Chasing the Midnight Sun: My Solo Arctic Circle Train Journey in Norway

Introduction: When a Dream Meets the Rails

Ever since I saw a photo of the Midnight Sun in Norway, I knew I had to experience it for myself. But I didn’t want to just fly into Tromsø or Lofoten like most tourists—I wanted to earn the view. That’s when I discovered one of Europe’s most underrated train journeys: the Arctic Circle Train from Trondheim to Bodø, crossing the polar circle in dramatic style.

This is the story of my solo journey through fjords, forests, and forgotten towns—an adventure that would change how I viewed time, solitude, and the power of nature.

Boarding the Train in Trondheim: The Start of Something Raw and Real

Trondheim, the historic Viking capital, greeted me with crisp air and cobbled streets. At exactly 07:38 AM, I boarded the Nordland Railway, Norway’s longest train line. The journey would take 10 hours, snaking through rugged countryside and eventually crossing the Arctic Circle.

I found my window seat, unpacked my journal, and began the kind of travel daydreaming only a solo trip can offer.

The Shifting Scenery: Fjords, Forests, and Silence

As the train rolled forward, so did the landscape. We passed deep valleys blanketed in pine trees, glass-like lakes that mirrored the clouds, and cottages that seemed pulled from folklore. At every turn, Norway reminded me how unspoiled and untouched its interior is.

At a quiet stop near Majavatn Lake, I stepped out to stretch and was stunned by the silence—it was so absolute, it made my ears ring. That silence, I would later realize, was one of the most powerful memories I’d take back with me.

Crossing the Arctic Circle: A Bucket List Moment

Somewhere between Lønsdal and Fauske, a small sign marked the Arctic Circle. It was subtle, almost easy to miss—but for me, it was monumental. Crossing it by land felt different than flying; there was a sense of earning the moment.

As the train climbed higher, the trees thinned, and snow patches lingered in the shadows, even though it was late June. Locals say, "Up here, summer is just a suggestion," and I finally understood what that meant.

Arrival in Bodø: The Sun That Never Sets

At 5:33 PM, the train rolled into Bodø, a coastal town above the Arctic Circle. But unlike any other destination, time seemed irrelevant here. That night—or rather, the absence of it—I walked along the harbor at 2 AM, under a glowing orange sky.

The Midnight Sun was everything I hoped: surreal, poetic, disorienting. But more than anything, it was peaceful. I sat on a rock, legs dangling over the fjord, and realized I hadn’t looked at my phone in hours.

That’s the thing about travelling north—it disconnects you from noise, and reconnects you with what matters.

Why This Journey Was Different

Most travel is about places. This trip was about pace. About moving slowly, watching the world change through a train window, and being reminded that stillness can be the most powerful experience.

If you’re looking for a high-adrenaline trip, this isn’t it.

But if you want to reset your soul, chase a surreal sun, and remember how quiet the world can be, hop on the Arctic Circle train. Trust me, you’ll come back a different person.

Travel Tips for the Arctic Circle Train Journey

• Book Early: Tickets sell fast in summer months. Use Vy.no for reservations.

• Best Time to Go: Late June to mid-July for Midnight Sun; late September for Northern Lights.

• Window Seat: Always. Don’t even think about the aisle.

• Bring Snacks: The café onboard is limited; pack sandwiches and coffee.

• Charge Everything: There are power sockets, but not on all carriages.

• Layer Up: Even in summer, it gets cold near the Circle.

Final Thoughts: A Journey Beyond Just Geography

Travel isn’t just about going far—it’s about going deep. And this ride, through Norway’s heart and into its Arctic soul, gave me just that.

If you’re searching for a real travel story that inspires and a journey you’ll never forget, start with a train, chase the sun, and let the silence show you something new.