Sumudu Gunathilake
Sommaroy: The Island Where Time Takes a Holiday
Sommaroy is a very small place in Northern Norway, west of Tromso, in the Tromso Municipality. It is one hour west of the bigger city, Tromo. Which simply means “Summer Island” in Norwegian. If you look at a map, it is far up north, way inside the Arctic Circle. Sammaroy location is one of the most important in the world for understanding how the Earth moves. This tiny island homes to about 300 people and is a beautiful and strange place where the normal rules of the day and night are completely broken by nature. It remains a traditional fishing village with active local fishing fleets and fish processing industries. The community is famous for its bold attempt to become the world’s first time-free zone, encouraging locals to live by natural rhythms rather than clocks.
The Big Natural Facts
Because the Earth is tilted, the Arctic area has two very strong natural events every year:
- The Midnight Sun (Summer):
When: From about May 18th to July 26th (around 69 days).
What Happens: The sun never sets. It goes low in the sky at night, but it never drops below the horizon line.
The Feeling: The whole island is bright 24 hours a day. Imagine having a day that lasts for more than two months. People can be seen doing normal daytime things; like fishing, painting houses, or playing games at 2 o’clock in the morning.
Why It Matters: This constant light is the main reason locals say they don’t need clocks. Why check the time when the sun is always up?
- The Polar Night (Winter):
When: From about November to January.
What Happens: The opposite of summer. The sun does not rise above the horizon at all.
The Feeling: It is dark for long periods but not completely black all day. There is a short time of beautiful blue, soft light (called twilight) around the middle of the day.
Why It Matters: This time forces people to slow down. They focus on rest, staying warm, and spending time inside with family and friends. It is the time to look up and see the amazing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) dancing in the dark sky.
The Island’s Famous “Time-Free Zone” Idea
In 2019, Sommaroy became famous around the world for wanting to be a “Time-Free Zone.” This was not a legal plan to stop using clocks forever. It was a clever way to show the world how people already live there.
- The Problem with Clocks: The people of Sommaroy felt that the normal 9.00am to 5.00pm schedule makes no sense when the sun never goes down. Why close a shop at 5.00pm if people are just starting to feel active?
- The Solution: They asked the government to let them ignore official hours during the summer. The idea was to live by spontaneity (doing things when you feel like it) instead of a fixed schedule.
- The Symbol: Travelers visiting the island often see many wristwatches tied to a railing on the bridge that connects the island to the mainland. This is a powerful symbol. It means that once you cross into Sommaroy, you leave your schedule and the pressure of time behind. You live by the light, the tides, and your own energy.
- The Result: The campaign was a huge success for tourism. It invited people to come and experience a life free from time control.
The Arctic’s Secret Beauty
Sommaroy is often called the “Arctic Caribbean,” which might sound strange since it’s in the cold north. This nickname comes from two main things: its beaches and its water.
The Amazing White Beaches
Most beaches in Norway have dark, rough sand. But Sommaroy has sand that is brilliantly white and soft.
- The Simple Truth: This sand is not regular rock-based sand. It is made of crushed seashells and small pieces of coral from the cold Arctic Ocean.
- The Color Effect: When this white coral sand sits under the clear Arctic water, the water takes on a stunning, bright turquoise blue color the kind you expect to see on a tropical island.
- What to Do: While the water is certainly cold (don’t expect a Caribbean swim!), the beaches are perfect for long walks, collecting beautiful shells, and taking amazing photos of the dramatic mountains meeting the white shore. The most famous beach is called Sandvika.
The Mountains and the Sea
The landscape around the island is a strong mix of high, dark mountains and the endless ocean.
- Haja Island: Right across the water is the island of Haja. This mountain looks like a sharp, giant pyramid rising straight out of the sea. It is so famous that many people believe its shape was the inspiration for the design of the main church in Tromsø.
- Ornfloya Hike: For visitors, the best way to see all this beauty is to walk up the small hill called Ornfloya (Eagle’s Hill). It’s not a very long or difficult walk, but from the top, you get a full, stunning view of the whole Sommaroy area, the small fishing boats, and the huge ocean beyond. This is one of the best places to watch the Midnight Sun or the colorful Northern Lights.
A Real-Life Fishing Community
Before it became a famous place for tourists, Sommaroy was and still is a working village.
Life Built on Fishing
- Main Job: The main job in Sommary is fishing. It is one of the busiest fishing villages in the region.
- The Catch: The fishermen mostly catch herring and cod. They bring the fish to the local plants where it is cleaned, packed, and frozen to be shipped all over the world. The fishing industry is the true heart of the community.
- History: The island’s name, “Summer Island,” comes from the past. Long ago, people lived on the nearby island of Hillesoya and only used Sommaroy during the summer months to let their cow’s graze. As fishing methods improved, the community moved its main center to the best harbor, which is where the village stands today.
The Wildlife Wonders
The cold, clean water around Sommaroy is full of sea life, making it a great place to see Arctic animals.
- Whales: In the winter (especially November to January), huge Humpback Whales and Orcas (Killer Whales) come into the fjords near Sommaroy to feed on the herring. Boat trips during this time are a popular way to see these giant animals.
- Eagles and Birds: The area is home to the majestic White-Tailed Sea Eagle, one of the largest eagles in the world. They can often be seen flying low over the water, hunting for fish.
- Land Animals: If you are driving the scenic road to Sommaroy, keep your eyes open! It is common to see large Moose or groups of Reindeer walking near the road.
Where to Stay and What to Do?
The island is small, but it has good places for visitors to stay.
The Sommaroy Arctic Hotel
The main place to stay is the Sommaroy Arctic Hotel. It is a modern, cozy place right next to the sea.
- Staying Options: You can choose a simple hotel room, a suite, or a traditional sea house (rorbu) built on stilts over the water.
- Relaxing: The hotel is famous for its sauna and outdoor hot tubs (jacuzzis). Imagine sitting in warm water while looking out at the cold ocean or even watching the Northern Lights dance overhead!
- Food: The restaurant serves high-quality food, focusing on fresh seafood and local Norwegian dishes.
Year-Round Activities
Because the light is so extreme, the activities change a lot between summer and winter.
In Summer season, the Sun can see at Midnight, and time of day is 24 hours a day. People Kayak or take a boat ride under the sun at midnight. Hike up Ornfloya for a golden view. Fish from the cold in the deep sea. Relax on the white sand beaches.
In the Cold season, the Sun can see at Porlar Night and time of day is dark or blue twilight. Chase the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) right outside your hotel. Go on a Whale Watching boat trip to see Orcas. Try Snowshoeing on the quiet, snowy hills. Take a relaxing sauna by the sea.
Summary: A Lesson in Life
Sommaroy is a place that shows us a different way to live. It is not just about the beautiful scenery; it is about the idea of freedom.
The island teaches that when you let go of the clock; when you stop counting minutes and just start living by the light, the season, and the rhythm of your own body life becomes richer, simpler, and full of amazing moments you could never plan.
Sommaroy is a beautiful challenge to the modern world: Come here, leave your watch behind, and let nature tell you when the day ends.
