Iceland is by far one of the most popular countries to visit as it is known for its impressive Northern lights, beautiful landscape and has so many things to do and see. One of the most desired views in Iceland is the Midnight Sun, which is a natural phenomenon when the sun can be visible at midnight.
However, for anyone that wants to experience the magical Midnight Sun there are quite a few things to know about it (when to go, where to see it, how to get there, etc). Here is the ultimate guide with tips on the Midnight Sun in Iceland:
When is the best time to go
In Iceland the long days of sunlight start just at the end of February with 15 hours of daylight and last until mid-September with 13 hours of daylight. However, the peak of it is right in the middle of June where Iceland is sunny for a whole of 21 hours. That is when the Midnight Sun is the most visible and the days can be enjoyed the longest.
Where to see it
To see the Midnight Sun you really don’t need to go far – you could even watch it from your hotel room. However, the view is not going to be as impressive as it could be, which is why it is always recommended to go to the key viewing spots. Here are some of the best places to view the Midnight Sun from:
Grotta Lighthouse
If you are staying in Reykjavik, Grotta Lighthouse is perhaps the closest place to go. Nevertheless it will not cease to impress with its amazing views. Here you can watch the beautiful hours-lasting sunset by the beach with the views of the city skyline, the ocean horizon and glaciers.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
For anyone who wishes to get some pretty pictures from their journey, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is perhaps the best choice. The picturesque waterfall looks amazing in the pictures where the light of Midnight Sun is its backdrop, bringing out the most beautiful and vibrant colours of the setting.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
This place is one of the most impressive ones to go for sight-seeing, especially during the Midnight Sun. The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is known for its black sand beach as well as for the giant chunks of ice floating on the sea, looking like big pieces of diamond. The mystical place also has a firework festival on the second weekend of August, for anyone who is travelling at that time of the year.
Although some of these places might be a bit harder to reach given the time of the evening, the experience will be worth it and it is definitely worth the hustle. One of the easiest ways to get around to it is by car rental in Iceland. Getting there with a car is a relatively easy journey and the destination will surely not disappoint. Interestingly, these places are also noted for being the best viewing spots for the Northern Lights in Iceland. The season for these ethereal lights starts in September and runs through April. In case you want to catch the spectacular lights next time you visit Iceland, start with the information here.
Things to do during Midnight Sun
With the long days in Iceland during June you also get twice as much time and opportunities to visit places and do things. That also applies for the time during the Midnight Sun, as it looks like a long-lasting sunset which provides with the beautiful and cozy atmosphere wherever you go. It’s a bizarre feeling, but one you won’t forget. Therefore, besides just watching it, there are also many things you can do under this lighting.
Go hiking
When is a better hiking time than during sunset? Usually, it would be concerning to watch the sunset from the top of the mountain, as the sun would go down and getting back in the dark would be quite hard. However, during the Midnight Sun the sunset-looking views last for hours, therefore it makes it a great time to go on an adventurous hike and make some unforgettable memories.
Join a guided tour
If 20 hours of daylight is still not enough for you to explore Iceland and you are in thirst for some more, there could not be a better time to go than midnight. As crazy as it sounds, there are many guided tours that happen during midnight in Iceland because of the unique atmosphere it creates. For instance, you can get tours to walk around the highlights of Iceland.
Go for a swim
If you wish to do something more peaceful but just as adventurous, you can always go swimming under the Midnight Sun. You can either do that at the beach or in the hot spring locations with warm water. A swim with beautiful natural surroundings and the sunny night sky sounds like a perfect way to spend your evening after a long day of exploring.
Iceland is one of the very few places on Earth where you can experience the beautiful view of Midnight Sun and daylight that lasts 20 hours. If that’s what you want to see in Iceland, summer is the best time to visit. Nevertheless, winter in Iceland has its own charm and equally impressive sites to see.