Latest news with #MidnightSun
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
The Most Unforgettable Way To See The Midnight Sun This Summer
The view over island of Traena under the Midnight Sun. getty There are few moments in life that make you feel entirely untethered from time. Standing on a quiet beach in Northern Norway, the sea shimmering, the sky on fire, and the clock ticking well past midnight — that's one of them. The sun is still up. It hasn't so much dipped as it has paused, suspended in a long, golden exhale over the Arctic landscape. For a traveler seeking something more than just a destination, this is the moment. The most unforgettable way to see the Midnight Sun this summer isn't just to look at it — it's to live inside it. The Midnight Sun is one of the Earth's rarest and most poetic natural phenomena. It happens each summer above the Arctic Circle — which, in Norway, begins just north of Mo i Rana — when the planet's tilt allows the sun to remain visible for 24 hours a day. From late May through July, the sun simply refuses to set. In some places, like Svalbard, it doesn't dip below the horizon for months. There's no dusk. No darkness. Just an extended dream sequence lit in gold. While many come for the Instagrammable vistas, the Midnight Sun is so much more than just a visual spectacle. It's an experience that shifts your whole sense of time, light, and even sleep. Locals often think of it as nature's reward for enduring the long, cold winter — after months of darkness, the return of the sun feels like life coming back. And with it, everything changes. You find yourself hiking at midnight, paddling through glowing fjords in the early hours, or sitting by a bonfire until 3 a.m. without even realizing it. You're not trying to squeeze more into the day — the day just never ends. The best places to see the Midnight Sun stretch like a golden arc across Norway's north. Tromsø is a popular entry point — cosmopolitan yet wild, with its endless summer light, Arctic museums, and the annual Midnight Sun Marathon. Just beyond it lies Senja, a rugged, fairytale island of sharp peaks and serene bays, ideal for slow, meditative exploration. Then there's the Lofoten Islands, where fishermen's cabins are reborn as design-forward lodges, and Icelandic horses carry riders along beaches washed in amber light. Further afield, the Vesterålen Islands offer a quieter escape. Whale watching, kayaking in untouched fjords, even overnighting in a remote lighthouse suite — this is where you go when you want the Arctic unplugged. And for those willing to go to the edge of the world — quite literally — Svalbard delivers months of daylight, icy treks, and a startling sense of space and stillness. What elevates the experience from beautiful to unforgettable is how you access it. Companies like Up Norway, a specialist in tailor-made journeys builds Midnight Sun itineraries designed to immerse you in the phenomenon. Think guided glacier hikes at midnight, wine on the dock of your rorbu as seabirds cry overhead, or sweating it out in a sauna before diving into a glowing fjord. So if this summer is the one for something different, something deeper, follow the light north. The sun is waiting — and it won't be setting anytime soon.
IOL News
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
Embrace the chill: Scandinavian secrets to joyful winters for South Africans
As winter grips South Africa, discover how those in some of the world's coldest places thrive amid the chill with masterful strategies and a joyful mindset. Image: Instagram. As winter takes hold in South Africa, many of us find ourselves dreaming of warmer days. However, for those living in some of the coldest cities in the world, such as Finland, Greenland, and Iceland, bitter temperatures can drop to a staggering -20°C. Yet, these winter warriors seem to thrive, using practical strategies and a positive mindset to combat the chill. Perhaps we in South Africa could learn a thing or two from their approach to winter. In Scandinavia, the summer months offer long days filled with sunshine, where the sun dips below the horizon as late as midnight in the northern realms of Sweden and Norway, a phenomenon captivatingly dubbed the "Midnight Sun". Contrarily, the winter months can be harsh, shrouding certain areas in near darkness, with only about 6 precious hours of daylight. But beneath that frosty exterior lies a community that has mastered the art of winter living. Here's how: Creating a cosy sanctuary One of the hallmarks of Scandinavian life is the concept of 'hygge', a Danish term that embodies a sense of comfort, warmth and togetherness. Homes are transformed into sanctuaries adorned with candles, warm drinks and woolen blankets. It's also common to find saunas in many households. Locals at an outdoor pool which is kept at a warm 94 degrees all winter long. Image: Instagram. These cosy indoor spaces offer relief from the cold. Embracing the chill Scandinavians are also known for their enthusiasm for outdoor activities, turning the bitter cold into an opportunity for adventure. Skiing and sledding become not just leisure activities but integral parts of life in the snowy months. Mastering the art of layering Layering is the name of the game. Scandinavian residents often rely on high-quality wool, thermal wear and essential accessories such as hats, scarves and gloves, to shield themselves from the frigid elements. This deliberate approach to dressing ensures warmth and also encourages mobility and comfort. Hygge, a Danish quality of 'coziness and comfortable conviviality,' is making inroads with an international audience. Image: Instagram. A positive mindset But perhaps the most powerful weapon against the cold is the Scandinavian attitude itself. By accepting winter as a natural part of life and shifting their focus to enjoying it, they cultivate resilience and a sense of belonging. Instead of complaining the cold, they find joy in the excitement of sledding down a hill, the warmth of a steaming cup of cocoa, or the enchanting beauty of the Northern Lights illuminating the darkened sky. As the winter chill descends upon South Africa, perhaps it's time to take a few pages from the Scandinavian playbook. By embracing the cold with open arms, crafting warm and inviting indoor spaces, donning the right layers, and considering outdoor activities as joyful moments rather than tiring tasks, we can all find warmth and happiness in even the chilliest of seasons.
News.com.au
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Review: 2025 Ford Ranger Stormtrak PHEV
As I write this, it's 3am, the sun is piercingly bright and our Ford Ranger is being refuelled via hot water and steam from deep below the earth's surface. What madness is this? It's mid-June in Iceland — Land of the Midnight Sun — and I'm on this frozen island in the new plug-in version of Ford's Ranger, driving up a volcano on battery power alone. Why? Firstly, to display the benefits of electrification without compromising a hairy-chested Ranger's abilities. Yes, it's a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) able to travel over 40km in e-motor silence, but like its diesel-drinking stablemates, these greener pick-ups still tow 3.5 tonnes, haul up to 973kg, cross 800mm-deep waters and handle gnarly off-road trails. In the PHEV ute playground, that's a two-fingered Ford salute to flavour-of-the-month BYD Shark. Secondly, it's a celebration of Australia's best-selling vehicle. These Rangers saw much of their design and engineering happen on our patch, so we must take patriotic pride they're sold in over 180 countries, including Iceland. Fun fact, cost of a Ranger Wildtrak in this land of ice and fire is $155,000. When the Ford PHEV arrives, local Vikings won't see much change from $200k. The Ranger boasts 44 per cent of the European market share, and is the best-selling pick-up in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Norway, Finland, Vietnam and New Zealand. But it must evolve amid ever-stricter global emissions rules. Hence the PHEV's arrival, and a price jump: roughly $10,000 over four-cylinder Rangers, and $5000 above the V6. We may pay half as much as Icelanders, but they're not cheap in Aussie terms. A cloth-trimmed Ranger PHEV XLT's $71,990; the fancier Sport's $75,990; a Wildtrak $79,990; and loaded launch edition Stormtrak $86,990. But there's no shortage of Aussies willing to drop almost $100k to drive-away luxurious, go-anywhere dual cabs: plenty of tradies with plenty of disposable. But will they embrace this greener version, which allies a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol with an e-motor and battery? A combined 207kW and 697Nm is a decent start, even if Chinese rivals like the Shark and GWM Cannon outgun our Ranger's numbers. Performance is more than ample as we roll out of Reykjavik — the world's northernmost capital — towards distant snow-capped mountains. The petrol-electric is surprisingly smooth; the absence of diesel rattle and roll bringing a new refined high-point in a Ranger. The driver's in control of what turns the wheels. I select Auto EV and the system chooses between petrol or battery (or a combo) — my right foot dictating if power or efficiency is prioritised. Impressively, we return 3L/100km this way. I want to electrically off-road, so I select EV Later to maintain our near-full battery while highway cruising. If you forget, an EV Charge mode uses the petrol engine to (slowly) recharge the battery. Handy, as this Ranger's plug-in stats aren't great. It can't DC fast charge, and a domestic 10 amp socket takes seven hours to brim the 11.8kWh unit. That's a titchy battery, hence an EV-only range of 43km (WLTP), or about 40km in our real-world test. A BYD Shark packs 29.6kWh, but Ford couldn't compromise its Ranger with that sort of extra weight and towing/payload penalties. We pick our electric moment well. The lava plateau of Hellisheidi is lunar landscape-like, and home to one of the world's largest geothermal power stations. This ensures bargain electricity for locals, and that last night our Ranger was charged with zero environmental impact. Into EV Now mode and the only sounds are rocks moving and rivers parting under our General Grabber all-terrain tyres. These PHEVs lose nothing of the Ranger's impressive ride comfort and control (for a ute), but the electric drive adds a special something. More mature, modern and eco responsible. I'm not about to go all Greta Thunberg, but Iceland being voted both greenest and most peaceful nation on earth is rubbing off on me. A Ranger PHEV feels a positive change. The 800 metre mountain ahead is classified an active volcano, despite not erupting for 2000 years. Happily – if a dash disappointingly – there's no lava show today, but our Ranger makes short work on Hengill volcano's loose, steep sides. A Slippery mode lets us competently climb in EV silence, but Low Range for the treacherous stuff fires up the petrol to ensure maximum available wheel torque. Safety first. Our volcano-top vista reveals the vast steam-spouting geothermal setup, and I get the fuzzies thinking we've climbed here with probably zero carbon footprint. Still not convinced? As we lunch on fresh fish by a sparkling river, the electrified Ranger reveals its party trick. The PHEV bit allows Ford's 6.9kW Pro Power Onboard; a high output system with 10-amp 2.3kW socket in the cabin and twin 15-amp 3.45kW sockets in the tray. I feel very Viking testing a circular saw powered by PHEV alone. Or it could handle a log splitter, spotlights, small cement mixer or charging all your tools. See it as a mobile generator for powering remote work sites all day, or an off-grid powered camping site. It takes a lot to drain the battery, but if you do, the petrol engine fires to give it juice. As the sun goes down (although not literally) on our adventure, this Ranger PHEV's advantages appear as clear as the pollution-free chilly Icelandic skies. 2025 Ford Ranger Stormtrak PHEV ENGINE 2.3L four-cylinder turbo petrol hybrid, 207kW/697Nm ELECTRIC RANGE 43km (WLTP) THIRST 2.9L/100km
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Time of India
Chasing the midnight sun: Summer escapes in Norway and Iceland
With the arrival of summer in the Arctic North, a celestial wonder dominates the skies: the Midnight Sun. It's an otherworldly phenomenon where the sun refuses to dip below the horizon, lighting up the landscape even at midnight. No place is this spectacle more magical than in Norway and Iceland, two northern treasures where nature, culture, and light intersect to provide etched-out summer escapades. Let's have a closer look at these places: A phenomenon that defies time The Midnight Sun takes place north of the Arctic Circle, where, at the height of summer, the tilt of the Earth guarantees that the sun never sets below the horizon. Rather than a sunset, evenings merge into nightless days, drenching the scenery in a warm, ever-present twilight. This occurs between late May and late July, the farther north you travel. Where to visit? Towns such as Tromsø, Bodø, and the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway experience as much as two months of constant daylight. Farther north in Svalbard, the sun remains up for more than three months consecutively from late April to late August. In Iceland, situated across the Norwegian Sea from Norway, although technically a bit south of the Arctic Circle, much of the nation still experiences virtual 24-hour daylight near the summer solstice, particularly in its northern locations such as Grímsey and Akureyri. About Norway Few destinations mark the Midnight Sun as extravagantly as Norway. The event has been a cultural symbol of hope and celebration throughout Nordic countries for centuries, and Norway is no exception. Farther north, the Lofoten Islands present postcard-perfect scenery: jagged peaks pushing out of turquoise seas, picturesque fishing villages, and white beaches. During the period from May 28 to July 14, the Midnight Sun sets the stage for enchanted midnight walks, surf rides, or mere reflection on the rocks. About Iceland Even though Iceland lies just beyond the Arctic Circle, land of fire and ice sees extended daylight in summer, particularly between early June and mid-July. Reykjavík, the world's northernmost capital, hardly ever goes dark during these months. Residents celebrate with music festivals, bonfires, and outdoor cinema nights that go late into the evening. Places to visit in Iceland For a real Midnight Sun encounter, travel north. In Iceland's second-largest city, Akureyri, or on the island of Grímsey, situated exactly on the Arctic Circle, the sun can be seen at midnight toward the end of June. Things to do include bathing in geothermal hot springs, horseback riding over lava fields, and trekking along volcanic landscapes steeped in golden light. How do locals survive? The Midnight Sun is not merely a sight to see—a tourist attraction—it's a change of lifestyle. Locals adopt an adjusted sleep pattern, with children taking strolls or getting ice cream at midnight. Blackout drapes have become the norm in homes and hotels. And yet, the vast majority state that they would never give it up. Travel tips Best time to visit: Mid-June to early July provides the most sensational experience. Bring eye masks: Blackout curtains are sometimes provided by hotels, but an eye mask aids in sleeping. Pack layers: Despite the sun, temperatures can be chilly, especially in coastal areas. Stay active: Take advantage of the light—plan late hikes, evening tours, or scenic drives. A summer to remember There's something deeply poignant about being on a still mountain at midnight, seeing the sun hang over the horizon. The Midnight Sun is not only an eye feast; it's also a reminder of the power and mystery of nature. It makes Norway and Iceland a season in which time stands still, days are long, and memories are created that will never lose their charm. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Scotsman
16-06-2025
- Scotsman
When Is The Longest Day 2025? Summer Solstice date, sunrise time, sunset time, cause and traditions
Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, one of the most popular places in Britain to mark the date. | Canva/Getty Images It may feel like summer has just started, but the nights will start to draw in before the end of June. It's all terribly unfair... Sign up to our History and Heritage newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... This week will see those people living in the Northern Hemisphere enjoy the longest day of the year. Also known as the Summer Solstice, it will be particularly pronounced in areas far north, with some countries such as Iceland barely experiencing any darkness - experiencing the so-called Midnight Sun. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And in parts of Scotland it will barely get dark - particularly if there are clear skies (unlikely!). Here's everything you need to know. What is the Summer Solstice? The Summer Solstice occurs when the Earth's North Pole has its maximum tilt towards the sun - meaning the northern hemisphere receives its maximum amount of sunlight. The closer you are to the North Pole, the more sunlight you will experience on the day of the summer solstice. Conversely the the Southern Hemisphere will receive the least number of daylight hours (progressively less the further south you go) - meaning it's their Winter Solstice. When is the Summer Solstice? This year the Summer Solstice falls on Saturday, June 21 - in particular at 3.41am. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When will it get light and when will it get dark in Scotland? The exact times of the sunrise and sunset will vary slightly depending on when you are in Scotland. In Edinburgh sunrise will be at 4.26am and sunset will be at 10.02pm. In Glasgow sunrise will be at 4.31am and sunset will be at 10.06pm. In Aberdeen sunrise will be at 4.12am and sunset will be at 10.08pm. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In Inverness sunrise will be at 4.14am and sunset will be at 10.18pm. In Lerwick sunrise will be at 3.34am and sunset will be at 10.42pm. Given there's still a fair bit of light around both before sunrise and after sunset this means it's unlikely to become completely dark at any point in the far north of Scotland. What are the traditions of the Summer Solstice? Famously in England, people flock to see the sun rise at Stonehenge on the morning of the Summer Solstace - it's thought that the date had an impact on the positioning of the Noelithic stones. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Meanwhile in Scotland the main celebrations can be found in Orkney and Shetland, thanks to their strong links to the Scandinavian countries where the Summer Solstice is a key date in the calendar. Torches and fires are lit to symbolise light defeating darkness and ward off evil spirits, while ferns and St John's Wort are used to bring good luck, and elderberries are eaten to protect against witchcraft.
