5 places on Earth where the sun never sets

Setting of the sun often signals a time to rest, recharge, or reflect. But what if the sun remained a constant presence, never dipping below the horizon to let the night sky take over?

Several parts of the Earth during the summer season witness an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon called Midnight Sun , where nights never come and the sun keeps the sky aglow well past the bedtime, blurring the lines between day and night. The Earth's tilt during this time of the year results in continuous daylight as the sun never fully goes below the horizon in these locations. However, the upside is there is more time for outdoor activities such as hiking or kayaking, and exploring nature. A horde of tourists head to these locations during summer to enjoy a host of activities planned during these months.

From Scandinavia to North America, here are destinations that don't see darkness for an extended time:

1. Norway

Located deep within the Arctic Circle , Norway practically coined the term Midnight Sun. Between May and July, the country enjoys around 76 days of continuous daylight. One of the best spots to experience this marvel is Hammerfest, one of the northernmost towns in the world.

The experience is nothing short of magical. Imagine late-night kayaking under a glowing sky or sipping coffee on a fjord-side patio at 2 am with the sun still shining. Locals embrace the extra hours with hiking, boating, and festivals that run into the small hours without ever needing artificial light. Downside is the disruption of sleep cycle and circadian rhythm. Prolonged exposure to sun is also linked to skin damage and other health issues.

2. Utqiaġvik, Alaska

Utqiaġvik, formerly Barrow, is the northernmost city in the United States and is one of the rare places that experience perpetual daylight 24/7, over almost 80 consecutive days. This happens during late May through early August.

Blessed with a beautiful landscape, in Utqiaġvik, a stunning place where the tundra meets the Arctic Ocean, life slows but never sleeps.

3. Finland’s Lapland

Summer months are nothing short of magical in Northern Finland, particularly in Lapland, where for 4 months the sun continues to shine bright and night sky with all those celestial beauties disappear for a while. From May to August, the sun barely kisses the horizon. In contrast to its dark, frozen winters, when the region turns into a winter wonderland, and a preferred location to catch the Northern Lights phenomenon, Lapland in summer is a paradise of lakes, forests, and vast skies.

4. Canada’s Yukon Territory

Yukon has no dearth of natural wonders that come alive under the Midnight Sun. For several weeks during summer, the sun lingers endlessly in the sky, highlighting its majestic mountain ranges, dense forests, and winding rivers. Yukon is in a high-latitude region, close to the Arctic Circle, and the Earth's tilt on its axis causes the sun to remain above the horizon for extended time during the summer.

To make the most of this unique phenomenon, the region comes up with unique events like the Midnight Sun Golf Tournament, where golfers tee off at midnight. It's an outdoor-lover's dream, painted in a palette of endless daylight.

5. Sweden

Like its Nordic neighbors, Sweden experiences long summer days, especially in its far northern territories. The sun stays high from late May through mid-July, never quite disappearing over the horizon.

Sweden makes the most of this by celebrating Midsommar, a beloved national holiday marked by outdoor feasts, dancing around maypoles, and flower crowns. From Lapland’s rugged wilderness to the charming towns dotted along shimmering lakes, Sweden under the Midnight Sun is a land of calm, beauty, and quiet joy.