The Sky Stays Blue for 24 Hours During Iceland's Midsummer Magic
Iceland during midsummer is a very magical time. Because of Iceland’s northern location, the sun never really sets during the time of the Summer Solstice (June 21st). Likewise, during the time of the Winter Solstice (December 21st), the sun shows itself for three hazy hours per day.
The sunsets at midsummer are very different than at any other time of the year, with the sun seemingly bleeding into the horizon, only to drift right back up again. The very picturesque nature of the spectacle is a great opportunity for taking photos, having a picnic, meditation, and yoga. The summer is also a popular time for festivals and concerts to make use of the ample light.
In Reykjavik, the Seltjarnarnes peninsula is a great place to view the sunset, and throughout the summertime is great for bird lovers. Iceland has about 85 bird species that have or have attempted to nest here, with 330 bird species recorded overall. While the number of nesting species in Iceland is considered low compared to other mainland European countries, Iceland has a huge amount of certain species, which compensates for the low variety. It is possible to see the Arctic Tern, Great Scaup, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Common Eider, and Common Ringed Plover, for example.
If you’re traveling around Snæfelsness Peninsula north of Reykjavik, there are many great places to watch the sunset spread over the many tiny islands in Breiðafjörður bay. All activities taking place after the typical daytime hours take on a magical twilight feeling with the soft glow of the sun. Although there are a few hazards with such uncompromising sun – like making it hard to sleep and especially hard to get your children to sleep – there are also upsides like not noticing how the time passes by as you’re hanging out with friends outside. The film by Icelandic director Rúnar Rúnarsson, which is called Sparrows (2015), makes use of this enchanting glow of summertime throughout the whole film.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
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