Lofoten Handbook

Things to do under the midnight sun in Lofoten

For several weeks around midsummer the sun stays above the horizon through the night in Lofoten. Visit Lofoten gives the season as 28 May to 14 July, with dates varying by place, and points visitors to the outer coast, noting that Svolvær sits south of high mountains that block the sun.

Last verified 16 September 2026

When

Late May to mid-July. MET Norway's 2026 calculation, counting nights when the sun is above a flat horizon at midnight, runs from the night of 25–26 May to 17–18 July at Svolvær and from 26–27 May to 15–16 July at Reine. Mountains can hide the low sun at many spots (Visit Lofoten).

Where

Visit Lofoten's top-10 list with its dates (which it says can shift by about a day from year to year): Laukvik 24 May–20 July; Hov on Gimsøya 25 May–19 July; Eggum 25 May–19 July; Unstad 25 May–19 July; Skagsanden at Flakstad 26 May–18 July; Kvalvika 27 May–17 July; Bunesstranda 28 May–16 July; Værøy 29 May–15 July; Røst 30 May–14 July; and most summits. The midnight sun page gives Uttakleiv as 25 May–18 July. Laukvika and Hov are 20–30 minutes' drive from Svolvær.

Operators

  • Hov Gård: Midnight Sun Tour on horseback from the stables at Hov, Gimsøya; no experience needed; helmets, warm clothes, rain gear, boots and gloves provided; listed price NOK 1,490.
  • Lofoten Opplevelser: Midnight sun RIB safari from Henningsvær harbour; meet 21:45; flotation suits provided; listed NOK 1,295 adults, NOK 995 children under 12.
  • The Tide Lofoten: RIB from Sørvågen to Vindstad, then a walk of about 40 minutes along Bunesfjorden up to the Einangen viewpoint before continuing to Bunesstranda; 22:30–01:30; 27 May–17 July only; 4–12 people.
  • Reine Rorbuer: Midnight Sun Kayak Tour on Reinefjorden, 3 hours, 1–10 paddlers per guide; listed price NOK 1,450.

How long it takes

Watching is free and open-ended. Listed organised options: Hov Gård Midnight Sun Tour on horseback (2 hours); Lofoten Opplevelser RIB midnight sun safari from Henningsvær (2–3 hours, meet 21:45); The Tide RIB trip from Sørvågen with a walk to Bunesstranda (22:30–01:30, only 27 May–17 July); Reine Rorbuer Midnight Sun Kayak Tour (3 hours).

Who it suits

Beach viewing needs no particular fitness. Listed limits: Hov Gård age field 8 and a 95 kg rider weight limit; The Tide age field 8, minimum 4 and maximum 12 people; Reine Rorbuer kayak age field 12.

Practical information

  • The northern lights cannot be seen during the midnight sun period because the sky is too light.
  • Visit Lofoten suggests a sleep mask, or covering the window, if the light makes sleep difficult.
  • Summits Visit Lofoten names for midnight sun hikes include Hoven on Gimsøya and Åndhammarn on Røst; its hike guides also suggest Festvågtinden, Reinebringen and Ryten.
  • Weather changes quickly and temperatures can be in single digits even in summer, so carry warm layers (Visit Lofoten mountain safety).

Questions

When is the midnight sun in Lofoten?
Visit Lofoten gives 28 May to 14 July as the general season, with some outer-coast spots from 24–25 May to 18–20 July. MET Norway's 2026 calculation for a flat horizon puts the sun above the horizon at midnight from the night of 25–26 May to 17–18 July at Svolvær and 26–27 May to 15–16 July at Reine.
Why can't you see the midnight sun from Svolvær or Leknes?
Visit Lofoten explains that Svolvær sits south of high mountains that block the sun, and points visitors to the outer coast instead; Laukvika and Hov are 20–30 minutes' drive from Svolvær. It does not give a separate explanation for Leknes.
Where are good places to watch the midnight sun in Lofoten?
Visit Lofoten names Laukvik, Hov, Eggum, Unstad, Skagsanden, Uttakleiv, Kvalvika, Bunesstranda, Værøy and Røst, as well as most summits.
What can you do under the midnight sun?
Listed options include horse riding at Hov Gård, RIB safaris from Henningsvær, a boat-and-walk trip to Bunesstranda from Sørvågen, kayaking on Reinefjorden and night hikes.

Sources

Details last verified 16 September 2026.