Tiny European island where the sun doesn’t set for 69 days – and it’s only 3 hours from the UK

IF you’re sick of the same old beach holidays, why not try a more unique trip?

A tiny European island offers everything from dog sledding experiences to endless hours of daylight.

Sunset over a bridge and islands. — Sommarøy off the coast of Norway enjoys 69 days of continued sunlight during the yearCredit: Getty

Aerial view of the Sommaroy Bridge in Tromso, Norway at night, illuminated under the Northern Lights. — The remote island can be reached for just £4 via public transportCredit: Getty

Sommarøy, located just off the north west coat of Norway, takes around three hours to fly to from the UK.

Despite the short travel time, the old fishing village is world’s away from Britain.

Translating to Summer Island, the area is aptly named as it enjoys 69 days of uninterrupted daylight during the year.

The sun stays up in this part of the world from late April to early August, with no sunsets occurring on Sommarøy between May 18 and July 26.

This phenomenon is known as the Midnight Sun and occurs as the Earth’s axial tilts at a constant angle of 23.5 degrees when orbiting the sun.

This means that during the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere tilts towards the sun resulting in continuous sunlight for more than 24 hours.

To get to this stunning destination, UK residents can fly directly from London Gatwick to Harstad/Narvik Airport in Evenes with Norwegian Airlines.

From Harstad/Narvik, you can take a two-hour train journey to Sortland for kr 550–700 (£42 – £54).

Sommarøy is accessible via a bridge and is just a 40 minute bus trip away, costing just kr 52 to kr 90 (£4-£7).

According to Visit Norway, there are a variety of activities to keep you occupied on this island, no matter the time of year.

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From mid November to early March, visitors can go on a six hour dog sledding day tour for kr 2845 (£220) each.

You can also enjoy a stunning view of the Northern Lights from the early September to late March from this island, which is located just 22 miles outside of Tromsø.

Given Sommarøy‘s low levels of light pollution and location within the Aurora Oval, the area is even known to host Aurora Camps for viewings.

You can also enjoy the scenery from the Sommarøy Arctic Hotel, the island’s only hotel.

From kr 1772 (£137) per night, the accommodation features outdoor Jacuzzis and rooms with balconies for enjoying the Aurora Bourealis.

Places in the world where the sun doesn’t set

Norway – between April 20 and August 22

Finland – between May and August

Sweden – between June and July

Alaska – between May 10 and August 2

Iceland – between mid-May and mid-August

Canada – between May 24 and July 20

North Pole – between late March and late September

South Pole – betweem September 23 and March 20

Alternative options for overnight guests include a handful of rental cottages, which also feature outdoor areas, from just kr 1565 (£121) per night.

Even if you don’t stay at the Sommarøy Arctic Hotel, you can still enjoy a meal at the Stornaustet Restaurant, which offers a la carte dining as well as free breakfast for guests.

Prices range from kr 155 to just kr 285 (£12 – £22) for dishes at this restaurant.

For more casual dining, the Anne Grete Jensen Havfrua Kro offers chicken, fish, and meat dishes from just kr 140 (£10).

The third and final option for dining is the Prestvika Strandkafe og Gjestgiveri, which offers homemade local cuisine, including rhubarb cake.

This restaurant is located on a beach front of the Arctic Sea, offering stunning views while you dine.

And if you’re planning to visit during the summer, you can enjoy walks on these beaches as temperatures reach highs of 14-degrees Celsius.

Green lights of Aurora Borealis over snowcapped mountains and cabins by the sea, Sommaroy, Troms og Finnmark, Norway — Located in the Aurora Oval, the island enjoys stunning views of the Northern Lights during the winter monthsCredit: getty

Aerial view of a bridge over turquoise water and islands. — Visitors can enjoy kayaking tours in the crystal clear waters of the Arctic SeaCredit: Getty

Don’t worry if this sounds too chilly, as the white sandy beaches often feature warm shallow coves of crystal clear water.

And if you don’t fancy hopping in, you can enjoy the water on a kayaking tour, available for just kr 1525 (£118) per person.

Sea kayaking is a popular tourist attraction year round on the island, with views of wildlife and snow-capped peaks included.

During the summer months, tourists can enjoy many scenic hikes and walks in the area – and you don’t have to worry about it getting dark while you’re out.

In fact, the island’s 304 residents signed a petition to implement a “time-free zone” during the summer months back in 2019.

Sommarøy has adapted it’s tourism schedule to these endless hours of sunlight, offering activities such as midnight golfing, cycling, and river paddling.

Whale safaris are also a popular draw for tourists, particularly in the winter months, with prices starting from kr 1795 (£139).