Midnight Sun Country

 

One of the most wonderful and unique things about Lofoten is the light, and for a brief period each year the Midnight Sun transforms Lofoten into nothing but light, light and even more light.Some things simply are like they are. Water is wet, spring will eventually replace winter and day comes after night. Everyone knows that.Consequently, there is something surreal, almost magical, about the concept of a place where the sun does not set; a place where the day simply continues, even though the clock on the wall and your biological clock try to convince you otherwise.You can experience this never-ending summer’s day in Northern Norway. If you want to experience the Midnight Sun at its most beautiful, it’s hard to imagine a better place than over the pointed mountain peaks and deep fjords in Lofoten.

Why do we get the Midnight Sun?

Copernicus taught us that the earth orbits the sun. The claim that “the sun does not set” is a bit misleading because the sun does not move much at all. It’s the Earth that moves – around both the sun and its own axis. As the Earth spins with a tilt of around 23.5 degrees, the polar regions both have an annual period of constant sunlight – and of constant darkness.The darkness can be wonderful too. For instance, it’s a prerequisite for experiencing the magical Northern Lights.

However, the Midnight Sun is more useful for human photosynthesis and, as Lofoten is located within the exotic border of the Arctic Circle, the scenic Lofoten islands offer summer nights you will remember for the rest of your life.

When can you see the Midnight Sun in Lofoten?

As Lofoten is located relatively close to the Arctic Circle, it’s not among the places with the longest Midnight Sun season. If you want to see the Midnight Sun in Lofoten, you should travel here sometime between 28 May and 14 July.

Lofoten under the golden rays of the Midnight Sun.If you are reasonably fit, the mountain peaks Hoven at Gimsoy and Åndhammarn at Rost can be something for you. You will be rewarded with the most amazing views of the.For the more experienced mountain climbers, we recommend hiking Himmeltinden at Vestvagoys or Reinebringen at Moskenesoya. Although the hike is a bit more demanding, the view is unlike anything you have seen before.

If you prefer life at sea level, there are plenty of beautiful places to see the Midnight Sun without climbing a single metre. The beaches on the island of Gimsøy are wonderful spots to enjoy life into the bright night hours. The same goes for Uttakleiv beach on Vestvagoys, the charming village Unstad, where you can also surf, and the fishing villages Eggum and Laukvika.

1.Lofoten

One thing is seeing the Midnight Sun, another is experiencing it. If you want to make your trip completely unforgettable, we can suggest activities to achieve that.Lucky Luke is known for riding into the sunset. Here in Lofoten, you can experience riding into both the sunset and the sunrise – at the same time. The farm Hov on the island of Gimsoy offers Midnight Sun horse riding trips, which are also suitable for people who unfortunately are not faster than their own shadow.There are also several ways to experience the Midnight Sun from the water. If you want to fulfil your dream of landing the big cod in the rays of the Midnight Sun, several companies offer midnight fishing trips. World Sea Explorers from Svolvar.If you happen to be near any of these places, you should be able to experience the midnight sun when it is at the most beautiful. Even if it is not the time of the midnight sun when you visit Lofoten, you can still experience the light summer nights and beautiful sun sets. The dates may vary by one day from year to year.of Svolvar in the Vagan municipality. Walk out on the pier or along the sea shore to get a good view over the ocean. 

24 May to 20 July

2. Gimsoy 

The beautiful beaches at Hov are a popular place to enjoy the midnight sun. At Hov Farm, you can ride an Iceland horse on the beach and the surrounding cultivated landscape. If you want to get higher up, you may want to climb on top of the mountain Hoven.

25 May – 19 July

3. Eggum

Drive to the end of the road at Eggum and enjoy the midnight sun by the fortress or by taking a walk along the trail in the protected nature reserve. Northern Explorer offers kayaking tours under the midnight sun among the beautiful skerries at the outer side of Lofoten. 

25 May – 19 July

4. Unstad

The surfing village Unstad is surrounded by mountains on each side of the beach. Here you can enjoy the midnight sun and watch the surfers enjoying the waves. Try a stand up paddle board – SUP or try the waves on a surf board.

25 May – 19 July

5. Skagsanden at Flakstad

Skagsanden beach is at the outer side of the islands. It offers good surfing conditions and there is a great beach bar with a panorama view. Lofoten Beach Camp offers surf courses and you surf board rentals.

26 May – 18 July

6. Kvalvika

Kvalvika beach is in the Lofotodden National Park and it is a very popular place to visit. 

27 May – 17 July

7. Bunesstranda

Take the small ferry from Reine to Vindstad and walk to the big Bunessanden beach, which is in the Lofotodden National Park.

28 May – 16 July

8. Veroy

At Veroy, you can enjoy the midnight sun from Nordlandshagen with a great view over the ocean or from the Haheia mountain

29 May – 15 July

9. Rost 

Furthest out in the open sea you find the island of Rost, which is known for its stockfish production and its rich birdlife. At Rost, you can see the midnight sun from almost everywhere with a panorama view, since the highest point is only 11 meters above sea level. Go to Andhammarn and enjoy the sun from there 

30 May to 14 July

10. Midnattsol Mountains

It is possible to see the midnight sun from most of the mountain tops in Lofoten. The best thing is that you do not have to worry about it getting dark, since it is the time of the midnight sun. When you return from your hike, the sun is often higher in the sky than it was when you started. Join a guided midnight sun hike to Vestvagoys highest mountain.