If you have never been to Iceland before, then one thing that might surprise you about the country is the different seasons and hours of sunlight. During the summer months in Iceland, it is often common to experience midnight sun in the country. At the peak of summer, you can expect to get 24 hours of daylight during peak times, as the sun rarely sets. This provides the rare opportunity to experience much of Iceland’s natural beauty, late into the night. But you might be left wondering what there is to do in the country with the midnight sun and what activities you can still do, as many places will have limited opening hours. We've provided you with a guide to the best experiences under Iceland’s midnight sun.
Whale Watching
One of the most unique experiences during the midnight sun is to head out on a whale watching tour under the magical summer sun. The twilight sky is a stunning setting for heading out to sea and spotting some of the most magnificent creatures in the ocean. You will often find that you are more likely to spot wales under the midnight sun as there is less activity on the waters too. Whales never fully sleep either so there’s no need to worry about that. You can expect to see minke whales, white beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and even humpback whales too.
You can book a trip here.
Glacier Walk
A great way to see some of the dramatic landscapes around the country is to go on a late night glacier walk. There are some guided tour trips that head out late at night and you can also arrange a private tour with one of the guides. You will find that these regions are often scarcely populated, ever more so during midnight walks. This can make the hike even more special as you are out in the wilderness experiencing the glaciers without much human contact.
Book your guided tour online.
Dogsledding
If you’re looking for an alternative way to take in the natural wonders of Iceland, then why not try a dogsledding trip. Although you might be heading out during the summer months, there is still plenty of snow in some regions which are perfect for sledding. This is one of the perfect ways to experience Iceland under the twilight rays of the midnight sun. The tours last for around 45-60 minutes and can be taken at midnight. You also have plenty of photo opportunities and get the chance to meet the sled dogs too.
Organise your dogsledding tour.
Helicopter Tours
Another activity that you might not have thought would be possible at midnight is a helicopter tour. With the midnight sun illuminating the landscape, it provides the perfect opportunity to see some of the natural wonders around the country. Due to long daylight hours, you will be able to see much more of the country than you would have thought. Try a helicopter tour around the country to get some great and unique views of the main attractions in Iceland.
Book a helicopter tour online.
These are just a few of the tours and activities that you can do under the midnight sun in Iceland but there are plenty more. However, some of these activities are in remote locations around Iceland, so you might want to consider hiring a car to get around. This also means that you can enjoy exploring the country in the midnight sun on your own too. If you are looking to book a car rental in Iceland, then Reykjavik-Rent-a-Car can help. Book with us online today.
Download this guide as a PDF and take it with you on your trip.