The Midnight Sun Guide
When the sun doesn't set for 70 days, your sense of time dissolves. Here is how to handle the "Nightless Night."
The Phenomenon
North of the Arctic Circle, the tilt of the Earth's axis means the sun stays above the horizon 24/7 during the summer solstice. It circles the sky, dipping low at "midnight" to cast a golden hour that lasts for three hours, but never touching the earth.
dark_mode How to Sleep
Your brain's melatonin production will struggle. Finns have "Pimentysverhot" (blackout curtains) as standard in every bedroom.
Use a sleep mask, even if the room has curtains.
Stick to a strict clock schedule; don't wait to "feel" tired.
Why Visit in Summer?
The energy of the Midnight Sun is addictive. Hiking at 2 AM in full daylight is a bucket-list experience. The forests are alive, the mosquitoes are... well, present, and the "Nightless Night" festivals are the cultural heart of Lapland.
Where to See It
- Fell Summits: Hike to the top of Levi or Saariselkä fells for an unobstructed 360-degree view of the golden horizon.
- River Banks: The Ounasjoki river in Rovaniemi reflects the orange sky perfectly at midnight.