Surf and safaris - fun under the Midnight Sun in Northern Norway

It's one o'clock in the morning, and the Midnight Sun is shining. North of the Arctic Circle the summer days last for months and make both locals and visitors happy, energetic and light-hearted. 

The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon in which the sun is above the horizon at midnight. And the rest of the night. And all day long. And yes, it is the same sun as all over the world. 

The Midnight Sun is seen in all countries above the Arctic Circle. However, Norway's far north is much more accessible than most Arctic areas. In fact, you can fly all the way up to Svalbard, halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, on commercial flights. In mainland areas of Northern Norway, there are cities, towns, villages, roads and infrastructure. This means you can explore effortlessly and without danger 24/7 all year round.

The whole Northern Norway region is rich in natural beauty, dramatic landscapes, fascinating culture, charming towns, and with so much daylight invites to a multitude of exciting adventures, fun activities and interesting encounters.

Here are suggestions to some of the experiences visitors can enjoy in Northern Norway when it will be possible to travel again.

Wildlife safaris
Guided wildlife safaris will bring you safely into a unique animal kingdom, and in Northern Norway this means whales, birds, moose, reindeer, walruses, even king crabs.
Puffins, white tailed eagles, kittiwakes, cormorants, northern gannets are just some of the birds you can observe in Northern Norway. 
There are several species of whales roaming in the Northern Norway's waters; sperm whales, humpbacks, killer whales, and on Svalbard you can even encounter blue whales, belugas and fin whales - the world's second largest animal. You can even hang out with reindeer during their migration. Visit Natives offers a six day migration safari with reindeer in the spring.

Beach life and water activities
Because of the warming effect of the Gulf Stream, the waters of Northern Norway actually invites to a variety of activities. Along the coast you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in Norway. Haukland Beach was just recently named as the best beach in Europe by Lonely Planet. Sun-bathing under the Midnight Sun?

You can go island hopping by kayak or canoe, salt water and fresh water fishing, diving, swimming and even surfing. Unstad Beach in Lofoten has become one of the hot spots for surfers from all over the world - even in winter.  Or what about diving in the world's strongest maelstrom, Saltstraumen, near Bodø? 

Find your path
The whole Northern Norway region offers jagged mountain peaks, narrow fjords, islands and inlets, and large mountain plateaus. This provides excellent opportunities for hiking, climbing, caving, horseback riding, biking, glacier walking, and teeing off under the Midnight Sun is something you can do in very few other places in the world. 

Bodø European Cultural Capital  2024 and other cities and towns
Despite being so far north in the world, Northern Norway has been settled for thousands of years, and today you can find cities, towns and villages all over the region. They all offer great restaurants, nightlife and cultural experiences and who would love to sip a glass of wine or a local brew under the Midnight Sun. Tromsø is the largest city in the region and has been nicknamed "Paris of the North" because the fishermen who went south in Europe with their catches and returned back with the latest fashion. Other great towns are Bodø, which will be European Cultural Capital 2024, Alta, Kirkenes, Honningsvåg, just to name a few. 

Actually, Longyearbyen on Svalbard can boost one of the best wine cellars in Norway. 

Cultural immersion - attractions and museums
Northern Norway offers a very rich cultural life. Museums and attractions with local identity, concert halls, local and international festivals abounds. The region can boast two sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List; the Vega Islands and the stone carvings at Alta Museum. At Andøy in Vesterålen space enthusiasts can Spaceship Aurora, and for rail buffs, the Ofotbanen Railway offers great  vistas - all the way into Sweden.

The Vikings also settled in Northern Norway, and at Lofotr museum you can learn about their way of living.

An important part of Norwegian culture is the Sami population who primarily lives in Northern Norway. Towns such as Karasjok, Kautokeino and Alta all have museums and attractions that show Sami culture. 

Culinary delights - Food is half the journey
Norway has experienced a quiet culinary revolution in recent years. The change in attitude towards Norwegian food traditions has been formidable with a rise in local and organic produce and food.
The Arctic growing season is short, but what it lacks in length it makes up for in taste. Some specialities to try out when visiting Northern Norway is cod, including cheeks and tongues, king crab, dried cod, shellfish and of course reindeer. All of these are prepared in both traditional and modern ways, and can be found both in restaurants in cities and towns, but also in more remote areas.

Unique places to stay
Northern Norway offers accommodation that is a little out of the ordinary. Trading posts, lighthouses, fish factories, fishermen's cabins (rorbu), Sami lavvos (traditional tents), farm houses, are just some of the options. 

Over the past few years the region has experienced the rise of architecturally unique lodges, small resorts, glamping options, even a contemplation room. Here are a few examples: The Arctic Hideaway, Varanger Lodge – Untamed Luxury, Isbreen – By the foot of the glacer. 

Unique places to observe the Midnight Sun
Depending on where you go, the Midnight Sun can be observed everywhere above the Arctic Circle from mid May to end July, so wherever you go the chances are the same, as long as the weather cooperates, of course. But the light in the North is always magical anyway and will allow visitors to experience the local culture and plenty of activities.
Some of the most spectacular places to enjoy the sun are the Vega islands - a treasured UNESCO listed archipelago, Senja outside Tromsø, Vesterålen and of course the North Cape, the northernmost point on mainland Europe.
The regional tourist board for Northern Norway has actually come up with 13 unique and special places to go for your sunny adventures. Whether you are along the coast, inland, in cities or towns, it will shine on you.

Scenic drives in Northern Norway
Along selected roads in Norway, natural wonders are amplified by art, design and architecture, meant to bring travellers close to nature in new and surprising ways You can find unexpected rest stops, breathtaking viewpoints, and even unique toilets (!) and art.
Norwegian Scenic Roads has designated 18 such roads all over Norway, and six of them are located in Northern Norway. From north to south: Varanger, Havøysund, Senja, Andøy, Lofoten and Helgelandskysten.

For the latest updates on the current travel regulations, see Visit Norway's website.