How to Experience the Midnight Sun in Iceland
Iceland might be called “the land of fire and ice,” but, in reality, the “land of darkness and light” is just as fitting. In the depths of Icelandic winters, sunlight disappears and, instead, darkness is interrupted mostly by effervescent shimmers of Northern Lights. Yet, between May and August, this phenomenon switches. The midnight sun arrives.
This period welcomes near-permanent daylight, meaning the sun barely drops below the horizon. In a country famed for dramatic scenery and thermal pools, these longer days invite travelers to slow their pace and appreciate its landscapes.
Pause the clock; here’s how to experience the midnight sun in Iceland.
Where To Stay In Iceland In Summer
In summer, Iceland has bright skies to enjoy coastal harbors and village scenery.
Iceland has a knack for inspiring journeys. The country isn’t somewhere you’d usually travel to and stay in a single destination — even if that means guided excursions from Reykjavik. Most visitors hire a car and hit the Ring Road. For accommodation, this means one thing: camping or hotel hopping.
The best places to stay in Iceland in summer are the hotels that maximize natural light and beautiful scenery. Pick a route, and try these spots.
Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and an entry point for most tourists. Imagine a guilty pleasure: slightly commercialized but still quaint, with pockets of nightlife, if you know where to go. Stay at Reykjavik EDITION for floor-to-ceiling windows and a design centered around maximizing views.
The Golden Circle is a famous 300km route through southwestern Iceland, commonly tackled by rental cars on self-drive itineraries. Stay at ION Adventure Hotel, a luxurious property surrounded by lava fields and backed by Thingvellir National Park, or rustic Hotel Ranga, if you’d prefer a coastal base.
The Ring Road is a larger loop of 1322km that stretches around the entire coastline of Iceland. This road trip has earned the nickname of the “perfect loop” and connects all corners of Iceland.
- •In Northern Iceland, there is a strong Viking heritage and Europe’s whale watching capital, Húsavík.
- •In Southern Iceland, there is glacier hiking at Vatnajökull National Park and jet-black coastlines at Reynisfjara and Diamond Beach. The coastal town of Vik is a popular base.
- •Western Iceland is more touristy, with most travelers staying in Reykjavik and visiting the Blue Lagoon.
- •Eastern Iceland feels remote – visit turf-roofed hamlets and hike along dramatic trails, like Stuðlagil Canyon. Find accommodation in Egilsstaðir for a convenient base.
In Geothermal Pools
Bathing in a quiet corner of the Blue Lagoon, surrounded by green rocks and misty blue waters.
Ask anyone about Iceland, and Blue Lagoon gets a mention. The milk-blue waters, mysterious layer of mist, and sloppy face masks — dolloped into outstretched hands by a spa attendant behind a sunken bar. It's a postcard image of Iceland.
From June to August, Blue Lagoon remains open until 11pm. This is late enough to catch the sun bouncing back from the horizon, its stubborn brightness forming amber skies. However, there are other places to witness the midnight sun, and some geothermal pools close even later.
In Húsavík, GeoSea is a geothermal infinity pool overlooking the ocean, which remains open until midnight. For the fortunate bathers, it’s possible to spot orcas, humpback, blue, and fin whales on the horizon — a magical way to experience the midnight sun.
Near Akureyri, Forest Lagoon has a completely different atmosphere. Tucked into a woodland clearing, surrounded by pine and birch trees, this geothermal spa complex has a serene inland setting. Open until 11:30pm, experience a dappled golden hour in an Icelandic forest, then stop for waterfront views on the drive back to Akureyri.
Other options include floating geothermal infinity pools at Vök Baths, near Egilsstaðir, and Earth Lagoon Mývatn, located in Jardböður with the same milk-blue aesthetic as the Blue Lagoon.
Alternatively, to enjoy the midnight sun without a deadline, visit one of Iceland’s public geothermal pools. The Reykjadalur Hot Springs River is an easy detour from the Golden Circle and accessible via a 7km out-and-back trail. Also in the Southern Highlands, Landmannalaugar is nicknamed the “people’s pool” and, for the bravest drivers, is accessible by 4WD.
On the Trails
A man stands at a viewpoint along the Landmannalaugar Trek in the Icelandic highlands.
Iceland is rife with mystical tales of Huldufólk, aka “hidden people,” from elves to fairies. As if to confirm these legends, its volcanic terrain, strewn with moss-covered lava fields in fairytale green, is often complimented as “otherworldly.” Under the midnight sun, hikers can spend longer on trails that have inspired centuries of folklore tales.
From a practical perspective, winter hiking in Iceland is a combination of snowshoes, headtorches, and military-strict guides. Summer temperatures are an opportunity to loosen the reins a little. For a few months, hiking in Iceland become similar to tackling remote terrain in any other European country. Bring a satellite phone, first aid kit, and supplies, but otherwise, embrace seasonal freedom to roam.
For a thru-hike, the 55km Landmannalaugar Trek takes four days and includes colorful views of rhyolite mountains underneath the midnight sun. Finish with a relaxing soak at Landmannalaugar hot springs.
The challenging Fimmvörðuháls trail finishes with a spectacular view of Skógafoss waterfall, where the sunlight and spray sometimes casts rainbows.
If your itinerary is better-suited to a single-day trail, seasoned hikers can tackle the demanding 25km Fimmvörðuháls. This route passes between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, ending at the beautiful Skógafoss waterfall.
For a shorter trail, spend an evening at Stuðlagil Canyon in Jökuldalur Valley. This milk-blue glacial river cuts through a canyon of jet-black basalt columns — a remarkable view for a novelty midnight hike. Or, for similar basalt views, hike an hour to the “black falls” (aka Svartifoss Waterfall) in Vatnajokull National Park.
It's also worth mentioning Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, known for its resident Arctic fox population. More daylight hours means a better chance of sightings — bring a telephoto lens or binoculars.
Takeaway
In Icelandic summers, the sun bounces straight back off the horizon, forming spectacular skies over dramatic scenery, like this black sand beach.
Winter might be a magical time to visit Iceland, but when the darkness lifts, it reveals an equally beautiful side of the country. The midnight sun casts a golden spotlight on Iceland's distinct wildlife and scenery. Pack an eye mask, and prepare to operate on a brand-new body clock.
