Magical Midsummer 2025

Anyone planning a trip to Sweden in June has the unique opportunity to experience and celebrate Midsummer, one of the most traditional Nordic festivals according to typical Scandinavian customs.

After arriving by ferry in Sweden, a picturesque summer sea voyage can be perfectly combined with the lively celebrations of the summer solstice – because this magical festival welcomes everyone with open arms... and flower wreaths.

What is Midsummer?

Midsummer is the second largest festival in the Swedish calendar and is traditionally celebrated in Sweden with family, neighbours and friends.

The festival has its origins mainly in pagan customs and marks the summer solstice – the longest day of the year – each year. In 2025, Midsummer's Eve (Midsommarafton) falls on Friday 20th June, and Midsummer's Day (Midsommardagen) on Saturday 21st June.

The celebrations typically include traditional dancing around the maypole (Majstång), singing folk songs and drinking songs (such as ‘Helan går’) and an outdoor feast with pickled herring, potatoes, sour cream and strawberries. The participants wear flower wreaths and traditional costumes – customs that have been passed down for generations.

We especially recommend checking out the outdoor celebrations outside the larger cities, where the atmosphere in the midst of decorated gardens and villages is especially authentic.

The longest day of the year

The summer solstice is not only a magical celebration but it also brings with it the longest day of the year. In parts of Sweden, the sun shines for up to 20 hours a day – and even at night it remains light (in Lapland, the sun does not set at all). As a result, Midsummer celebrations often continue well into the night under the open sky, creating a magical atmosphere filled with dancing, laughter and night-time singing.

Top 5 Midsummer Activities

• Dancing around the maypole: The centrepiece of every Midsummer celebration is the erection of and dancing around the majstång – a tall pole decorated with birch leaves, ribbons and wild flowers. Participants, often dressed in traditional costumes or summer dresses, form large circles and perform dances such as Små grodorna, ‘the little frogs’.
• Flower crown making: Wearing a hand-made flower crown is one of the most popular Midsummer customs, especially amongst women and children. Wildflowers are picked from the meadows and woven into circular crowns. If you want to try it yourself, you can take part in one of the many workshops.
• Midsummer table: The traditional Midsummer buffet consists of seasonal classics such as pickled herring, fresh potatoes with dill and strawberries with whipped cream for dessert. Older participants should also be sure to try akavit, a traditional schnapps.
• Folk games: Traditional games such as sack races, egg and spoon races and tug-of-war provide fun and games for young and old alike. Kubb, a lawn game with wooden blocks from the Viking era, is particularly popular.
• Midnight sun: The most magical aspect of Midsommar is the never-ending daylight. Around the solstice, the sun barely dips below the horizon, especially in the north. In regions such as Norrbotten and Lapland, it doesn’t get dark at all. Further south, the twilight lasts until late into the night.

The most beautiful places to celebrate Midsummer

Dalarna

Dalarna is considered the origin of Swedish Midsummer traditions. The celebration in Leksand is particularly famous, where on Midsummer's Eve (20th June 2025) over 20,000 people gather on the meadows on the shores of Lake Siljan. The maypole is then ceremoniously raised with folk music, traditional costumes and dances.

Skansen

One of the largest Midsummer celebrations in Sweden takes place at the Skansen open-air museum in Stockholm – right in the centre of the capital. From 20th June to 22nd June 2025, there’s plenty to experience here, such as the raising of the maypole, folk dance groups, craft stations for the little ones and various musical performances. It’s best to book tickets in advance.

Fjäderholmarna

The Fjäderholmarna islands are only about 30 minutes by ferry from Stockholm city centre and offer an idyllic setting for those who prefer a quieter Midsummer celebration. Here, the maypole will be erected on Friday 20th June 2025, accompanied by a music programme and traditional dishes in the local restaurants. It’s the perfect place for those who want to escape the crowds of the capital but don't want to miss out on tradition.

Gothenburg

A popular public Midsummer celebration will take place on 21st June 2025 in the centrally located Slottsskogen Park in Gothenburg. The city organises music, dancing and various activities for children, creating a relaxed, international and family-friendly atmosphere.

Uppsala

In Gamla Uppsala, the historic centre of the old Viking city, Midsummer is celebrated in a particularly traditional way. The festivities take place on the grounds of the open-air museum and at the royal tombs. Here you can experience a ceremonial procession, traditional games and local music performances.

Take the ferry to Scandinavia in summer

Summer is the ideal time to travel to Scandinavia by ferry. With pleasant mild temperatures, long days and clear skies, the ship offers breathtaking views. The modern ferries are comfortably equipped – from local specialities in the restaurants to comfortable luxury cabins, everything is available here.

Ferries are not only an environmentally friendly, slower alternative to flying, but also allow you to enjoy the summer sun on deck and get a taste of the regional cuisine. Travelling by ferry is the most relaxing way to reach the far north of Europe (plus you can take as much luggage as you can fit in your car!).

Ferry connections from UK to Sweden

Although there are currently no direct ferries from the UK to Sweden, there are plenty of alternative routes. If you do wish to reach Sweden by ferry, you can get a flight to either Denmark or Germany and then get a ferry to Sweden. Alternatively, you could take a ferry from the UK to France, drive to Germany and then get the ferry to Sweden.

Here is an overview of the routes between northern Germany and Sweden:

Prices are subject to change and are representative of search queries from the last 30 days. As of May 2025. Excluding booking fees.

Midsummer in Scandinavia

Midsummer is not only celebrated in Sweden every year. The festival also has a fixed place in the calendar in other northern and Scandinavian countries, enchanting people with its traditions. These countries include…

Midsummer in Norway – Sankthansaften

In Norway, midsummer is celebrated as Sankthansaften on 23rd June. Traditionally, large bonfires are lit here on the coasts, fjords and lakes to honour the sun and drive away evil spirits. Other midsummer traditions in Norway include gathering medicinal herbs, pilgrimages, for example to the stave church in Røldal, and ‘love predictions’, where flowers are placed under the pillow to dream of one's future spouse.

The traditional midsummer menu in Norway includes rømmegrøt (sour cream porridge) and spekemat (dried meat). However, the focus of Norwegian midsummer festivities is mainly on cosy get-togethers and food; Norwegian celebrations are usually more family-oriented and less folkloric than in Sweden – but no less charming.

Midsummer in Finland – Juhannus

In Finland, the midsummer festival is called Juhannus and is celebrated every year on a Saturday between 20th and 26th June. Many Finns spend the midsummer holidays in their summer houses by the lake, go to the sauna or light bonfires (Kokko).
Similar to Norway, Finland also has a custom of placing seven flowers under your pillow to see your future partner in your dreams (Juhannustaika). Midsummer in Finland means enjoying nature in its purest form; the cities empty out, while the lake regions, islands – such as Åland – and rural areas become real hotspots.

Midsummer in Denmark – Sankt Hans Aften

Danes celebrate midsummer as Sankt Hans Aften on 23rd June. Traditionally, the festival is celebrated in Denmark with large bonfires, which are often decorated with a straw witch on top and, according to custom, are supposed to drive away evil spirits.
Singing folk songs together is particularly popular in Denmark, such as ‘Vi elsker vort land’, colloquially known as ‘Midsommervisen’, which is based on a poem by the Danish writer Holger Drachmann. When the weather is ok, large and small picnics take place all over Denmark in parks, on beaches and in gardens to celebrate community and life.

What makes Midsummer so special

Midsummer is a magical experience that everyone should witness at least once. But what makes this festival so special that people from all over the world celebrate it every year? Here are three reasons:

The wealth of magical customs:

Flowers under the pillow: In Norway and Finland, young people place seven flowers under their pillow to dream of their future partner.
Jumping over the bonfire: In some cultures, it is believed that jumping over the fire brings good luck and drives away evil spirits.
Collecting medicinal herbs: In Norway, it was customary to collect medicinal herbs at Midsummer, as it was once believed that they were particularly effective at this time of year.

The historical and cultural significance for the region:

Pagan origins: Midsummer has its roots in pagan solstice celebrations that celebrated fertility and light.
Christianisation: With the Christianisation of Europe, Midsummer was merged with the feast of John the Baptist on 24th June.

Celebrating together – worldwide:

Scandinavian communities around the world celebrate Midsummer, but the midsummer festival is also celebrated in the Baltic States, Spain and Poland with local traditional foods, dances and customs.

Midsummer festivals bring tourists and locals together and create a unique atmosphere on the longest days of the year (in the far north and around the world).

A magical journey

Midsummer is more than just a holiday on the calendar – it’s a celebration of joie de vivre that combines Nordic nature, traditional customs and community. Those who arrive by ferry, not only make the journey part of their holiday but also experience the perfect introduction to the Nordic summer world.

Whether at the maypole in Dalarna, picnicking on the archipelago islands near Stockholm or around a campfire in Finland – magical memories await that will last forever. What are you waiting for?