Unique light conditions

The northern latitude, atmospheric and geographic features set the conditions for truly magical light experiences -  an almost impossibly deep sky, a neverending summer light, and constant winter darkness illuminated by bright stars and dancing Northern Lights.

Northern Lights - Aurora Borealis

The Nordkyn environment is undisturbed by big city lights or air pollution, and the region is one of the best places to observe Arctic light phenomena.

The Northern Lights are caused by charged particles from the solar wind colliding with the high altitude atmosphere. The result is a spectacular light display that resembles fluttering, fluorescent curtains. The colours are frequently yellowish green but also occur as reds, blues and purples.

Hunting the Light

Make sure to bring your camera and a tripod when you go out hunting the Northern Lights! Although visible everywhere on Nordkyn, the Northern Lights are best viewed outside the settlements where there is little light pollution.

The Midnight Sun

It's of course the same sun as always, but here it never sets between mid-May and the end of July. Bright long summer days and nights can be enjoyed throughout the region, but there are several hotspots with good views and places to sit: Slettnes Lighthouse, the Flinta beach in Gamvik, hiking cabins at Ytre Staurvika and Klubbfjellet, Vevikneset and Holmen in Mehamn, the grill cabin at Kunes or by the birdwatching shed at Veidnes.

The Polar Night

From late November to late January, the sun doesn't rise above the horizon. The darkness is however broken by starlight and moonlight reflecting in the ever-present snow, and during a few hours around midday there is a brightening with a mesmerising tint of blue, purple and pink - known as "the blue hour".