While the summer solstice is often associated with druids, hippies, and sun salutations, new research from walking holiday specialists Inghams Walking reveals it’s also one of the most rewarding times of year to travel in the Northern Hemisphere, thanks to its long daylight hours, high visibility, and stable temperatures.
Also known as ‘midsummer’ in some countries, the solstice is an astronomical event marking the longest day and shortest night of the year, occurring when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt towards the sun.
For those looking to take advantage of these conditions during the 2026 solstice (which falls on Sunday, 21st June), the walking holiday specialists analysed historical meteorological data for destinations across the Northern Hemisphere, comparing factors such as cloud cover, rainfall, daylight hours, temperature, humidity, and visibility to identify the top destinations to experience it.
The researchers then created an average score out of 100 to determine an overall “Summer Solstice Score” for each destination, with Bergen, Norway, ranking highest, making it the Northern Hemisphere’s standout destination for experiencing the solstice at its best.
From hidden gems in Italy’s Dolomites and remote Portuguese islands, to northern cities with midnight sun, the study highlights a diverse mix of solstice destinations for every type of traveller.
The Northern Hemisphere’s top 20 destinations with the best ‘summer solstice’ conditions
According to the research, Bergen in Norway has the best overall conditions for celebrating the summer solstice. With one of the best visibility levels of any destination in the study, alongside an average of approximately 19 hours of daylight, travellers are almost guaranteed dramatic, extended golden hour views while exploring this city.
However, this destination offers more than just a picturesque city scene; it’s surrounded by seven mountains, making it the perfect base for a walking holiday. Known as Norway’s “Gateway to the Fjords”, travellers can spend their days exploring the city’s colourful streets and historic harbour before heading out on day trips to see some of the country’s most famous fjords, including Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord.
Yosemite in the United States takes second place for the summer solstice conditions, followed by Amesbury in the United Kingdom.
Interestingly, Amesbury is home to the world-famous Stonehenge, which is already highly regarded for its summer solstice celebrations. In fact, 25,000 people visited Stonehenge for the summer solstice last year alone.
The ancient structure was built to align with the sun on the solstices, rising behind the Heel Stone in the north-east part of the horizon, with its first rays shining into the heart of Stonehenge. On the winter solstice, the sun sets to the south-west of the stone circle, marking another occasion for travellers to visit this destination.
Another standout ranking destination is Tromsø in Norway, which ranks 14th. During the summer solstice, Tromsø experiences 24-hour daylight (known as midnight sun), when the sun remains above the horizon continuously. This makes it an excellent choice for energetic travellers seeking flexibility, with round-the-clock activities, such as hiking and fishing, available.
For travellers looking for a bit more warmth during their summer solstice travels, Inghams Walking’s research found Funchal on Portugal’s island of Madeira to have the fourth best conditions in the Northern Hemisphere for experiencing the summer solstice. With average June temperatures of around 21°C, travellers can explore the bustling streets of the city whilst enjoying delicious food and wine or journey a little outside the city to hit Madeira’s famous levadas.
While Nordic destinations might offer the longest daylight hours, the research found that UK locations also rank highly for their summer solstice conditions – thanks to a balanced combination of longer days, moderate temperatures, and generally favourable visibility.
For those looking to enjoy the summer solstice in the UK, Inghams Walking also studied some of the UK’s most popular summer solstice destinations to reveal where conditions are likely to be best for the celebrations this June.
Fittingly, the research found that Amesbury – the home of Stonehenge – ranks as the UK’s best place to enjoy the summer solstice. However, for those seeking a less crowded or more low-key way to mark the occasion, the research also highlights several scenic alternatives across the UK.
Portree on the Isle of Skye in Scotland is not far behind in second place. As the island’s main town, it benefits from nearly 18 hours of daylight in June, with sunsets as late as 10:30 pm – making it the ideal base for visiting key sights such as the Old Man of Storr or Kilt Rock.
Other ranking UK destinations include the picturesque Welsh village of Betws-y-Coed, where travellers can explore the very best of Snowdonia National Park and the world-famous music festival town of Glastonbury in southwest England.
Those looking for a city escape during the solstice can head to the seaside resort of Brighton, where a strong chance of clear skies and mild temperatures makes it a strong option for experiences full of sun, sea, and sand.
Laura Mason, Head of Destinations at Inghams, comments: “The summer solstice isn’t just about traditional or spiritual celebrations, it also offers a rare window where travellers can explore destinations for longer, in clearer and more comfortable conditions than almost any other time of year.
“While the research found that some popular summer solstice locations are high in the rankings, it also highlights some lesser-known hidden gems for travellers on the search for a low-key summer solstice trip.
“These locations give travellers the chance to explore the destinations well into the evening, whether that’s hiking, sightseeing, or simply just enjoying the scenery without feeling rushed or limited by the clock.”