The Midnight Sun – Light All Night Long

What is it?

The midnight sun is a phenomenon that occurs during the summer months north of the Arctic Circle. Due to the position of the earth, even at its lowest point, the sun never slides under the horizon. You can practically witness light all night long, creating the perfect ambiance for romantic walks on the close-by nature, night-time sailing, golf or kayaking.


When can I experience the midnight sun?

During 2012 you can see the midnight sun in Bodø between the 4th of June and the 8th of July. In this period the sun never crosses the horizon in the north. Between the 30th of May and the 3rd of June as well as between the 8th and the 12th of July the sun will cross the horizon but its top will still be visible.

Why Bodø?

In Bodø there are several places which are excellent in order to experience the midnight sun. The most common viewpoint is the so-called Mount Rønvik (Rønvikfjellet), 3 km from the city centre. You can drive all the way to the top or walk parts of the stretch. There are also possibilities to talk busses part of the distance (nr. 14 and 17 to Vollen).

If you wish to go higher up to experience the midnight sun “Keiservarden” is a fantastic alternative. The trip can be recommended for the whole family and will take you approximately 3 hours up and down. The best starting point is Mount Rønvik from where you can follow natures own pats to the top. You can also walk the paved road from Maskinisten. It requires some effort, but you will earn a marvelous view and an unforgettable midnight sun experience.

As a third alternative, you can experience the midnight sun from the top floor restaurant in the Radisson Blu Hotell (Topp 13), in more urban surroundings.

Trips/Adventures

Due to the island of Landegode just north of Bodø, you will have to go to viewpoints to experience the midnight sun itself. However, there are other excellent ways to take advantage of the light. Two of the most familiar ones are Bodøsjøen and Mjelle. Near by the city centre you may find Bodøsjøen, an outdoor museum. Here you can walk between houses dating back several hundred years while enjoying the bright lights from the midnight sun shining in the mountains on the other end of the fjord, Saltenfjorden. This outdoor area is much used by the local population in Bodø. Admission to the area is open for everyone while tours inside the houses have to be arranged through the local museum, Nordlandsmuseet. To access Bodøsjøen, follow directions to Bodsøsjøen Camping and you will find the outdoor area a few hundred meters from the camping reception.

If you drive 23 km north from Bodø, towards Kjerringøy, you will find Mjelle. Simply head north on Rv. 834 and take a left after approximately 20 km, following the sign to Mjelle/Mulstrand. The beach is probably the finest in the Bodø area. With its location at the foot of impressive mountains faced towards the Lofoten islands, the area provides the ideal surroundings for midnight walks and maybe even a midnight swim.