What to do under the Midnight Sun
August 2008
The true magic of the midnight sun can be experienced from June to August in northern Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway & Sweden). Although the whole of the region gets long, warm summer nights, you have to travel north of the Arctic Circle to experience the true magic of the Midnight Sun. Go on a midnight hike in northern Sweden or watch the sun set from the dramatic cliff at Norway’s North Cape or let hard working, sled dogs take you on a midnight tour to a Greenlandic Glacier.
DENMARK
Let the dogs lead the way to the sun on Greenland
The town of Qeqertarsuaq on the west coast of Greenland, lies on the southern end of an island with the same name, meaning ”the large island”. The island is dominated by glaciers, hot springs and green valleys and from the middle of May to mid July, this is where the midnight sun can be experienced. This will be your base for this midnight dog sledding adventure to Lyngmark Glacier, 800 metres high.
This is one of the very few places on Greenland where you can go dog sledding in summer. It is worth the effort and the reward is a breathtaking view of the Disko Bay area and the gigantic iceberg at Ilulissat some 100 km away. If you are lucky, you might also spot the magnificent humpback whales playing in the waters surrounding the island during summer.
More information:
www.greenland.com
Midnight sun sailing in Uummannaq
Uummannaq is one of the northern most municipalities on Greenland and lies on an island about 590 km north of the Arctic Circle. This part of Greenland is known to many as the real Greenland. It is surrounded by icebergs, dramatic mountain peaks and amazing wildlife and to its approximately 2700 inhabitants, fishing and hunting or dog sled is a part of everyday life. Uummannaq Tourist Service offers a Midnight Sailing Tour from June to September. The sailing trip lasts about two hours and takes you along the beautiful fjord of Uummannaq to experience the magic of the midnight sun.
More information:
www.greenland-guide.gl
www.northgreenland.com
NORWAY
See North Cape in a different light
In the northernmost part of Norway in the region of Finnmark lies the cliff of North Cape. Majestically rising 308 metres above the North Atlantic Ocean this is sometimes referred to as the northernmost point of Europe and is a perfect spot to enjoy the midnight sun. The area of Finnmark is located on the same latitude as Alaska, Greenland and Siberia but thanks to the warm Gulf Stream, the coast is protected from the cold streams.
The quaint and charming fishing villages that are scattered along the coast and on the islands are well worth a visit. In addition, the area also offers activities such as deep sea fishing, bird safaris, great hiking trails and a chance to learn more about the unique Sámi culture.
More information:
www.visitnorthcape.com
www.nordkapp.no
Explore the midnight magic of the Norwegian Fjords
Enjoy the long summer nights in Norway by exploring its unique coastline. The beautiful fjords along with quaint fishing villages, dramatic mountains and islands are the perfect setting for a summer adventure. The long coast from north to south offer a wide range of activities such as midnight sun cruises, whale watching, deep-sea fishing as well the opportunity to visit the many charming towns and fishing villages scattered along the coast.
More information:
www.visitnorway.com
www.fjordnorway.com
SWEDEN
A new golfing experience
If you’re a golfer looking for a truly unforgettable experience, try your luck under the light of the midnight sun in northern Sweden at Björkliden’s golf course. The Björkliden golf course has a varied nine-hole course set in spectacular surroundings about 200 km north of the Arctic Circle and close to the Norwegian border. In the Sámi tent half way through the course, you can figure out your next move over a nice cup of coffee.
The location offers the best of the two neighboring countries. Go on a scenic drive across the border, explore the Fjords of Norway or perhaps try the golf courses on the other side. The Best of The Arctic offer a golf package to Björkliden including four nights at the Hotel Fjället, green fee for two days of your choice at Björkliden golf course, trip by air from Stockholm or by train from Gothenburg as well as transfers to and from the airport.
More information:
http://www.thebestofthearctic.com/leisure/bjorkliden_4e.htm
www.bjorkliden.com
Take a midnight hike in Swedish Lapland
Available from 15 June to 15 September this hiking trip will make the most of the bright summer nights of Sweden’s northern Lapland. You can choose between either a full or half nights hike, plus the guides will tailor the trek to your strength so you are able to fully explore the mountains of Abisko National Park. In this area the midnight sun can be experienced until August but the trip is available until 15 September as the nights will still be bright.
The scenery is breathtaking and the amazing mountain formation, Lapporten, which in the Sámi mythology is ‘holy’, is well worth the walk. The trek includes any local transport, a cup of strong coffee as you reach your destination and an experienced guide who will tell you all you need to know about the area. You can choose to add hot meals, accommodation in a Sámi tent and helicopter transfer as well.
More information:
www.lappland.se
www.abiskomountainlodge.se
With SAS the midnight sun is just around the corner
No matter where you choose in Scandinavia for the ultimate Midnight Sun experience, whether it is the far north of Norway, Sweden or Greenland, getting there by air is easier than you might think. SAS offers the strongest route network of any airline group operating within Scandinavia, with over 60 destinations to choose from. To view the network of the region and how to get there from Australia with SAS, go to www.flysas.com.au
-ENDS-
The Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is the principal partner of The Scandinavian Tourist Board (STB). SAS is the largest airline group in Scandinavia and Nordic Europe, operating over 126 destinations and routes worldwide. Go to www.visitscandinavia.com.au to learn more about the destination or visit www.flysas.com.au to find out more about SAS.