Experiencing Iceland’s Midnight Sun

Iceland holds many unique experiences. One is Iceland's midnight sun, a phenomenon you can only experience when traveling north of the Arctic Circle in the summer. There are, of course, many other reasons to visit and explore Iceland in the summer.

But let's talk about this phenomenon and why it's cool.

What Is Iceland’s Midnight Sun and Why Does It Happen in Iceland?

Our planet is tilted by about 23.4 degrees. During the northern hemisphere summer, the north pole points more towards the sun. It points away during the northern hemisphere winter (meanwhile, Antarctica benefits from more sunlight).

This phenomenon is why everywhere except places close to the equator gets longer days in the summer and shorter ones in the winter, but in the polar region, this becomes most extreme.

In the northern summer, the north pole is in constant sunlight. The Earth keeps turning, but the pole is pointed at the sun, so the sun never sets below the horizon, although it does change in height. This is also called the polar day. The opposite phenomenon, experienced at the other pole, is the polar night, with the pole being in constant darkness.

The true midnight sun only occurs north of the Arctic Circle. Iceland is just south of it, so it doesn't get actual midnight sun (except for one specific location), but it experiences 21 hours of daylight and 3 hours of twilight, with no complete darkness.

Experience the midnight sun in Reykjavík this June, even if it´s not fully visible.

Where Are the Best Places to See the Midnight Sun in Iceland?

First of all, if you want to see the full midnight sun, with no sunset or twilight, you will need to make your way to Grimsey, a small island off the north coast, which is right on the Arctic Circle. It is possible to travel to this island, but given the small community, if you want to spend the "night" there, you should book well in advance.

You can get to Grimsey by taking a ferry from Akureyri or Dalvik. You can also fly from Akureyri, which is better if the sea is rough. You can also fly in one direction and take the ferry in the other to get both experiences. Accommodations are limited, but one great option is to pitch a tent at a campsite in Grimsey.

Failing that, you can enjoy a long day in Iceland and other places. There is a noticeable difference between southern Iceland and the north, but here are some locations we suggest:

Reykjavik

Reykjavik never sees the true midnight sun, but if you go in June, you can cheat. The sun does, indeed, set after midnight. However, you get an extended sunset that colors the city with light, an excellent opportunity for street photography. Staying up late can allow you to snap pictures of almost empty streets when the locals are all in bed.

You can also enjoy Reykjavik's nightlife, which doesn't stop even if the night does. Many bars and clubs have blackout curtains to simulate night, but not all of them, resulting in some surreal experiences.

If you're renting a car, you can also go to the Golden Circle early or late, before or after the tour groups, avoiding the crowds.

Snaefellsnes

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Western Iceland is always worth a visit. It's accessible all year round and only two hours from Reykjavik, making a day trip feasible, though you will want to spend more time there.

In fact, one could readily devote a week or two to this area, enjoying beautiful lighthouses, expansive beaches, and lava flats. The rock formations all look particularly lovely during the extended sunset of the sun.

Kirkjufell is the most photographed mountain in Iceland and is visible from Grundarfjörður. Don't climb it, though. It's illegal for the first half of the year and experts only for the rest. Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall is in the same area and glows in the golden light.

If you're a hiker, consider Drápuhlíðarfjall, a remnant of an extinct volcano with red and yellow rocks. It's a challenging hike, but the summer is the best time to do it, with less fear of losing the light. Don't take rock samples (it's illegal), but look for what looks like gold: pyrite or fool's gold.

Other interesting attractions include the oldest concrete church in the country, if not the world, at Ingjaldshóll, and the beautiful rock formations at Svalthufa, which also teems with birdlife.

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Western Iceland is always worth a visit.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Either take a full day for this one or do it as part of a tour. It's five hours from Reykjavik if you don't stop on the way, which you will. The longer days give you more time, but staying closer allows you to get the full benefit of the sun by observing the glacier in the evening.

On the way, stop at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and walk behind the waterfall (you may want to wear a light raincoat).

A breathtaking sight just five hours from Reykjavík, prefect for a full-day visit or a part of a tour.

What Are the Best Activities to Do Under the Midnight Sun?

The extended daylight improves various outdoor activities, while some are particularly enjoyable. Going on a late-night hike or horseback ride can give you a great appreciation of the light.

Whale watching from Reykjavik or Husavik can be very enjoyable later at night. The whales are enjoying the daylight, too, and you can also see lots of birds, with all of the seabirds on shore for nesting.

Many tour companies take advantage of Iceland’s midnight sun to move activities earlier or later in the day, spreading out the crowds. Kayaking in Snaefellsness, jeep, or ATV tours in the interior, and all activities are even better in the golden light.

Another tip is to go to a hot spring at night. Soak in a lagoon under the sunset and enjoy Iceland's summer weather. The Blue Lagoon remains open until 11 pm during the summer.

If you're in Reykjavik, pub crawls are popular during the summer, when it stays light until the last call, and the parties often spill out onto the streets.

Photography is one of the best activities to do! The famous "golden hour" stretches to multiple hours, and you can catch the best lighting for photos. The time is right, and you can catch streets empty of people but still well-lit, allowing you to take architectural photos without worrying about the faces of strangers getting into your shot. If you're lucky, you can capture spectacular sunset colors. Consider using a graduated neutral density filter to darken the sky further and improve colors. You may also want to get a tripod.

Emerge your self in the Blue Lagoon and enjoy the midnight sun.

How Do Icelanders Celebrate the Midnight Sun?

How do we celebrate Iceland's midnight sun? Icelanders celebrate this phenomenon and the summer solstice in many ways. It's an excellent excuse for a party. The Secret Solstice Festival brings both local and international artists. It puts them on stages that echo Iceland's natural beauty, such as a rave inside a glacier or a relaxed celebration in a hot spring.

However, the most traditional festival is Jonsmessa, or John the Baptist's Day, on June 24th. This festival has clear pagan origins, with stories of talking cows, floating stones, selkies coming ashore, etc. People light fires, tell stories (the taller, the better), and celebrate the joys of summer. Oh, and if you roll around naked in the grass at night, it's good for you. YMMV, and be careful who's watching. But enjoying a bonfire singing song and storytelling session, even if half of it is in a language you don't know, can be quite the experience.

All over Iceland, music festivals for all eras, family festivals, and other events...check the calendar for where you are and enjoy, for example, a joint walk under Iceland's midnight sun, classical music, or lummur (a kind of Icelandic pancake).

How to Make the Most of Your Midnight Sun Adventure

One question people who travel to Iceland in summer ask is, “Will I be able to sleep?” The Icelanders are used to this and know how to handle it. Hotel rooms have blackout curtains that entirely keep the light out. You might want to consider taking an eye mask, just in case. Avoid caffeinated beverages too close to bedtime. Consider trying Icelandic tea, a caffeine-free blend of birch bark, moss, and arctic thyme that is surprisingly tasty, not to mention considered quite good for you, instead of tea or coffee. Stick to a regular sleep schedule.

Unless you plan on staying entirely within Reykjavik, rent a car. A midnight sun road trip is quite the experience, and a car will allow you to visit sites outside peak hours. Many sites open for longer hours during the summer to spread out crowds. If you want to go into the highlands, you will need a 4x4 vehicle.

Of course, consider renting or taking camping gear so you can sleep out under the sun. You might not get much sleep that night, but you will have an experience that will never be forgotten.