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Midsummer Night in Norway
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The three most-northern counties in Norway, from mid-May to the end of July, also have sunlight for the entire 24 hour time span.
The further north you go, the more prominent is the Midnight Sun.
The naturally illuminated nights enable you to do things you can’t do anywhere else in the world, such as play a round of golf at midnight or sit outside and read your newspaper.
Midnattsol på Nordkapp (Norwegian)
Hurtigruten Midnatsol Cruise Ship
Costal Liner Hurtigruten Midnatsol Cruise Ship
I remember visiting Sandenessjøen in Northern Norway, It was awesome to see the sun shining at 3:00 AM. My kids didn't want to go to bed at night because the sun was still shining.
Even though Romsdalen, where I am born, is much further south, you can read the newspaper outside on a midsummer night.
Midsummer night in Norway is called Sankthansaften. It is celebrated on June 23rd every year. It is a traditional event and folks celebrate with bonfires, food, games, and dancing.
It is not uncommon hat people stay up all night having fun.
 Pippi Longstocking or me? |
When I was about 10 years old, I played a few numbers on my accordion at the Midsummer Night dance in our little home town.
People were having fun singing, dancing and laughing and watching me. Can you imagine...a skinny, little redhead with cute freckles, (kind of like Pippi Longstocking)... playing a VERY LARGE accordion; keeping the rhythm by tapping her feet and moving her tongue from side to side.
I have been told that I was both cute and funny.
The highlight of the midsummer night celebration is the huge bonfire that is lighted at midnight.
out of control (left)
Photo by Trond J. Strand, Aftenposten.
In the popular resort, Hvalstrand, Asker, the bonfire went a little out of hand.
Even though the dock was watered down before the bonfire was lighted, it started to burn.
The fire department had things under control in no time.
Bonfire (St. Hans-bål) Hvalstrand, Asker (left)
Photo by Trond J. Strand, Aftenposten
Midsummer Night
Midsommernatt (Norwegian)
Mitsommernacht (German)
We welcome you to Norway, the Land of the Midnight Sun
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