Iceland sits just below the arctic circle. With its wildly diverse terrain, it attracts people to a land of magical experiences. Iceland holds true to its nickname: the land of fire and ice. The island is a frozen landscape resting above a volcanic melting pot. This results in spewing geysers, eruptive volcanoes, and the infamous midnight sun.
What is the midnight sun?
The midnight sun is part of life in Iceland, but from an outside perspective it can be a fascinating natural phenomenon. Iceland sits very close to the north pole and because of this it receives more sunlight in the summer months when the Northern hemisphere is tilted north. At the peak of the summer solstice Iceland experiences almost 24 hours of sunlight. This is more commonly referred to as the midnight sun. Although Iceland doesn’t technically have 24 hours of complete sunshine, the sun never really sets completely.
Endless summer light between mid-May and mid-August attracts tourists to Iceland for the opportunity to make the most of an epic vacation. More light means more time to explore Iceland.
With the midnight sun comes the cold darkness of winter. During the winter months, Iceland sees more dark skies than many of you may be used to. Don’t let this detour you, it is a great time of year for viewing the northern lights.
Things To Do During the Midnight Sun
Take advantage of the extra daylight on your trip to Iceland. Embrace the outdoors as many Icelanders do by engaging in activities and the natural beauty Iceland has to offer. Here is a quick guide to some of our favorite Midnight Sun adventures.
Secret Solstice Festival
Under the midnight sun, you can dance to music and experience Icelandic culture at Secret Solstice each June. Secret Solstice is held just outside Reykjavik when the midnight sun is at its peak. The festival boasts concerts by international artists in 5000-year-old lava tunnels and raves in glaciers. The festival started in 2014 and brought in 8,000 people. In 2016 the festival celebrating the Midnight Sun was the only international festival to be carbon neutral!
Go Whale Watching
Going whale watching is an amazing experience and doing it during the Midnight Sun adds a special touch to the adventure. More sunlight means you’ll have a higher chance of sighting these beautiful marine creatures. The long summer daylight combined with the combo of warm and cold seawater mixing in Iceland’s fjords makes a great habitat for fish and krill that attract the whales.
There are numerous whale watching tours all over Iceland so you can take advantage of seeing the whales wherever you are on your trip. Reykjavik harbor has many tours for those of you staying near the city. If you’re headed north near Akureyri your chances of seeing whales during the Midnight sun are about 99.5%. You can also catch these creatures when you’re traveling to West Iceland by way of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Wherever you choose to go whale watching, know that Nordic Stay offers numerous short-term rental homes to make your trip easier.
Visit the Icelandic Highlands
The highlands of Iceland are typically only accessible during the summer months. This vast and untamed wilderness makes up a large portion of the island and is best discovered during the Midnight Sun months. Situated in the heart of Iceland, the highlands can be somewhat overlooked due to their extreme landscapes, but don’t let this stop you from paying this area a visit.
The highlands do not have many roads due to the terrain. You’ll be traveling on F-roads (unpaved mountain roads) and will have to rent a 4×4 vehicle. You can choose to trek the area by yourself or purchase a guided tour. Either way, you’ll be experiencing an incredible part of Iceland under the Midnight Sun.
Here are a few of the amazing sites you need to see:
- Landmannalaugar
- Hveravellir Nature Reserve
- Pórsmork
- Langjökull Glacier
- Vatnajökull National Park
Tips for Visiting During the Midnight Sun
Many tourists travel to Iceland during the summertime and are blown away by the Midnight Sun. It can be confusing on your body and overstimulating for the mind if you are not cautious of how to enjoy the Midnight Sun. Here are some tips to make your summer trip even better!
- Find a space to rent that offers blackout curtains and a cozy bedroom. We have many rentals that offer these amenities.
- Bring an eye mask to wear in bed while you sleep. This is super important if you will be traveling in a camper.
- Remember to rest. This sounds silly, but with long days it can be easy to get caught up in all the activities you have planned, and before you know it, it’s after midnight, and you are wide awake.
- Wear sunscreen and sunglasses. The long hours of the Midnight Sun can leave your skin and eyes more vulnerable to sun damage.
- Be mindful of what time it is. If you’re out in nature in the night hours it can be hard to find help if you get injured.
- Enjoy the Midnight Sun. Take advantage of the longer days!
Come visit Iceland during the Midnight Sun and be awed by the beauty of nature. There’s never a dull moment in Iceland when the sun is always shining. The sun is up at midnight! Come enjoy it while you hike a glacier, party in Reykjavik, or trek into the wild highlands. With endless days come endless opportunities in the land of fire and ice!
