News
November 01, 2025
How an island in Norway defied time: Welcome to Sommarøy
This Norwegian island caught the world’s attention in June 2019 when it was featured as the first place to try living without a time zone — a story that turned out to be a tourism campaign. Still, on Sommarøy, life naturally feels free of strict time boundaries.
**How an island in Norway defied time: Welcome to Sommarøy**
Sommarøy, a picturesque island nestled in the Arctic Circle off the coast of Norway, captured the imagination of the world in June 2019 with a bold proposition: to abolish time. Headlines blared about the island's audacious plan to become the world's first "time-free zone," fueled by the locals' desire to maximize their enjoyment of the perpetual daylight during the long summer months.
The story quickly spread, painting a picture of a community tired of being dictated by clocks, yearning for the freedom to live spontaneously and embrace the rhythms of nature. Images of residents signing a petition to present to their local member of parliament, adorned with watches they were symbolically discarding, went viral. The allure of a life unbound by schedules and deadlines resonated deeply with a global audience increasingly weary of the pressures of modern life.
However, the reality behind the "time-free zone" initiative was a clever and highly successful tourism campaign orchestrated by Innovation Norway, the country's official tourism board. While the idea of completely eradicating time proved impractical, the campaign highlighted the unique lifestyle enjoyed by the residents of Sommarøy.
Life on the island, even without officially abolishing time zones, naturally flows at a different pace. During the summer, the sun barely dips below the horizon, offering nearly 24 hours of daylight. This extended period of sunshine allows residents to engage in activities like fishing, hiking, boating, and spending time with loved ones at any hour. The traditional constraints of a 9-to-5 workday become less relevant when the sun is always shining.
While Sommarøy hasn't literally thrown away its clocks, the campaign succeeded in showcasing the island's relaxed and unconventional approach to daily life. It offered a glimpse into a community where the boundaries between day and night blur, and where the emphasis is placed on enjoying the present moment rather than adhering to a strict timetable. Sommarøy remains a place where you can truly disconnect from the pressures of modern life and reconnect with the natural rhythms of the Arctic. The spirit of "time-free living," even if not legally enforced, continues to be a part of the island's charm, attracting visitors seeking a taste of a more liberated and spontaneous existence.
Sommarøy, a picturesque island nestled in the Arctic Circle off the coast of Norway, captured the imagination of the world in June 2019 with a bold proposition: to abolish time. Headlines blared about the island's audacious plan to become the world's first "time-free zone," fueled by the locals' desire to maximize their enjoyment of the perpetual daylight during the long summer months.
The story quickly spread, painting a picture of a community tired of being dictated by clocks, yearning for the freedom to live spontaneously and embrace the rhythms of nature. Images of residents signing a petition to present to their local member of parliament, adorned with watches they were symbolically discarding, went viral. The allure of a life unbound by schedules and deadlines resonated deeply with a global audience increasingly weary of the pressures of modern life.
However, the reality behind the "time-free zone" initiative was a clever and highly successful tourism campaign orchestrated by Innovation Norway, the country's official tourism board. While the idea of completely eradicating time proved impractical, the campaign highlighted the unique lifestyle enjoyed by the residents of Sommarøy.
Life on the island, even without officially abolishing time zones, naturally flows at a different pace. During the summer, the sun barely dips below the horizon, offering nearly 24 hours of daylight. This extended period of sunshine allows residents to engage in activities like fishing, hiking, boating, and spending time with loved ones at any hour. The traditional constraints of a 9-to-5 workday become less relevant when the sun is always shining.
While Sommarøy hasn't literally thrown away its clocks, the campaign succeeded in showcasing the island's relaxed and unconventional approach to daily life. It offered a glimpse into a community where the boundaries between day and night blur, and where the emphasis is placed on enjoying the present moment rather than adhering to a strict timetable. Sommarøy remains a place where you can truly disconnect from the pressures of modern life and reconnect with the natural rhythms of the Arctic. The spirit of "time-free living," even if not legally enforced, continues to be a part of the island's charm, attracting visitors seeking a taste of a more liberated and spontaneous existence.
Category:
Technology