Those seeking an alternative summer holiday this year could try a train journey that takes you to one of the world’s largest cities in the Arctic Circle – where the sun shines 24 hours a day.
The Nordland Railway runs 450 miles through spectacular scenery, along the Norwegian coast from Trondheim in the south to Bodø in the north.
Bodø is the only city inside the Arctic Circle that enjoys relatively warm summers and four separate seasons, thanks to the waters of the Gulf Stream lapping up the fjords and seaboard of northern Norway.
And in the summer months train passengers heading to this oasis can enjoy looking at the majestic mountains and lakes 24/7, as between the months of June and July the sun does not set.
According to Visit Norway, one of the best places to enjoy the phenomenon known as the midnight sun in Bodø is from the Rønvikfjellet ridge, which it says is easily accessible from the city.
The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs during the summer in places south of the Antarctic Circle and north of the Arctic Circle, including Northern Norway.
The further north the latitude of the location the longer the sun is visible, because of Earth’s natural tilt on its axis putting the Northern Hemisphere angled towards the sun during the summer months.
However, during the winter months, parts of the Arctic Circle can experience near or total darkness for months on end, this time because the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun.
According to National Geographic, pursuits to enjoy during a summer visit to Bodø include hiking at the Svartisen glacier, scuba diving in Saltstraumen and walking on the Lofoten Islands.
The publication recommends that after exercising, visitors might want to try one of the local delicacies, including baked kanelboller, a type of thick sticky knotted cinnamon bread.
There are also a variety of cultural attractions to enjoy, which have made Bodø the European Capital of Culture in 2024.
Places to visit include the market and nightclub Dama di, the 900-seater Stormen Concert Hall and niche shops like Studio EBEN, which sells designer bags made of salmon skin.
