What you can do under the midnight sun
Are you planning a vacation to Northern Norway? Here are your tips for activities and experiences under the midnight sun.
Bright all night! What to do?
In the midnight sun season, it is light 24 hours a day and in Vesterålen you will find many activities to choose from on days and nights with full daylight.
What do you want most?
Magical "Yttersia"
One of the best places to experience the midnight sun is on what the locals call “yttersia”, meaning “the outside” of Vesterålen. Bø in Vesterålen is known as the fairytale municipality and makes up a part of the regions coastline. Have a fun game of volleyball in Hovden, wander along the Coastal Trail Straumsjøen-Spjelkvågen, or visit The Man From The Sea for beautiful photo opportunities.
Accommodation in Bø, we recommend: Ringstad Resort, Vesterålen Apartments, Vesterålen Rorbuer, Litløy Fyr, Fiskeværet Hovden, Skagakaia and Hotel Regine.
Hot Pools in Stave
On cooler nights Stave Camping offers relaxation in hot pools with a lovely view. Enjoy the luxury of outdoors hot pools with the midnight sun and the North Sea as your backdrop.
Hiking under the Midnight Sun
On a beautiful and bright night, why not go for a midnight hike? Many of the scenic paths in Vesterålen get even more picturesque under the midnight sun. You can go on your own or use local guides, who can take you on a hiking trip to the best mountain spots to experience the midnight sun.
If you want a midnight sun hike with a local guide, we recommend you to contact Adventure 4 Life.
Midnight Sun Whale Safari
Vesterålen is the kingdom of the whales and one of Northern Europe's best places to see whales, all year around. In summertime you can choose to meet the giants of the ocean during the day, or on a midnight sun trip.
Whale2Sea combines whales and midnight sun with a visit to one of Northern Norways most important bird cliffs, Bleiksøya.
Read more about whale safari here.
Experience the Midnight Sun from the Sea
Join a peaceful and atmospheric boat trip in the Arctic summer night, where the fjords are bathed in golden light and nature reveals itself at its most magical. You can experience this with Fjord Cruise Vesterålen and RIB 68° Nord.
Kayaking Paradise in Øksnes Vestbygd
Did you know that during the summer the sea is often calmer in nighttime than in daytime?
Arctic Sea Kayak Race is an annual event in Øksnes Vestbygd and Øksnes municipality is the perfect place for kayaking and canoeing on bright summer evenings. In the small archipelago-within-a-archipelago you will find happy locals, historical fishermen villages and 360 degrees views over the blue ocean.
Read more here.
Cycling along Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya
In 2012 the western coastline of Andøya became one of only 18 roads in Norway to be named a National Tourist Route. The midnight sun season offers cyclist beautiful scenery, minimal nighttime traffic, and longer days on the road. Imagine cycling on quiet a road along the Atlantic Ocean, with the midnight sun at your side.
For bike rental, contact Corner Sport. The company is located in Sortland and Stokmarknes.
Cozy Shoreline Evenings
A simple and family-friendly evening under the midnight sun involves a campfire, marshmallows, hot chocolate, hot dogs and campfire twist bread. Bring blankets, music and garden games for a great night in Northern Norway. "Uværshulene", or the "Bad Weather Caves" on Taen on the western side of Hadseløya, or on Årnesan in the south of Langøya, are both nice alternatives.
Tent Camping
Tent camping is a unique experience all year around, but a night under the stars during the midnight sun season will be a memory for a lifetime. Pitch your tent on one of the campingsites in the region, and enjoy fresh air and endless days.
We recommend the following campsites: Midnattsol Camping, Andenes Camping, Stave Camping and Vesterålen Kysthotell.
Tips! Remember to bring sunscreen and sunglasses - the sun is strong in both day and night.
