The Earth is a sphere that revolves around the sun, and its rotation gives us the phenomena of day and night. To better organize our work and life, our ancestors invented timekeeping tools based on the Earth's rotation to determine the time of day.


Due to differences in longitude and the times of sunrise and sunset, each country is divided into different time zones. Of course, we all use a unified time system for timekeeping, which helps maintain order in our lives.


However, there is a place in the world where the concept of time sometimes fades away.


From December to early January of the following year, the Rofund Islands experienced over a month of polar night. During the next month or so, the sun remains below the horizon, and the region experiences 24 hours of darkness. In theory, daylight is nonexistent, and residents must work and live under artificial lighting.


Visitors to the Rofund Islands are usually captivated by the auroras lighting up the sky, offering a unique and mesmerizing sight. However, for those used to the predictable pattern of day and night, the novelty may soon give way to discomfort. The endless daylight can disrupt normal sleep patterns, leading to excessive sleep, feelings of isolation, and lethargy.


Despite this, the local residents harbor a deep affection for their winters, suggesting that, with the correct attitude, the islands can indeed provide a perfect getaway. Embracing the local lifestyle and the natural phenomena unique to the area can transform the experience into an unforgettable vacation.


Although situated within the Arctic Circle, the Rofund Islands experience relatively mild winters compared to what one might expect from such a location. However, the weather during these months is notably erratic, characterized by rapid shifts from snowfall to rain, making outdoor activities somewhat unpredictable even for residents accustomed to the climate.


While the constant changeability of the weather might be challenging for some, the inhabitants of Norway, where the islands are located, tend to display a surprisingly low level of negative emotions towards these conditions. This resilience and positive outlook are indicative of their adaptation and appreciation for the unique environment in which they live.


February marks the coldest month of the year, with average temperatures hovering around -2°C. Despite the chill, the relatively warm climate enables people to maintain normal work, life, and leisure activities, unlike residents of Siberia who often find themselves confined indoors during the winter months.


The polar night indeed disrupts routines and work patterns. However, people always find ways to entertain themselves, such as listening to music and engaging in conversations with tourists from around the world about poetry and distant lands.


Traditional fishing practices, coupled with the distance from metropolitan areas, foster strong bonds among the small town's residents. People enjoy fishing together, braving the harsh weather at sea. This communal experience shaped by the environment nurtures deep-seated neighborly relations. Hence, despite being one of the most remote places on Earth, residents never feel lonely.


Even towards strangers, islanders maintain a welcoming attitude, which explains why many tourists highly praise the Rofund Islands. Visitors often find it easy to hitch rides with locals, thanks to this friendly disposition.


There are many factors contributing to the overall sense of well-being. Some experts attribute the relatively optimistic outlook of Rofund Islanders to the abundance of seafood, which provides ample vitamin D, compensating for the lack of sunlight and keeping people energized.


Beyond these factors, the winter season on the Rofund Islands offers numerous outdoor recreational activities. Skiing, in particular, is immensely popular and attracts countless tourists each year. Once winter sets in, ski slopes become ubiquitous across the islands.


Skiing is just one of many activities; hiking in the snow-covered mountains, fishing for cod alongside seasoned fishermen, and other daily routines keep people occupied. Consequently, even the gloomiest individuals find themselves inadvertently infected with joy. At least when you look up and behold the mysterious auroras overhead, a sense of healing washes over you.