Swedish Midsummer

Background

Midsummer comes from the ancient Nordic tradition of celebrating the summer solstice, later merged with the Christian feast of St John (24 June). Since the 1950s, Sweden has held Midsummer Eve on the Friday falling between 19 and 25 June, with Midsummer Day the following day. On the day, people decorate the midsummer pole with birch leaves and wildflowers, raise it and dance ring dances such as the Little Frogs around it, wearing flower crowns and traditional dress to the sound of folk music. The midsummer table always has pickled herring, new potatoes with dill and fresh strawberries. Midsummer traditions are especially strong in the Dalarna region, but rural celebrations are mostly private gatherings of families and communities; in Stockholm, the Skansen open-air museum holds public midsummer events over several days, with dancing, games and traditional seasonal food.

Local customs

• Watch the midsummer pole being raised at the Skansen open-air museum and follow the dance leader in the ring dances
• make and wear a flower crown
• taste the midsummer meal of pickled herring, new potatoes and strawberries
• enjoy folk music and traditional dress.

Travel tips

• Midsummer Eve is the Friday falling between 19 and 25 June, and Midsummer Day is the following day
• many shops and institutions close or shorten their hours over the holiday, so please check before you go. In Stockholm the main public celebration is at the Skansen open-air museum, which you can reach by public transport or ferry
• event details are subject to local announcement. Celebrations in rural Dalarna are mostly private gatherings, so visitors are advised to choose public events in town parks and open-air museums.

2027 schedule

• In 2027 Midsummer Eve falls on Friday 25 June and Midsummer Day on Saturday 26 June
• details of Stockholm's public events are yet to be announced.