June 7, 2007

Europe | Iceland | Reykjavik

All Day and All of the Night

By Sara Rose

What would you do if the sun never set? One Icelandic town has more than a few suggestions.

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Already ranked among the healthiest, most livable countries in the world, Iceland has now made a bid for the top spot by instituting — just ahead of Britain — a public smoking ban. And while the dark, cold winters may make for hardy folk, when summer comes it’s no surprise to learn that Icelanders can party all day long — during a day that lasts almost an entire month. In June, the sun never sets on Reykjavik, and a series of health-infused festivals mark the so-called white nights. On June 21, bonfires light up the longest day of the year. At “midnight,” at the world’s northernmost golf course, golfers tee off for the Arctic Open in the solstice sun. And on the “morning” of June 23, an annual 10K Midnight Run sets off through the capital. Come September, when the summer day is a memory and darkness returns, Icelanders can look forward to a new luxury spa. The Selfloss Hotel’s Northern Light Spa will showcase the magic of the region’s natural wonders — with geothermal hot springs, Nordic saunas and fresh rainwater showers.