How an island in Norway defied time: Welcome to Sommarøy

Imagine a place where the sun never sets for months, and time almost seems to stand still. Welcome to Sommarøy, a tiny island in Norway. What looks like a scene straight out of a dream, this small island and its old fishing village in the Arctic feel like a different world—one without the usual boundaries of time.

Sommarøy is a small island located above the Arctic Circle, surrounded by sparkling blue waters and rugged, scenic landscapes. Snow-capped mountains, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear fjords make it look like a place from a storybook.

The island is home to a tight-knit community of locals who have lived here for generations. Most make their living from fishing, harvesting the sea’s bounty, and working closely with nature. Life here is simple and closely connected to the rhythms of the land and sea, giving the island its unique charm.

Living without time

What makes Sommarøy truly special is how its residents chose to live without strict schedules. With the sun shining for almost 24 hours in summer, clocks seemed less important. Locals follow the natural rhythm of day and night instead of fixed hours.

Fishing, and daily chores happen when it feels right, not according to the clock. Imagine wanting to swim or having coffee at 2 a.m.—on Sommarøy, that’s perfectly normal because time doesn’t feel like it matters. People spend long evenings on the beach, go for hikes, or simply enjoy time with family and friends. Life here flows at its own pace, showing that sometimes, nature can be the best guide for how we live.

Nature’s clock

Sommarøy’s unusual lifestyle is shaped by the Arctic’s natural wonders. On the island, the sun does not set from 18 May to 26 July, a full 69 days of continuous daylight—this is the famous Midnight Sun. Imagine playing on the beach or going fishing while the sky stays bright at midnight!

In winter, the opposite happens. The island experiences the Polar Night, when the sun barely rises for weeks. During this time, locals use the soft glow of lanterns and cozy fires to brighten their days. These extreme light conditions guide life on the island more than clocks ever could, helping residents stay in tune with nature.

Daily life on Sommarøy

Over 300 people live on Sommarøy, going about their days guided by the sun rather than the clock. Life on Sommarøy flows at its own pace. Locals go about their day guided by the sun rather than the clock. In summer, when the sun shines almost 24 hours, people fish, explore the beaches, or enjoy long walks even at midnight.

Children go to school, but the rest of the island’s routine is flexible. Residents spend time with family, cook meals, or simply relax outdoors, making the most of the endless daylight. Even in winter, during the long Polar Nights, they find cozy ways to enjoy life, using lanterns, fires, and gatherings to brighten the dark days.

On Sommarøy, every day feels like an adventure, teaching visitors and locals alike that life can be guided by nature, not just by time.

Exploring new things never stops, and a place like Sommarøy gives you that chance. If you’ve ever wished you could step into a painting of snowy mountains, sparkling blue waters, and endless skies, this is the place to feel it. Here, life moves with the sun, not the clock, and every day, whether bright or dark, feels like a new adventure waiting to be discovered.