This week marked the shortest day in the southern hemisphere, but in the far north of Europe it's a different story. For the next few weeks, those living north of the Arctic Circle will be treated to extended daylight hours, with the sun still visible at midnight local time.
With the help of Booking.com, we've compiled a list of some great places you can stay if you'd like to experience this natural phenomenon for yourself.
This week marked the shortest day in the southern hemisphere and many of us are understandably feeling the winter blues. However, in the northern hemisphere sunshine is plentiful — particularly in the far north, where the sun shines all night long.
An incredible natural phenomenon, the midnight sun needs to be seen to be believed. With the help of Booking.com, we've compiled a list of the world's best locations to get your Vitamin D levels well and truly replenished.
Norway
Billefjorden in the Svalbard Islands. Photo / Getty Images
Norway, and more specifically Svalbard, an archipelago off the northern coast of the Scandinavian country, is known as the ultimate location to view this unique event.
Svaalbard is one of the most northernmost areas to be inhabited, with miles of unspoilt, rugged and remote terrain. This group of islands is home to enormous glaciers and frozen tundra, sheltering polar bears, reindeer and arctic foxes.
With a combined population of around 2500, the choice of accommodation on the islands can be limited. However, Basecamp Hotel in the town of Longyearbyen, offers a touch of luxury. Basecamp Hotel is a traditional trapper's lodge-style property, with rooms individually decorated with driftwood furniture and fur rugs.
Svaalbard's Basecamp Hotel is a great place to view the northern lights.
Be sure to head to their 'Cognac Attic' which includes a glass ceiling, perfect for viewing the famous midnight sun — with a glass of Cognac of course.
Greenland
Icebergs in midnight sun at Disko Bay, Greenland. Photo / Getty Images
Contrary to its name, Greenland is almost completely covered with ice. This huge island, lying between the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, is a Danish territory with incredible landscapes. The majority of its small population lives on the ice-free, fiord-lined coast and along the islands southwest. Its position, largely north of the Arctic Circle, means it is a prime location for phenomena such as the midnight sun and northern lights.
To check it out, stay at the beautiful 4-star Hotel Arctic located on the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefiord in western Greenland. With fine dining restaurant Ulo and Ice Rock bar on site, coupled with a free-shuttle service from nearby Ilulissat airport, this hotel meets all needs.
Hotel Arctic has spectacular views over the sea and icebergs.
The hotel is complete with modern furnishings and décor and features artwork by local artists. A number of the rooms include some of the northern hemisphere's most spectacular views over the sea and stunning icebergs.
Iceland
The midnight sun shines across Seljalandsfoss waterfall in southern Iceland. Photo / Getty Images
Iceland is a country defined by its dramatic landscapes: volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields make a large part of this Northerly Nordic nation. With a population of just over 332,000 and area of 103,000 sq km, it's one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe.
This unique property is an ancient sheep farm.
Located 20km from the town of Dalvik in the North Iceland region, is Klængshóll Lodge. This unique property is an ancient sheep farm that has been continually habited since the first Viking settlement, approximately 3000 years ago.
Finland
The midnight sun in Lapland. Photo / Getty Images
Located in the very north of Europe, Finland is a prime location for those wishing to view the midnight sun or northern lights. Split into a number of provinces, the most northern of these territories is arguably its most famous. Lapland offers stunning natural wonders, made up of a vast wilderness, national parks and ski resorts — and it's the home of Santa Claus.
Located in the heart of the city, Lapland Hotels Oulu offers the once in a lifetime experience of Lapland, while in a bustling city centre. The hotel is situated next to the Cathedral, The Oulu Museum of Art and historical Ainola Park.
Each room is Lapland themed, with a select number featuring a private sauna.
Each room is Lapland themed, with a select number featuring a private sauna. If you are feeling peckish, pop down to their beautiful in-house restaurant, Oula, which offers many Finnish specialities for you to get your teeth into.
