Celebrating Midsommar

Planning a summer escape to Sweden this June? You’re in for more than just scenic ferry rides and endless daylight. Prepare to step into one of Scandinavia’s most beloved and enchanting traditions: Midsommar. 

Whether you arrive by ferry into Sweden or stop via neighbouring Denmark, Norway, or Finland, this is the perfect time to pair your Nordic adventure with the celebration of the summer solstice. This is an event where all are welcome to join the festivities.

What is Midsommar? 

Midsommar is Sweden’s second biggest holiday, just after Christmas, but warmer, wilder, and danced barefoot under the sun. With roots deep in pagan rituals and a love letter to the longest day of the year, Midsommar is a joyous salute to light, nature, and the bonds of community. 

In 2025, Midsummer's Eve (Midsommarafton) lands on Friday, June 20, followed by Midsummer’s Day (Midsommardagen) on Saturday, June 21. Mark these dates in your calendar as this is when Sweden truly comes alive. 

A Celebration of Light 

In parts of Sweden, especially in the far north, the sun rarely sets. In places like Lapland, it doesn’t at all. The result? A dreamy twilight that lingers throughout the night, casting a soft glow over fields and forests where the festivities unfold. You’ll see children and adults alike dancing around the majstång (maypole), hands joined in ancient folk dances, while traditional songs like “Helan går” echo over flower-strewn meadows. 

Feast, Folk Songs and Flower Crowns 

No Midsommar celebration is complete without a table laden with pickled herring, new potatoes, sour cream, and fresh strawberries. Add a few rounds of schnapps and drinking songs, and the party will get truly underway. Don’t forget to craft your own flower crown and wear it with pride as it’s a symbol of summer’s beauty. 

Go Where Tradition Lives 

While city celebrations are lively, the true magic of Midsommar is found in the countryside. Head to charming villages and family-run gardens, where traditions flourish amidst birch branches and garlands. Here, the festival still beats with its original heart: an ode to nature, light, and the joyful simplicity of summer.

Top 5 Things to do at Midsommar 

1. Dance Around the Maypole 

At the heart of every Midsommar celebration stands the majstång, an iconic symbol of the festival, dressed in birch leaves, colourful ribbons, and wildflowers. Friends, families, and neighbours gather in joyous circles, dancing traditional routines like the charming “Små grodorna” (The Little Frogs). With laughter in the air and flower crowns on heads, it’s a moment of pure Nordic magic. 

2. Weaving Wildflower Crowns 

One of Midsommar’s most cherished traditions is crafting your very own flower wreath. Meadows bloom with possibilities, and children and adults alike weave vibrant blossoms into beautiful headpieces. Many festivals host wreath-making workshops, so even first-timers can get involved. 

3. Savouring the Midsommarbord 

No celebration is complete without the Midsommarbord, a seasonal buffet that’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Expect a spread of pickled herring, new potatoes with dill, and fresh strawberries topped with whipped cream. The adults can also enjoy a chilled glass of akvavit, which gives a spirited touch to the toast. 

4. Playing Traditional Folk Games 

From sack races to egg-and-spoon relays, Midsommar is bursting with nostalgic games that bring generations together. The most popular game is Kubb, a generational Viking lawn game where wooden blocks become weapons of friendly rivalry. It’s wholesome fun that adds laughter to the longest day. 

5. Basking in the Midnight Sun 

Perhaps the most magical part of Midsommar is the never-ending light. Around the solstice, the sun hardly sets. This is especially true in the far north, where places like Lapland experience 24-hour daylight. Even further south, twilight lingers into the night, creating a surreal, golden glow that keeps the celebrations alive until the early hours. 

The Most Magical Places to Celebrate Midsommar 

Dalarna – The Heart of Tradition 

Welcome to Dalarna, the spiritual home of Midsommar. Here in Leksand, on the lush banks of Lake Siljan, over 20,000 revellers gather each year to witness the ceremonial raising of the maypole. The festival is rich with folk music, traditional dress, and time-honored dances. 

Skansen – Midsommar in the Capital 

For those visiting Stockholm, Skansen Open-Air Museum provides one of the largest and most vibrant Midsommar gatherings in the country. From June 20 to 22, 2025, visitors can enjoy everything from folk dance performances to children's crafts and live music. Please book your tickets early to avoid the queues! 

Fjäderholmarna – A Peaceful Escape 

Just a short ferry ride from Stockholm lies Fjäderholmarna, a tranquil island paradise perfect for a quieter celebration. On June 20, get ready for maypoles, music, and local cuisine, set against the soothing backdrop of the archipelago. It’s ideal for those seeking tradition without the city bustle.

Gothenburg – Family Fun in the City 

In Slottsskogen Park, Gothenburg hosts a relaxed and family-friendly Midsommar party on June 21. With activities for kids, music and dance, and an international crowd, it’s a laid-back celebration that captures the joyful spirit of the season.

Uppsala – Where History Meets Celebration 

Travel back in time in Gamla Uppsala, the ancient heart of Viking lore. Midsommar here is steeped in tradition, celebrated among royal burial mounds and historic wooden buildings. Expect processions, folk games, and live music that echo the rhythms of a timeless Swedish summer.

Sail into Summer: Discover Scandinavia by Ferry 

There’s no better season to explore Scandinavia than summer! With its mild temperatures, endless daylight, and crystal-clear horizons, it’s the perfect time to embark on a sea voyage to the North. From the moment you step aboard, you’re treated to panoramic views, fresh Nordic air, and the comforts of modern ferry travel. Imagine yourself unwinding in your own cosy luxury cabins, eating regional cuisine, and taking in the view on the sun-kissed decks. 

Ferries offer more than just a scenic route. They’re a slower, greener way to travel, giving you the chance to savour every moment of your journey. No need to worry about baggage limits either! Bring your car, your pet, and even your caravan, and travel at your own pace towards Sweden’s sunlit shores.

Ferry from Germany to Sweden 

Skip the long drive through Denmark and set sail from northern Germany directly to Sweden with ferry operators like TT-Line. Whether you're heading for the vibrant streets of Malmö, the charming harbour of Trelleborg, or the cultural gem of Gothenburg, ferry travel lets you arrive refreshed and ready. Here are the most popular summer ferry routes from Germany to Sweden:

Prices are indicative of recent searches (as of May 2025) and may vary. Booking fees are not included.

Midsommar Across Scandinavia 

While Sweden may be the heart of the Midsummer celebration, the magic of the summer solstice is prevalent all across Scandinavia. From fiery coastal rituals in Norway to serene lakefront gatherings in Finland and melodic beach bonfires in Denmark, each country brings its own unique twist to this beloved Nordic custom. 

Midsommar in Norway – Sankthansaften 

In Norway, Midsummer takes the name Sankthansaften, and is usually celebrated on June 23rd. As the sun lingers over the fjords and shimmering lakes, Norwegians gather to light towering bonfires—symbols of warmth, protection, and the mystical power of light. These glowing beacons illuminate coastlines and mountainsides, believed to ward off evil spirits and honour the sun. 

Other traditions include gathering healing herbs, romantic flower rituals (tuck seven blooms under your pillow to dream of your future love), and pilgrimages to sacred sites like Røldal Stave Church. As for the feast, the Norwegian Midsummer table often features comforting classics like rømmegrøt (a creamy porridge) and spekemat (cured meats).

Midsommar in Finland – Juhannus 

Midsummer in Finland is known as Juhannus. It’s more than a festival, it’s a national escape to nature. Celebrated on the Saturday closest to the solstice, usually between June 20 and 26, Juhannus draws Finns to their beloved summer cottages nestled beside tranquil lakes and forested islands. 

The customs are deeply rooted: people light kokko (bonfires), bask in steamy saunas, and perform ancient rituals like placing seven wildflowers beneath the pillow as a wishful charm to glimpse a future spouse (known as Juhannustaika).

Cities empty out as the countryside comes alive. Whether you’re exploring Åland’s archipelagos or floating in the peace of a midnight lake, Juhannus in Finland is all about disconnecting from the everyday and reconnecting with nature. 

Midsommar in Denmark – Sankt Hans Aften 

Midsummer in Denmark is celebrated as Sankt Hans Aften, hosted on June 23rd. As the sun descends, Danes gather by the water or in open parks, lighting bonfires crowned with straw witches. 

One of the most heartfelt traditions is the communal singing of the Midsommervisen, a midsummer hymn based on Holger Drachmann’s beloved poem “Vi elsker vort land.” With its nostalgic lyrics and haunting melody, the song becomes a bridge between past and present. 

Prepare for spontaneous picnics, glowing lanterns, and the laughter of families celebrating in gardens, beaches, and meadows across the country. In true Danish fashion, it’s all about hygge, harmony, and heartfelt connection.

Book Your Ferry Tickets for Midsommar 

Midsommar is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a vibrant celebration of life, light, and connection. It weaves together the beauty of Nordic landscapes, the charm of ancient traditions, and the warmth of shared moments. And what better way to begin this unforgettable adventure than by arriving by ferry, allowing the gentle rhythm of the sea ease you into the heart of a Scandinavian summer? 

Whether you're dancing around the maypole in Dalarna, picnicking on the sunlit isles near Stockholm, or gathered by a crackling campfire in the Finnish wilderness, every moment of Midsommar is a step into something truly magical.