Because the Earth’s tilted on its axis, the north and south poles have a unique relationship with the Sun: At the solstices, they're the portions of the planet pointed the most directly toward or away from our home star. As such, locations above the Arctic or below the Antarctic circles endure six months or more of darkness (and bone-chilling cold, of course) during the winter. The flipside is the Midnight Sun, the summertime phenomenon of 24 hours or more of sunlight. For those of us who live well between the polar circles—that is, the vast majority of us—trekking into the realm of the Midnight Sun can be a strange and magical experience.
The fact that polar country tends to be starkly scenic—what with pristine tundra flats, barren mountains, and rugged seacoasts—only adds to the allure. Bathed in the golden or reddish glow of deep summer ‘night’, such landscapes take on a mesmerizing quality.
In theory, Antarctica is a fine place to appreciate the Midnight Sun; but in practice, only the very hardiest souls will make the journey to this ridiculously remote and uninhabited ice sheet for the spectacle. Instead, focus on the more accessible Arctic: Scandinavia, which enthusiastically markets itself as an international destination for seasonal Arctic attractions such as the Northern Lights, is a great choice given how well set up much of it is for tourists. Aim for Norway’s North Cape with its sweeping ocean views, or make it an all-out polar adventure with a journey to the remote island of Svalbard. Although anywhere in the far north of Greenland, Canada, Alaska, or Russia will do. Falling slightly short of the Arctic Circle, Iceland and the poleward reaches of Scotland may have enough of a polar-twilight effect to suffice for most visitors. (And let’s face it: It’s hard to imagine a more festive destination for celebrating the extended daylight than the spunky Icelandic capital of Reykjavik.)
Make it Happen
The weeks surrounding the summer solstice in late June are the season for the Midnight Sun in the Northern Hemisphere, with the phenomenon lasting longer and longer the closer you get to the North Pole.
Some things to keep in mind when planning a Midnight Sun safari:
Many Arctic towns and cities throw festivals or late-night events during the light-drunk period, so consider timing your visit with such Polar Day soirees.
Arctic mountains look out-of-this-world in the nighttime sunshine, but they can also obstruct the full effect—especially in more southerly settings, or during the Midnight Sun “shoulder season.”
Year-round Arctic residents tend to be used to the Midnight Sun: They’ve naturally adjusted their sleep cycles by living through the long lead-up of spring’s lengthening daylight. As an unacclimated southerner, you’ll need to be prepared to deal with the insomnia and discombobulated circadian rhythm the Polar Day can provoke in those unused to it.
Give yourself enough time to account for potential weather complications. Overcast conditions can diminish your appreciation of the Midnight Sun.
Particularly if you’re getting out into the wilderness for your trip—say, into the Brooks Range of Alaska—you may be dealing with the hordes of mosquitoes or other biting insects the Arctic summer is infamous for.
The Midnight Sun is one of those natural wonders that has to be experienced firsthand to really understand: No picture or description can do the odd—and gorgeous—quality of light full justice. Maybe it's time you witnessed it for yourself!
A midnight sun cruise is a popular choice.
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