“The land of the midnight sun“ is one of the most romantically appealing destinations to visit. However, to find it, we have to travel to the chilly Polar Regions. The appearance of the midnight sun is a phenomenon that occurs both north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle. Because we do not have any permanent settlements in the regions south of Antarctic Circle, most midnight sun seekers head north of Arctic Circle.
- Things to know:
- What is it – A period of time when the sun never sets.
- Best season to visit – 16 May to 27 July at Utjoki.
- Nearest town – Utjoki in Finland is 165 km (102mi) north of Ivalo on the E75.
- Things not be missed – Look out for special summer concerts held outdoors at night.
- Other Facts – Refraction of sunlight makes it possible to experience the Midnight Sun up to 80km (50mi) south of the Arctic Circle for a few days each year. Mosquitoes are a nuisance during the summer in northern Finland.
- For six months of the year the earth’s North Pole is tilted towards the sun. Close to the summer solstice – 21st June – this inclination is at its maximum, and the sun shines directly on the North Pole and down to latitude of 66⁰34’ – the Arctic Circle. If you travel north of this line at this time, while you will see the sun dip towards the horizon, but it never goes below it.
- The number of days per year with potential midnight sun increases the closer towards either pole one goes. The opposite phenomenon, polar night, occurs in winter, when the Sun stays below the horizon throughout the day.
- The regions / countries where the phenomenon of the midnight sun can be observed are the Canadian Yukon, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories; the nations of Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark (Greenland), Russia; and the State of Alaska in the United States.
- More than a quarter of Finland lies above the Arctic Circle, making it a perfect place to experience this magical natural phenomenon. At Finland‘s northernmost town Utjoki, the sun does not set for a period of 73 days during during the year making it a perfect place to visit to experience it first hand.
- It can be really hard for many visitors to sleep because the natural pattern of day and night is disturbed. However, for the locals, it is one of the best times of the year and they seem to revel in the experience and an almost festive spirit breaks out throughout Finland.
- These festivities reach a climax with the midsummer celebrations. Everywhere is decorated with birch branches and flowers and midsummer bonfires – called kokko- are lit. It’s a time of great celebration and euphoria.
- When you have had enough of partying, a walk beside a beautiful lake at midnight, among the soft shadows cast by a low and luminous sun will provide an experience never to be forgotten.