Investigating the controversial phenomenon
The midnight sun, also known as a ‘polar day,' only occurs during summer in the farthest reaches of the north or south, when the sun can be seen in the sky at midnight. In some places, the sun doesn’t dip beneath the horizon, which means that daylight persists for a full 24 hours.
Sadly, there are no permanent human settlements in the Antarctic Circle, and it is mainly made up of research stations. So, if you want to see the midnight sun, then you’d be best advised to travel north to the Arctic Circle instead, where many countries boast tourist hot spots that allow you to see the sun as the clock strikes midnight.
Nicknamed the “Capital of North Iceland,” Akureyri is another Icelandic town that enjoys the midnight sun. If you intend on visiting, then you won’t be disappointed by the town's vibrant arts scene and breathtaking surroundings, which come alive under the constant light of the summer.
Greenland's capital city of Nuuk experiences the midnight sun from early June to mid-July. The city truly offers a unique blend of Inuit culture and modern amenities, all of which are perfect for hiking and exploring the Arctic landscape during the seemingly endless daytime.
If you want to travel further north through Greenland, then you may find yourself eager to visit Qaanaaq. This remote Arctic town is home to dozens of dogs, and it hosts cultural events where visitors can witness traditional music, dance, and storytelling, celebrating the vibrant heritage of the community under the unending Arctic sun.
The Faroe Islands are an archipelago of 18 islands located north of the United Kingdom. Although the islands don’t experience a full midnight sun, they do have perpetual twilight that casts a muted haze of light on the archipelago's beautiful and dramatic landscapes.
The Shetland Islands, southeast of the Faroe Islands, experience nearly 19 hours of daylight in June. Although they don’t experience 24 hours of daylight, the long summer days are celebrated with events like the Johnsmas Foy, a festival of Viking heritage and music.
If you ever find yourself visiting Sweden in the summer months, be sure to visit Abisko National Park above the Arctic Circle. The park is famed for its natural beauty and vast landscapes that can even be viewed from a cable car chair.
Kiruna is Sweden’s northernmost city, located in the province of Lapland, and it experiences the midnight sun from late May to mid-July. Since the city is so close to the North Pole, there is always the possibility of viewing the northern lights, even during the summer months.
The Norwegian city of Tromsø has been nicknamed the "Gateway to the Arctic" for good reason. The famous Tromsø Bridge acts as the only pathway onto the city’s island. Surrounded by water, any traveler visiting here would find their breath stolen as the midnight sun lights up the landscape.
Nordkapp, or North Cape, is the northernmost point in continental Europe, with dramatic cliffs and the iconic Globe Monument. The North Cape municipality sees the midnight sun from mid-May to late July, although the average summer temperature doesn’t rise above 50°F (10°C).
The Lofoten Islands is an archipelago that features rugged mountains and picturesque fjords that truly complement the endless summer daylight. It truly is a paradise for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Located in the far north, Rovaniemi is rather aptly known as the official hometown of Santa Claus as it features a tourist attraction known as Christmas Village. The midnight sun is also celebrated alongside events like the Midnight Sun Film Festival, showcasing international cinema during the nation’s seemingly endless summer.
The Russian city of St. Petersburg celebrates the midnight sun with the White Nights Festival, featuring ballet, opera, and music performances. It never gets darker than dusk in this beautiful city, and travelers can even enjoy the summer while sailing down the Neva River on a ship.
Murmansk is the largest city north of the Arctic Circle, and it hosts various cultural events and festivals during the summer period that highlight the unique blend of natural beauty and urban life under the city’s continuous daylight.
Norilsk is one of the world's northernmost cities, and has the midnight sun from late May to late July. The harsh industrial landscape is softened by 24-hour sunlight, offering a unique perspective on life in one of the most isolated urban areas on the planet.
Pevek is the northernmost town in Russia situated on the edge of the Arctic Ocean. The remote location and continuous daylight provide an unusual and starkly beautiful setting for the small community, and is a peaceful travel destination worth mentioning.
If you feel like visiting something in North America, then we recommend setting your sights on Fairbanks in Alaska. The city celebrates with the Midnight Sun Festival in June, featuring live music, food, and games. The Midnight Sun Baseball Game, starting at 10:30 PM without artificial lights, is also a unique highlight.
Formerly known as Barrow, the Alaskan city of Utqiagvik is the northernmost community in the US, and it celebrates the midnight sun with the Nalukataq whaling festival, including traditional dances, games, and a blanket toss.
Another Alaskan city joins the list, this time closer to Russia. Nome’s unique location and extended daylight hours are celebrated with outdoor activities and the annual Nome Midnight Sun Festival, featuring local culture and traditions.
Over in Canada, travelers would be remiss if they did not visit Whitehorse, the largest city in the nation’s northern territory. Whitehorse experiences up to 20 hours of daylight in June, and travelers can combine adventure and nature’s beauty by taking meandering boat rides on the area's many rivers.
If you don’t mind venturing further north into the Canadian wilderness, you can always try to head beyond the Arctic Circle into Cambridge Bay. A plethora of adventures await in this Arctic community, where travelers can participate in traditional Inuit practices and even build rock sculptures in the vast tundra.
The town of Alert is the northernmost permanently inhabited place on Earth, a mere 508 miles (817 km) from the North Pole. The endless daylight of the summer shines on a landscape littered with totem poles and forests, a truly breathtaking oasis for any traveler.
Although it isn’t easily accessible to travelers, McMurdo Station in Antarctica is certainly worth mentioning here. The station is a major hub for scientific research, and it sees the midnight sun from late October to late February, during which scientists conduct crucial studies and enjoy a range of recreational activities during the austral summer.
Sources: (National Geographic) (Best Served Scandinavia) (Nordic Visitor) (Regent Holidays) (Space.com)
Although Tallinn does not experience the full midnight sun, the capital city of Estonia does enjoy long summer days with up to 19 hours of daylight in June. The city's medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene are particularly lively during this period, with numerous festivals and outdoor events.
Located at Finland's northernmost tip, Utsjoki is an area rich in culture and serene landscapes. Indeed, travelers who venture this far north during the summer will be met with many celebrations of bonfires, saunas, and constant swimming in the polar water.
As people look for travel destinations each summer, there are those who consider the presence of sunshine an important part of their plans. You might be surprised to learn that there are places on Earth where the summer sun never actually sets and can be seen in the sky at all times. You should be warned, however: even though these places see an abundance of daylight on summer days, they can get quite cold!
Curious to know more? Click through the gallery to find the famed midnight sun.
Incredible destinations where the sun shines all night
Could you live in daylight 24/7?
TRAVEL Sunlight
As people look for travel destinations each summer, there are those who consider the presence of sunshine an important part of their plans. You might be surprised to learn that there are places on Earth where the summer sun never actually sets and can be seen in the sky at all times. You should be warned, however: even though these places see an abundance of daylight on summer days, they can get quite cold!
Curious to know more? Click through the gallery to find the famed midnight sun.