Where & how to do Midsummer in Sweden - the ultimate Swedish experience
Did you know the Christian tradition of celebrating St. John the Baptist coincides with the summer solstice? In Northern Europe, this date is still marked with bonfires and festivities.
Since the late Middle Ages, Swedes have celebrated by raising and dancing around a Midsummer pole. Decorating it with flowers and greenery, a practice known as 'maja', gives the pole its other name: the maypole.
Photo: Anna Hållams/imagebank.sweden.se (Download)
Midsummer’s Eve is one of Sweden’s most cherished celebrations, second only to Christmas. This vibrant festival honours the start of the summer and always takes place on a Friday between June 19th and 25th. In 2024, Midsummer falls on June 21st. Be sure to mark your calendars, especially if you plan on visiting the Dalarna region of central Sweden.
Why Dalarna?
No one and no place in Sweden celebrates Midsummer quite like Dalarna. When you picture quintessential images of Sweden – charming, brightly painted wooden horses, red cottages with white gables, and people dancing around the maypole – they all originate from Dalarna.
Of course, there are countless opportunities all across Sweden to participate in this much loved and colourful tradition. Here are some of Sweden´s most well-known celebrations. So go on, leave your inhibitions behind, join the fun and dance like small frogs this summer!
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Where to celebrate Midsummer
Leksand, Dalarna
Leksand in Dalarna hosts the world’s largest Midsummer celebration, attracting close to 30,000 visitors annually. Experience the heart of this Swedish tradition at Gropen in Leksand, where the community gather for an unforgettable celebration of joy and cultural heritage. Fiddlers, folk dancers, choirs, and Sweden's tallest maypole are bought together for the classic ring dance.
Rättvik, Dalarna
Rättvik's fantastic Midsummer festival attracts many visitors each year. The celebration kicks off with a parade featuring horses, flags, garlands, folk musicians, and decorated wagons. Highlights include the raising of the maypole, folk music, speeches, and, most importantly, dancing and games around the maypole.
Visby, Gotland
In Visby on Gotland, Midsummer is celebrated with a true folk festival. Enjoy entertainment, sing-alongs with a traditional Gotland accordion band, dancing around the maypole, and even horse-drawn carriage rides. It’s a lively and authentic celebration that captures the spirit of Swedish Midsummer.
Riksgränsen, Swedish Lapland – midsummer on skis!
For a unique twist, celebrate Midsummer on skis in Riksgränsen. Traditionally open during the Midsummer weekend, weather permitting, Riksgränsen offers fantastic skiing opportunities under the midnight sun.
Skansen, Stockholm
Join the festivities at Skansen in Stockholm, where you can enjoy traditional Midsummer celebrations in an open-air museum setting. Dance, music, and cultural displays are the perfect introduction to Swedish heritage.
Stockholm archipelago
What could be more idyllic than celebrating Midsummer in Stockholm’s beautiful archipelago? You can choose from various festivities arranged on the islands. Fjäderholmarna, Grinda, Vaxholm, and Sandhamn all host classic gatherings, each offering unique island charm.
Slottsskogen, Gothenburg
In Gothenburg's Slottsskogen park, experience a vibrant Midsummer festival, complete with traditional dancing, games, and a lively atmosphere perfect for families and solo travellers alike.
Gunnebo House and Gardens, Gothenburg
Midsummer Eve is traditionally celebrated at Gunnebo House and Gardens, one of the Gothenburg region's most popular Midsummer events. Throughout the day, enjoy ring dances around the maypole and dance performances.
Gothenburg archipelago
Experience Midsummer among the beautiful archipelago islands and sparkling seas. Several islands in the Gothenburg archipelago host Midsummer festivities. Don’t miss the fun on Björkö, Vrångö and others.
Sofiero Palace, Helsingborg
Sofiero Palace in Helsingborg hosts a traditional Midsummer gathering in a blooming setting. Enjoy singing and dancing around the maypole, games for the whole family, and a delightful royal atmosphere.
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How to celebrate Midsummer like a true Swede - 5 tips
1. Dance around the maypole: Join in the traditional dances around the decorated maypole, yes, there´s even a dance about small frogs. The dances are a central part of any Midsummer celebration.
2. Wear a flower crown: Craft and wear a floral crown, a beautiful and essential accessory for the festivities. Pick seven types of flowers and place them under your pillow to dream of your future spouse.
Photo: Alexander Hall/imagebank.sweden.se (Download)
3. Enjoy a traditional feast: Savour classic Swedish dishes like pickled herring, new potatoes with dill, and strawberries with whipped cream or even a Strawberry Cake. Try our recipes here…
4. Sing traditional songs: Join in singing Swedish songs, often accompanied by accordion music. Schnapps songs are also commonly sung at the dinner table, paired with shots of schnapps.
5. Stay up for the midnight sun: Experience the magic of the long, bright nights by staying up to enjoy the light of the midnight sun.
Join us in Sweden this June for a Midsummer celebration you’ll never forget!
Or here´s more information on how to celebrate your own midsummer party: https://visitsweden.com/what-to-do/culture-history-and-art/swedish-traditions/midsummer-tradition/midsummer-sweden-something-another-world/
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Press images: https://imagebank.sweden.se/my-selections/3bkx39g5pu
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