Our top tips to enjoy the midnight sun and white nights in Finland
When summer peaks in northern Finland, something magical happens. The sun no longer sets but hovers near the horizon, casting a golden light for hours. From late May to mid-July, Lapland is bathed in continuous daylight. Even south of the Arctic Circle, nights remain pale and twilight lasts until morning. Here are our top ways to enjoy this special time.
Roam wild landscapes under the Midnight Sun
The Midnight Sun doesn’t just brighten the sky, it transforms the mood of Lapland entirely. Day and night blend into one endless stretch, where a hike starting at 10 pm feels perfectly natural, and birdsong continues well past midnight.
In Ivalo, far above the Arctic Circle, you can wander through the fells and pine forests near Lake Inari late into the evening without a flashlight. Climb a ridge and watch the sky change color over the lake.
Kittilä offers the same calm, luminous evenings in the fells around Levi, where mountain bike trails and ridgeline hikes take on an entirely new feel in the light of midnight. Many local guides offer “Midnight Sun safaris”, hikes, or e-bike rides timed to catch the quietest hour.
In Kuusamo, the northern twilight gives Oulanka National Park a special stillness. Hike a section of the Karhunkierros Trail in the late hours when the crowds have gone and the rivers reflect a pink sky. Wildlife is often more active at these hours too, making it a good time for quiet tracking or photography.
Rovaniemi, by the Kemijoki River, also offers great riverside experiences. In summer, you can rent a canoe, book a river cruise, or relax at a floating sauna. Behind the Arktikum Museum, the nearby Arctic Garden is a popular spot to watch the late-evening sun filter through the trees.
Summer culture and events in the north
The Midnight Sun isn’t just a natural wonder, it’s also a reason to celebrate. Summer festivals, open-air concerts and terrace life all peak during this light-filled season.
Midsummer, or Juhannus in Finnish, means traditional celebrations, including bonfires, music, and crowds gathering by the water. One of the best places to join in is Rovaniemi, where the city organises a free Juhannus event on the Ounaskoski beach. If you are looking for more of a party atmosphere, check out the Solstice festival in Ruka, Kuusamo. The festival is a fun combination of art, music, and nature.
Film lovers should head to Sodankylä, between Rovaniemi and Ivalo, for the Midnight Sun Film Festival in June. Screenings run nearly 24/7 for several days straight, reflecting the endless light outside the cinema doors. North of Ivalo, the town of Inari hosts the Ijahis Idja Sámi music festival each August. It’s a rare celebration of this genre of indigenous music.
Not only the north…
You don’t need to go above the Arctic Circle to feel the magic of white summer nights. In southern Finland, the sun dips just below the horizon, and in mid-summer, twilight lasts all night. In Helsinki, the city’s waterfront terraces, parks, and islands truly come alive.
Why not pack a picnic and head to Kaivopuisto? Choose a spot on one of the hills and enjoy the sunset views over the sea. At the weekends, you have to fight for the best places. If you want to enjoy a little more quiet, the traditional rug washing jetties in Taka-Töölö or the rocky shores of Lauttasaari offer great hangout options too. Or stay the night at the campsite on Pihlajasaari, one of the prettiest Helsinki islands.
If you want something more urban, enjoy a cocktail with a view. In Hernesaari, you can pick between the architectural marvel Löyly, where you can also try a sauna and a dip in the sea, and the more laid-back Birgitta. A classic spot right in the centre of Helsinki is the rooftop bar Ateljee, offering a great 360° view of the city. A great area for a bit of barhopping is Katajanokka, where several great harbourside terraces are just meters apart, try the likes of Holiday, Shelter and Nokka.
Let the light lead you
Whether you find yourself deep in the fells of Lapland or sipping a cocktail on a Helsinki rooftop, Finland’s white nights offer something truly unforgettable. The Midnight Sun is more than a natural phenomenon – it’s a feeling. A sense of timelessness, of freedom, of being gently unmoored from the clock. It invites you to slow down, stay up late, and see the world in a different light – literally.
So pack your sense of wonder and let the long days lead you. Wander under golden skies, dance at midnight festivals, or simply sit by the water and watch the horizon glow. However you choose to experience it, summer in Finland is a season that lingers in the memory long after the sun finally sets.