Swathed in tradition, folklore, and celebration around the Northern Hemisphere, the time surrounding the June Summer Solstice offers a magical view of the world at this latitude. The phenomenon created by the tilt of Earth’s axis results in the northernmost parts of the world being coated in deep golden and yellow during the sun’s peak and the soft, ethereal glow of pink and red during dawn and dusk.

For these places that experience an extended, consistently dark winter, the brightness of June creates an air of wonder, merriment, and adventure among locals—and the perfect time to visit their lands of festivity and awe. If you’re keen to experience the midnight sun, here are four destinations where the days never end and the festivities never cease.

1. Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Svalbard is rife with summer activities for outdoor and indoor enthusiasts alike. This Norwegian island is the northernmost permanent settlement in the world. After about three months of total darkness during their Polar Night, the beauty of the Summer Solstice is the height of exuberance.

Take a kayaking tour to the nearby glaciers of the Adventfjord, typically lasting around four hours, or book a trip on one of the electric/hybrid-powered sightseeing boats. If you want a break from the water, take a guided hiking tour of the nearby mountains. These can be booked for only an hour or two or for all-day to multi-day adventures. They offer a unique and intimate way to experience Longyearbyen during its longest, brightest days – without feeling the rush of sundown.

If you prefer to be indoors, start your trip by wandering through the Svalbard Museum, where you can get a contextual background for your stay. Take a stop at the Husky Cafe, where you’ll be greeted by the fluffy friendliness of the dogs while waiting for your drink. You can also escape into the whimsical atmosphere of Mary-Ann’s Vinterhagen Restaurant & Peisen Bar or sit outside in the sun at Barentz Gastropub for some Nordic delicacies.

2. Grímsey Island, Iceland

Resting about forty kilometers, or 25 miles, from Iceland’s north coast, Grímsey is the only part of the country that falls beyond the Arctic Circle. As such, the Summer Solstice is celebrated with a vibrance, with the town creating an entire itinerary for the surrounding days, making it an exceptionally unique place to experience the event.

The itinerary typically includes dinner fare at the only restaurant on the island, followed by a boat tour through the gleaming surrounding waters as the sun makes its slow descent, never lowering further than a burgeoning golden hour. The following day, there is typically a hosted dinner (2024’s dinner was held by the Women in Society Club), followed by a family-friendly party. You can also spend the sunny days by booking a fishing trip or wandering around the island’s gallery.

3. Whitehorse, Yukon

While most other places feel the rush of festivities during the solstice, the Yukon takes a different approach: slowing down. The locals take pride in the novelty of not having to race to cram activity and adventure into the daylight hours, because they never end.

The Yukon is steeped in outdoor adventure, and the midnight sun allows for plentiful outdoor recreation. Hike the breathtaking mountains near town with trails like the Yukon River Trail North or the popular Emerald Lake, where the distinctive jewel-toned water glistens beneath the high sun. Classic Canadian Tours offers a unique Yukon Solstice Tour that includes an entire itinerary to celebrate this lively time in the Yukon.

As June 21 also coincides with National Indigenous Peoples Day, which celebrates the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, acknowledge and appreciate those who have lived on the land long before your visit. While the cultural center is in Dawson City, you can still explore The MacBride Museum of Yukon History in Whitehorse – the oldest museum in the Yukon.

4. Lapland, Finland

Lapland is home to the internationally recognized Midnight Sun Film Festival, which features both local and international cinema against the backdrop of the waning midsummer sun. Held at the beginning of June, the festival is especially unique as it also lasts 24 hours, giving ample time to see a showing.

Towards the end of June, Lapland also holds The Solstice Festival, which boasts art installations and magnetic, electronic music that has become increasingly popular throughout the world. 

Apart from organized festivals, Lapland’s early summer creates beautiful outdoor activities for the apt and the casual nature lover. You can find a mix of both at stays like the Aurora Village, where you can enjoy traditional Finnish solstice celebrations, stroll through a secluded forest, and feel the warmth of the never-setting sun in the northern lakes.