruise with Hurtigruten during the summer months, and enjoy evenings blessed by the midnight sun. Photo: Hurtigruten ASA
Enjoy the magical midnight sun in Finnmark from the deck of one of Hurtigruten's ships. Photo: Trym Ivar Bergsmo
When the clouds are covering the ocean with a colourful, heavenly carpet, and the midnight sun is at its lowest, the North Cape is Heaven on Earth. Photo: Trym Ivar Bergsmo/Finnmark Reiseliv
Let yourself be seduced by the midnight sun at the North Cape. You do not get further north on mainland Europe - you are at the end of the world. Photo: Johan Wildhagen/Innovation Norway
Park your caravan or mobile home, or pitch your tent, in Finnmark during the summer months, and experience how the sun never sets. Photo: Trym Ivar Bergsmo/Finnmark Reiseliv
The capital of the Arctic is a lively, humorous and beautiful city packed with culture and history, and surrounded by mountains, fjords and islands. Photo: Nancy Bundt
Enjoy the enchanting midnight sun at the North Cape. You do not get further north on mainland Europe - you are at the end of the world. Photo: Dagny Margrete Øren/Finnmark Reiseliv
Approximate dates when you can see the midnight sun in this area: 4 June - 8 July. Photo: Helge Grønmo

The Land of the Midnight Sun

During summer, the sun never sets. Capture this magnificent experience on a midnight sun cruise or safari before the darkness of winter arrives.
Quote start Yesterday I played golf at 11:30 pm, and the day before I went for a long walk at 2 am. It doesn't matter what time it is, and I need less sleep. Quote end
Simon Wilson, England

Norway is different from most other European countries because of the light. During the summer months, it doesn't get dark at night. This goes for the whole country. Then there is the midnight sun: 

About the midnight sun

The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon which means that the sun does not set during the summer months. In other words, given fair weather, you can see the sun for a continuous 24 hours.

The duration of the midnight sun depends on how far north you are. At the Arctic Circle in the county of Nordland, you can see the midnight sun from 12 June to 1 July, at the North Cape in Finnmark you can see the sun from 14 May to 29 July, and at the North Pole the sun does not set for six months.

Approximate dates when you can see the midnight sun 

Where:     When:
The Arctic Circle   12 June - 1 July
Bodø   4 June - 8 July
Svolvær   28 May - 14 July
Harstad   25 May - 18 July
Bardufoss   23 May - 19 July
Andenes   22 May - 21 July
Tromsø   20 May - 22 July
Bossekopp   19 May - 24 July
Vardø   17 May - 26 July
Hammerfest   16 May - 27 July
Berlevåg   15 May - 28 July
The North Cape   14 May - 29 July
Longyearbyen (Svalbard)   20 April - 22 August

 

Midnight sun safaris and cruises

There are several cruise lines visiting Norway. An excellent way to experience the Norwegian coast, is to go on a cruise with Hurtigruten (The Norwegian Coastal Voyage) You can sit on deck and just enjoy the midnight sun.

You can also choose a midnight cruise at the North Cape or go on a midnight sun cruise in Lofoten. These trips will take you out on the open sea to experience the special light.

Bird watching at the North Cape

The North Cape is a special place to experience the midnight sun. The only things seperating you from the North Pole are the sea and the Svalbard Islands.

There are several activities to choose from in the North Cape area, one of them is a cruise to the bird island of Stappan.

Golf above the Arctic Circle

In the Lofoten Islands, you can play golf at Lofoten Golf Links all night long, and watch the wildlife as you play.

Hiking

An excellent way to experience the arctic nature is to hike in midnight sun. The light gives the mountains a magical look at night-time. Many routes that are recommended in daytime, are even more interesting in the middle of the night. The midnight sun walk to Keipen outside of Harstad is an alternative with guide.   

Fishing

Taking a boat out for fishing in the middle of the night is a good way to experience the special light from the midnight sun. This is also a good time to catch fish.

There are endless possibilties to hire a boat for fishing along the coast, just contact the local tourist office or the place where you stay, or even ask a local fisherman.  

Last updated:  14 May 2012
The midnight sun at the North Cape, Norway - Photo: Beate Juliussen/Finnmark Tourist Board
The midnight sun at the North Cape, Norway
Midnight sun in Finnmark, Norway - Photo: Trym Ivar Bergsmo/Samfoto/Innovation Norway
Midnight sun in Finnmark, Norway

Interest:  Nature attractions, Arctic Norway, The midnight sun

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The midnight sun at the North Cape, Norway - Photo: Trym Ivar Bergsmo/Samfoto/Innovation Norway

The Land of the Midnight Sun

During summer, the sun never sets. Capture this magnificent experience on a midnight sun cruise or safari before the darkness of winter arrives.

The Land of the Midnight Sun

Source: Visitnorway

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