We provide you with a guide to the best experiences under Iceland’s midnight sun, including whale watching, glacier walks, dog sledding, and more.
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. Let’s take a closer look at this phenomenon.
What is the Midnight Sun?
The midnight sun is a period of several weeks from the beginning of June to the end of July, whereby 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.
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 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 Reykjavik. After the run, participants are invited to attend the nearby Laugardalslaug geothermal pool for a pool party, relaxing aching joints! The run typically begins in the evening, around 21:00, to best enjoy the rays of the Midnight Sun. Tickets for the middle distance for an adult are around $38.
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 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 whales 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. Expect to see minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and even humpback whales, too.
You can book a trip here.
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 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 with record numbers of international players in 2024. 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 which are perfect for sledding. This is one of the perfect 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.
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 Akururi might experience slightly longer daylight hours than Reykjavik, 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?
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?
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!
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 Reykjavik Rent a Car can help. Book with us online today.