"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
17 Feb 2023
How would it feel to be in a place where the sun never sets? Will we continue to work into the night? We can never imagine being in a place where the day never ends, but you will be surprised to know that such places do really exist.
These locations are also referred to as the "land of the midnight sun," "land of the never-setting sun," and "no sunset lands." Below is a list of 5 such locations where residents have never witnessed sundown.
Norway:
It is appropriate to start with Norway as this country is also called the 'Land of the Midnight Sun.' Due to its location in the Arctic Circle, Norway does not experience sunsets for almost 76 days in a year. One of the country's northernmost regions, Hammerfest experiences nonstop sunshine for 76 days between May and July.
Iceland:
Iceland, famous for its breathtaking Aurora, also boasts of an unexpected perk - zero mosquitoes! Tourists from Asia are in for a treat as they can enjoy a mosquito-free evening. But what's more intriguing is that during the month of June, there's no evening at all as the sun doesn't set on this island. If you want to witness the midnight sun, head to Grimsey island or the city of Akureyri.
Nunavut, Canada:
This small city, situated just two degrees above the Arctic circle, is a testament to human endurance in the face of extreme weather conditions. With only 3000 residents, it's a wonder how they survive in this bone-chilling environment, but it's a prime example of the survival of the fittest. For about two months each year, this city never sees the sun set, and during winter, it experiences 30 consecutive days of darkness. Despite the challenging conditions, this place is a popular tourist destination in Canada, ranking high in popularity after Toronto.
Kiruna, Sweden:
Kiruna is the northernmost city of Sweden, where the sun is a bit of a rebel and refuses to set for almost 100 days each year! Among the top sights is the Art Nouveau Church of Kiruna, a true masterpiece of architecture that will leave you in awe. And if that's not enough to entice you, the city is also aglow for almost 100 days each year, creating a vibrant atmosphere that is sure to capture your heart.
Barrow, Alaska:
Barrow, the largest city of the North Slope Borough in Alaska, is a place of contrasts. From May to July, the city glows with the light of the midnight sun, making it a haven for sunseekers. However, in November, the polar night descends upon the city, shrouding it in darkness and rendering the sun invisible for almost a month. If you venture far enough north, you'll reach Point Barrow, the northernmost point in the US and a place where the land meets the vast, icy expanse of the Arctic Ocean.
Visiting these places during the summer months is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Watching the Sun stay above the horizon for days is a surreal experience, and the natural beauty of these places is stunning. These places remind us that the world is not uniform and that there are places where time works differently. They are a reminder that our understanding of time is tied to the movements of celestial bodies, and that the Sun is at the center of it all.