The Island Without Time

This article explores the concept of a "time-free zone" in Sommarøy, a Norwegian fishing village above the Arctic Circle, known for its extreme periods of daylight and darkness. While the initial movement to abolish clock-time was a PR stunt, the author delves into the local experience of time, distinguishing between "clock-timers" and "event-timers." The journalist's personal attempt to live without a clock highlights the complexities of human-time interaction and the inherent desire for structure, even amidst the fantasy of a timeless, stress-free existence. The piece touches on the history of timekeeping, the psychological impact of time perception, and how inhabitants adapt to their unique environment.