It is past midnight, you check your watch but cannot really believe you've got the right time. You should have been sleepy, but there is not even a hint of a yawn. The reason for all the confusion is right above you. Bright and shiny, the sun seems to be oblivious of time as you sail past fjords, islands and mountains in full daylight, in the middle of the night. You are north of the Polar Circle and experiencing the Midnight Sun.

What is the Midnight Sun phenomenon?

The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs north of 66° N 33’, between the vernal equinox and autumnal equinox. During the midnight sun period the sun does not go under the horizon at all.

To experience the Midnight Sun you must go north of the Polar Circle, the fine theoretical line that traverses Sweden, Finland, Russia, Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Iceland. This line also divides Norway into two. You don’t see it, but you most certainly notice the difference when you go north of it. There you will see the sun all day long throughout summer – as long as the weather holds.

When can I experience the Midnight Sun in Norway?

Above the Arctic Circle you can experience the Midnight Sun season from May till end of July, depending on where you are. You can find dates and times of Midnight Sun in Norway below:

Instead of forcing yourself to go to bed, how about bringing Hemingway or Hamsun up on deck with you, take a seat and enjoy the world´s most beautiful natural reading light? Or just let your thoughts wander while you watch the light reflect from the surface of the ripples, or study the ship's shadows playing in the water?

The Midnight Sun is just as much a feeling as it is something to see. You will find warmer places pretty much all over the world, but the warm feeling of the Midnight Sun is something special – a feeling that will stay with you for a long time.

• Experience the Midnight Sun on a cruise with Hurtigruten