Midnight Sun in Iceland: What to Do & Where to Go
Chase the magic of Iceland’s Midnight Sun. From whale-watching to glacier walks and late-night road trips from Reykjavík, endless summer daylight means endless adventure.
If you’ve never been to Iceland before, one of the most surprising things is how dramatically the daylight hours change with the seasons. During the summer months, Iceland experiences the Midnight Sun, a natural phenomenon where the sun barely sets, resulting in nearly 24 hours of daylight at the height of summer.
What is the Midnight Sun?
The Midnight Sun is a period of several weeks from the beginning of June to the end of July, during which the sun rarely drops below the horizon. When the sun does set for just a few hours, the landscape is bathed in dusky light, meaning it doesn’t really get dark. The peak of the Midnight Sun is the Summer Solstice or Sumarsólstöður, the longest day of the year, which typically falls around the 21st of June.
What causes the Midnight Sun?
When the North Pole is facing the sun, it basks in 6 months of sunlight due to the Earth's axis. Because Iceland is a country that is fairly high in the Northern Hemisphere, it also experiences this phenomenon; however, it doesn’t last quite so long! The level of light during the Midnight Sun means that the breathtaking scenery in Iceland is often flooded with vibrant colors.
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.
What are the best things to do during Iceland’s Midnight Sun?
While the Midnight Sun might be a phenomenon you’ve not experienced before, it can be hard to know how best to appreciate it. We've provided you with a guide to the best experiences under Iceland’s Midnight Sun.
Take Part in the Midnight Sun Run
The Suzuki Midnight Sun Run is a sporting event that began in 1993 and now attracts participants from around the world. Runners select their 5k, 10k, or half-marathon distance through East Reykjavík. After the run, participants are invited to attend the nearby Laugardalslaug geothermal pool for a pool party, perfect for relaxing those aching joints! The run typically begins in the evening, around 9:00 pm, to best enjoy the rays of the Midnight Sun. Tickets for the middle distance for an adult are around $44. Children can also take part in the run, but they must be at least 12 years of age for the 10k and half marathon.
Go on a Whale Watching Tour
One of the most unique experiences during the Midnight Sun is to head out on a whale watching tour under the magical summer sky. The twilight hues make for 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 whales under the Midnight Sun, as there is less activity on the waters, too. Whales never fully sleep; in fact, only one half of their brain rests at a time. This means they continue to swim and breathe through their blowhole at all times, so there’s no need to worry about that. Expect to see minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and even humpback whales, too.
To make things easier, you may want to book your Midnight Sun whale watching trip in advance.
Embark on a Spectacular 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 sparsely populated, even 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 glacier tour online.
Take Part In The Arctic Open Golf Tournament
Are you an avid golf player? Based in Akureyri, the world's northernmost golf course, the Arctic Open Golf Tournament is a popular tournament that attracts golfers from all over the world. The peculiar light and stunning scenery are a great opportunity to compete and have fun over the summer solstice.
Try Dog Sledding
If you’re looking for an alternative way to take in the natural wonders of Iceland, then why not try a dog sledding trip? Although you might be heading out during the summer months, there is still plenty of snow in some regions - perfect for sledding. This is one of the most magical ways to experience Iceland under the twilight rays of the Midnight Sun. Tours last about 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.
Organize your dog sledding tour.
Splash Out On a Helicopter Tour
Another activity that you might not have thought would be possible at midnight is a helicopter tour. The Midnight Sun illuminates the landscape, providing 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.
Driving in Iceland during the Midnight Sun
Experiencing a road trip during the Midnight Sun is an unforgettable way to experience this phenomenon, and driving a rental car gives you the freedom to make the most of it.
Why drive around Iceland during the Midnight Sun?
More daylight means more flexibility. During the Midnight Sun, you won’t find yourself racing to an attraction before sunset. You can plan longer day trips and explore at your own pace. Plus, the low angle of the sun makes for perfect golden hour photos throughout the night.
Things to keep in mind
With continuous daylight, it can be easy to lose track of time and drive for longer than intended. Watch for signs of fatigue and take regular breaks to ensure you stay safe.
When driving at night, you should also take extra caution for wildlife that may be crossing the road during these quieter times, especially in the countryside.
Best Midnight Sun Road Trips from Reykjavík
Reykjavík is a great base for exploring Iceland by car under the Midnight Sun. Here are a few scenic routes worth considering:
- The Golden Circle - Explore Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss under the glowing evening light
- The South Coast - Head east to waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, or continue to Vík for black sand beaches.
- The Ring Road - For adventurous travelers with a few days to spare, a full Ring Road trip under the Midnight Sun offers the ultimate Icelandic experience. Summer is the safest and most convenient time to complete it - especially with a small car rental in Iceland.
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Often called “Iceland in Miniature,” this route offers coastal cliffs, lava fields, and small villages - stunning in golden sunlight.
Iceland’s Midnight Sun FAQs
Is it difficult to sleep during Midnight Sun?
A trip to Iceland is often full of long, tiring days, hiking, and exploring the scenery. This can mean that for most people, when night arrives, sleep comes easily.
Hotels are prepared for the Midnight Sun and will mostly have full blackout blinds, which means you can hide away from the daylight while you sleep. If you are camping or staying in alternative accommodation, you may want to bring an eye mask!
Where can I see the Midnight Sun in Iceland?
The further north you travel, the longer the sun will be above the horizon, so Akureyri might experience slightly longer daylight hours than Reykjavík, for example. However, the Midnight Sun is in effect across the entire country, so wherever you’re planning to visit, you’ll be able to experience the incredible, almost 24-hour sunlight during late June.
To have the best experience, you can embark on some of the above activities to make the most of it.
How long does the Midnight Sun last in Iceland?
There are only a couple of weeks around the Summer Solstice in which the sun is still visible at midnight. However, from May to July, you’ll see that the sky never really gets dark, while the sun does dip below the horizon.
How many hours of daylight are there in winter in Iceland?
You may be considering that if the Midnight Sun occurs in summer, the opposite happens in winter. Daylight hours indeed dwindle during winter, sometimes with just 4-5 hours of daylight in 24 hours. But even in the depths of winter, Iceland is not dark all day. This time of year does allow visitors to spot the Northern Lights on clear nights, so there is always something to see in Iceland’s skies!
Can you see the Midnight Sun in Reykjavík?
Yes, you can! While Reykjavík is slightly south of the Arctic Circle, it still experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight around the Summer Solstice in June. Whether you’re strolling along the harbor or setting off on a midnight road trip, the Reykjavík Midnight Sun offers a surreal experience.
Above are just a few of the tours and activities that you can do under the midnight sun in Iceland. It makes for a spectacular backdrop for whatever you want to do, be it hiking, sightseeing, or road-tripping. 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 Reykjavík Rent a Car can help. Book with us online today.