Arctic HF Adventures: DX, Digital Modes, and 24-Hour Sunlight
Operating portable HF above the Arctic Circle in Norway’s Kamøyvaer. Stunning landscapes, 24-hour daylight, and clean propagation made for unforgettable DX contacts and digital mode sessions.
This summer, I finally set out on a long-anticipated trip through Scandinavia, bringing along my trusted TX-500 HF radio. The goal: experiment with portable HF setups in the stunning, remote landscapes above the Arctic Circle. What I didn’t expect was how deeply this region would captivate me — both as a radio operator and as a traveler.
📍 Kamøyvaer, Norway — The Perfect RF Escape
Today, July 21st, 2024, finds me in Kamøyvaer, a tiny fishing village on Magerøya island, Norway. A place of colorful houses, rugged hills, and endless ocean views — it’s a quiet, isolated spot with virtually no man-made RF interference.
I set up my station at the harbor’s edge, pairing my HF-P1 antenna with an extended whip I sourced from Amazon. The grid locator here: KQ21wb. Conditions on 20 meters were excellent, and I didn’t even need the loading coil — a welcome bonus in the field.
☀️ Midnight Sun, All Day RF
Operating under the Midnight Sun is surreal. With the sun hovering low on the horizon around the clock, there’s no rush to finish before dark. It creates a calm, glowing atmosphere over the water and lets you operate whenever conditions peak.
The ground stability, virtually zero noise floor, and Arctic air make this a dream HF location.
🌐 Propagation and Conditions
The weather? 24°C, clear skies, light ocean breeze — shockingly pleasant for this far north. The Solar Flux Index sat at a moderate level, with low geomagnetic activity keeping band conditions steady and noise levels minimal.
Thanks to extended daylight and consistent ionospheric support, the 20-meter band stayed wide open. Signals were strong, long-haul paths solid.
📊 Logging DX from the Arctic
Over the evening, I logged nearly 35 contacts via FT8 and FT4. Europe dominated the logbook, but the real win was snagging 3 solid contacts with Japan — a rarity for my portable setup and a definite highlight under these conditions.
✨ Reflections from the Edge of the World
Kamøyvaer turned out to be more than just a good operating site — it’s a place that slows you down and reminds you why you love this hobby. While I had planned to test multiple antennas and bands, the landscape, atmosphere, and surprisingly favorable propagation convinced me to stay right where I was.
The Midnight Sun, excellent weather, and top-tier RF conditions made this one of the most memorable radio sessions I’ve had. As I continue my journey through Scandinavia, this Arctic stop will stand out as a true highlight.
