For two months, it’s light around the clock in Alta. The midnight sun in Alta hovers just above the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the landscape all night long. This gives us extra hours to enjoy everything the region has to offer.
The midnight sun is visible in Alta from around May 17 to July 25. During this period, the sun never sets, it stays bright throughout the night. The brightest time is around Midsummer (St. Hans), when the sun remains high in the sky even at midnight.
At midnight, the sun sits low over the sea at the outer edge of Altafjord. Many people believe the “midnight sun” is a separate sun that appears at night, but that’s not true. It’s the same sun that shines during the day, it simply refuses to set in summer.
It’s important to remember that the midnight sun doesn’t guarantee clear skies. Weather in the north can change rapidly, and clouds and rain are entirely possible during the season. Still, we call it the midnight sun season, because the sun theoretically never sets.
See the midnight sun in Alta from a mountain top
To get the best view of the midnight sun, we recommend heading to one of the mountain peaks surrounding Alta. Here, you’ll find sweeping views, fresh air, and peace.
- Komsatoppen: A short hike gives you a magnificent panoramic view of Altafjord and the midnight sun.
- Hjemmelufttoppen: A great destination close to Alta Museum. From here, you can watch the sun hover low at the edge of the fjord.
The midnight sun in Alta isn’t just a natural phenomenon, it’s a feeling. The silence, the light, and the landscape create moments you’ll remember for a long time. Whether you see it from a mountaintop, a fjord, or simply enjoy it from a bench in town, there’s something special about knowing that the summer night never turns dark.