Imagine spending days without seeing the sunlight and living in a world devoid of color during the day, as if it were always night. In winter, the northernmost polar regions of the world showcase natural phenomena that attract curious tourists. One of them is the “polar night,” a situation where the sun does not rise above the horizon during this time of the year.
During this period, residents and visitors in regions such as Finland, Norway, Sweden, Canada, and Greenland become accustomed to the darkness or the perpetual twilight.
A true dream for night enthusiasts, these places offer cozy accommodations that explore other natural phenomena of this period, such as the Northern Lights, and various outdoor activities that embrace the snow.
According to a survey conducted by Booking.com with approximately 28,000 travelers, 70% of those planning a trip in 2024 seek a cooler destination this year. In another study, 58% of respondents on the platform expressed a desire to focus on sleep during vacations. And what better opportunity than the polar night to combine the useful with the enjoyable?
Here are some places where the sunlight doesn’t illuminate winter:
- Fairbanks, Alaska: In the state of Alaska, south of the Arctic Circle, lies the city of Fairbanks, where the polar night phenomenon occurs. The Northern Lights activity is concentrated in the extreme northern ring-shaped area. To counter the low temperatures, hot stone mineral pools are part of the Chena Hot Springs complex, about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Fairbanks. The polar night in Alaska is usually witnessed between November and January.
- Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway: The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is situated midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. With extreme weather, glaciers, and vast ice fields, its main city is Longyearbyen – accessible by flying to Svalbard Airport. To experience the polar night, the trip should be planned between mid-November and late January. Besides this phenomenon, tourists can also witness the Northern Lights and engage in other experiences like snowmobile safaris, fjord cruises, and ice cave exploration.
- Kiruna, Sweden: Located further north in Sweden, the city of Kiruna is blanketed in white during winter, with its landscape covered in snow. The region offers various adventurous activities, from sleigh rides to snow hikes exploring mountains like Kebnekaise, the country’s highest. This area provides different accommodation options that capitalize on the climate and landscape – including the IceHotel, the world’s first ice hotel, located in Jukkasjärvi, about 20 km from the city.
- Ilulissat, Greenland: The world’s largest island and a territory of extremes, Greenland is within the Kingdom of Denmark. One of its standout destinations is the coastal town of Ilulissat, renowned for its Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and immense icebergs. To reach there, one needs to take a boat or plane from Iceland. Among the activities, tourists can cruise, participate in snowmobile tours in the hills around the town, or sign up for excursions during the polar night to darker locations, also in search of the coveted Northern Lights.
- Iqaluit, Canada: Known for its ice-covered mountains and tundra climate, Iqaluit is located on Baffin Island, at the northern tip of Frobisher Bay. It is another destination for those seeking to witness the polar night and the Northern Lights. If you belong to this group, plan your trip between October and April when the phenomenon is more visible. In winter, the colorful city contrasts with its climate, where brightness comes from the white snow. One of its tourist attractions is the igloo-shaped Cathedral of St. Jude. Its bay location allows for sightings of whales, reindeer, and Arctic foxes, along with other attractions such as a sled ride. The population is 80% Inuit, and visitors can explore the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit museum, showcasing pieces and information about this culture.
- Nuorgam, Finland: The small village of Nuorgam provides travelers with an authentic Arctic experience. At the northernmost tip of Finland and with a population of 200 inhabitants, tourists can engage in snow activities as protagonists. From snowmobile rides to nighttime snowshoe walks, safaris, and ice fishing, travelers also explore the culture of the Sámi people, the oldest in Lapland, and their fauna. Lakes, trails, and Northern Lights sightings complete the experience in the country that sees hardly any sunlight in winter.
