Dancing, feasting, drinking, and a seemingly endless supply of sunlight: there’s a lot to like about Midsummer in Sweden. One of the most characteristic and beloved Swedish traditions of all is Midsummer´s Eve. This year´s Midsummer is celebrated on June 21, the longest day of the year – when the sky never darkens.
Swedes are fairly well attuned to the rhythms of nature. Midsummer is an occasion of large gatherings. People often begin the day by picking flowers and making wreaths to place on the maypole. It hears interesting? Be a part of this traditional event and celebrate Midsummer with us. Here are the biggest events regarding the Midsummer in Stockholm and Gothenburg.
The best way to experience Midsummer is with a group of Swedes. Unless you’re lucky enough to have been invited to dinner with some Swedish friends, your best bet is to head to one of the public gatherings which are held in parks and town squares around the country.
STOCKHOLM
Skansen
Stockholm´s huge open-air museum, Skansen, puts on the city´s biggest Midsummer celebration. The maypole will be raised at 2 p. m. and festivities, including folk music, continue long into the summer night. Entry to the park is 220 SEK on Midsummer´s Eve (children under 15 years old enter for 60 SEK).
Fjäderholmarna
Traditional celebration with a dance around the Maypole, children activity, quiz walk, and candy rain. At 2 p. m. starts the dance around the Maypole in the garden.
Hågelbyparken
Celebrate midsummer at Hågelbyparken by dancing around the maypole or challenge your family in traditional midsummer games. Watch the children’s theatre Kotte & Vera or try electric cars. Bring your picnic basket or enjoy a midsummer buffet at the Inn LM. Lunch & “Fika” is served at Café Anna Giertz.
Vitabergsparken
If you want to experience Midsummer on a smaller scale in Stockholm, head to the Vitabergsparken. This is a small park in the center of Södermalm, where you can dance, sing and enjoy some typical snacks.
Södra Teatern
Everyone – old as young, traditionalists, families with children, hipsters and pensioners are all warmly welcomed to a midsummer celebration at Södra Teatern. The Midsummer Night then continues throughout the house with clubs and awesome DJs until 2 am.
GOTHENBURG
Slottsskogen
Gothenburg´s main park, Slottsskogen, is one of the best places to celebrate Midsummer. Expect games, dancing, and picnicking around the maypole. Entry to the park is free for everyone.
Trädgårdsföreningen
Near Gothenburg´s central station, a park called Trädgårdsföreningen is a nice place to watch and celebrate Midsummer Eve. The entry is free.
Tjolöholm Castle
On Midsummer’s Eve, the festivities begin at noon, when the children's attractions kick-off. There are a lot of fun activities like amusement rides, bouncy castles, pony rides, etc. At 1 pm the Maypole will be raised and the folk dance begins. The entrance fee is 40 SEK, children up to 15 years have free admission.
Liseberg amusement park
Midsummer celebration with the folk dance group Heimdals Bygdegille. Dancing around the Maypole. The restaurants in the park will be open, serving Swedish Midsummer menus. The amusement park is open from 11 a. m. to 11 p. m.
If you want to join our guided tours in Stockholm and Gothenburg and experience the city from the view of an insider, you are warmly welcome.
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