Sommarøy: The Island of No Time

In 2019, the Norwegian island of Sommarøy declared itself the land a time-free zone.

Sommarøy - Norsk. English. (n.d.-b). https://www.sommaroyadventure.no/en/sommaroy

Situated above the Arctic Circle, the island experiences extreme shifts in daylight: winter is cloaked in perpetual darkness, while summer brings 69 uninterrupted days of sunlight. For the residents of Sommarøy, time has taken on a different meaning, leading to a mentality of "We do what we want, when we want."

Space Enthusiast. (2024a, December 3). Sommarøy: The only place on Earth where time doesn’t exist? Orbital Today. https://orbitaltoday.com/2024/12/03/sommaroy-the-only-place-on-earth-where-time-doesnt-exist/

I can't speak on a personal account of the island readings paint a vivid picture of a northern paradise. It is a Northern oasis of crystal blue waters, sandy white beaches, and fishing for the most avid of anglers. The island is a hotspot for viewing the Aurora Borealis seven months out of the year - from September to March. Not to mention, the photography depicting the island is quite spectacular.

Although this article was fun to write, the true extent of the timelessness within Sommarøy is unknown. The story of Sommarøy's rejection of time captured media attention, sparking curiosity and intrigue. Although likely a tourist stunt, the idea of escaping time is alluring.

So if you find me out on a week's vacation and don't see me for a month, I'm spending the day in Sommarøy.

Works Cited:

Magazine, S. (2019, June 19). This norwegian island wants to become the world’s first time-free zone. Smithsonian.com. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smartnews-arts-culture/norwegian-island-wants-become-worlds-first-time-free-zone-180972443/

Norway Island proposes going time-free. Good Nature Travel Blog | Stories are made on adventures. (2023, August 12). https://www.nathab.com/blog/norway-island-proposes-going-time-free/#:~:text=In%20June%202019%2C%20the%20350,May%2018%20to%20July%2026.

Sommarøy - Norsk. English. (n.d.-b). https://www.sommaroyadventure.no/en/sommaroy

Space Enthusiast. (2024a, December 3). Sommarøy: The only place on Earth where time doesn’t exist? Orbital Today. https://orbitaltoday.com/2024/12/03/sommaroy-the-only-place-on-earth-where-time-doesnt-exist/

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, September 6). Sommarøy. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sommar%C3%B8y