Tue Dec 23 05:40:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

The article explores the concept of a “time-free zone” in Sommarøy, a Norwegian village above the Arctic Circle where the sun doesn’t set for months in summer. Inspired by the extreme daylight, residents briefly attempted to abolish clock time, though the idea was soon exposed as a publicity stunt orchestrated by a tourism company. The author visits Sommarøy to experience life without strict adherence to the clock, exploring the locals’ relationship with time, contrasting “clock-timers” with “event-timers.” While the official time-free zone wasn’t genuine, the author observes a more flexible relationship with time among the residents, driven by natural rhythms and personal preferences. The author’s own struggle to adapt to timelessness highlights the deeply ingrained nature of clock time in modern life.

News Article:

Arctic Village’s “Time-Free Zone” Dream Proves More Nuance Than Reality

Sommarøy, Norway – Nestled above the Arctic Circle, the village of Sommarøy, known for its months of continuous daylight, made headlines in 2019 with a proposal to become the world’s first “time-free zone.” The idea, driven by the logic that clocks lose meaning when the sun shines at 1 a.m., captured global attention. However, an investigation revealed that the initiative was a marketing ploy by a tourism company, raising questions about the authenticity of the time-free movement.

A recent visit to Sommarøy revealed a more complex reality. While the official “time-free zone” never materialized, residents exhibit a unique relationship with time, dictated more by natural rhythms and personal preferences than rigid schedules. Many operate on “event time,” performing tasks when necessary, day or night, rather than adhering to clock-driven routines.

“The life we live is real,” said Marianne Solbakken, a Sommarøy native. “How can you be inside when the sun is shining at 11 o’clock in the evening?”

The community’s flexibility with time offers a temporary escape from the constant pressure of modern life. It remains an interesting contrast to the clock-driven societies found south of the Arctic Circle.

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