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Midsummer

With roots in pagan times, Midsummer is a celebration of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, but it is also a celebration of life and love.

Photo credit: Faramarz Gosheh/imagebank.sweden.se

Midsummer in Sweden – a cherished tradition

The successful midsummer never-ending lunch party formula involves flowers in your hair, dancing around a pole, singing songs while drinking unsweetened, flavoured schnapps. And downing a whole load of pickled herring served with delightful new potatoes, chives and sour cream. All in all, a grand day out.

Last updated 17 May 2022

When is Midsummer?

Midsummer Eve 2022 is on Friday, 24 June.

Who can celebrate Midsummer?

Everyone!

How to do Midsummer like a local

Swedes celebrate Midsummer in parks, gardens and summerhouses – in fact, anywhere in Sweden will do as long as it is outdoors. If you're not lucky enough to get an invite to a summerhouse, a safe bet to celebrate with Swedish friends (that you don't know yet) is to visit a public park. Or, plan a visit to one of the following places:

Where can you celebrate Midsummer?

Riksgränsen: In Sweden's northernmost ski resort, Riksgränsen in Swedish Lapland, you can celebrate a different Midsummer by skiing under the Midnight Sun.
Dalarna: For a truly traditional Midsummer, Dalarna county is the place to be. They arrange multiple events leading up to the big day.
Stockholm: Skansen open-air museum is a popular spot for a traditional Midsummer celebration. However, there is a range of different Midsummer events arranged in and around the capital of Sweden.
Gothenburg: In Gothenburg, the largest traditional festivities are held at Gunnebo castle and gardens.

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Midsummer in Dalarna

Midsummer is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Sweden. Traditionally a May pole is raised which people gather around to dance and sing. Some people wear folk costumes to honour their regions while celebrating.

Photo: Per Bifrost/imagebank.sweden.se

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Midsummer in Dalarna

Photo: Per Bifrost/imagebank.sweden.se

Midsummer flower crown

Photo: Alexander Hall/imagebank.sweden.se

Midsummer

Photo: Christian Ferm/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se

Midsummer

Photo: Faramarz Gosheh/imagebank.sweden.se

Flower wreath

Photo: Alexander Hall/imagebank.sweden.se

Midsummer celebration

Photo: Stefan Berg/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se

Strawberries

Photo: Carolina Romare/imagebank.sweden.se

Flower wreath

Photo: Simon Paulin/imagebank.sweden.se