Midsummer in Sweden is no ordinary time. The longest day of the year is also arguably Sweden's most-loved celebration.
And once you've experienced it for yourself, you'll understand why Swedes get so excited about it.
Why Midsummer Matters in Sweden
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Midsummer, or Midsommar, celebrates the summer solstice, when the country welcomes its longest day of the year.
After enduring months of winter darkness, Swedes take this chance to embrace the longer days and appreciate every bit of sunlight that comes their way.
The festival is all about celebrating fertility, love and the sheer joy of summer. And it's a big deal in Swedish culture.
Friends and families gather, communities come together and everyone forgets about the daily grind.
Think of it as a kind of extended fika break.
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Most of the action takes place over two days - Midsummer Eve and Midsummer Day.
During this time, Sweden is basically one massive outdoor party. Complete with excellent food, traditional costumes, folk songs and some outdoor sun-drenched fun.
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What Is Swedish Midsummer All About?
- Wearing flower crowns - Everyone - from toddlers to grandparents - rocks a homemade flower crown as a tribute to nature, tradition and good summer vibes.
- Dancing around the maypole - The iconic midsommarstång, or maypole, is raised in village greens and parks across Sweden, with people dancing in circles, often pretending to be frogs.
- Traditional folk music - Live fiddles, accordions and old Swedish songs accompany the celebrations. Especially at community gatherings in rural areas.
- Feasting on summer food - Tables are filled with pickled herring, new potatoes, sour cream, strawberries and other seasonal treats. It's always served outdoors when weather allows.
- Picnicking and barbecuing - Whether it’s a formal meal or a casual spread, Swedes love to eat outside surrounded by nature.
- Drinking schnapps and singing - Tiny glasses of flavoured spirits are raised often, each one followed by a traditional drinking song, or snapsvisa.
- Playing lawn games - Games like kubb, a Viking-style lawn game, football or giant Jenga pop up for some festive competition.
- Celebrating outdoors late into the night - Thanks to the midnight sun, many parties continue well past sunset, if it ever gets dark at all.
- Spending time with family and friends - At its heart, Midsummer is about connection, tradition and community, whether at a public gathering or private summer house.
Adobe Free Stock / Simon
Fun Fact: The Swedish Midsummer Frog Dance
One of the most iconic Midsummer traditions is a dance about frogs with no ears or tails. 🐸
The song 'Små Grodorna' or 'Little Frogs', is sung while people hop around the maypole like amphibians, complete with flappy hand movements and giggling.
It's silly, joyful and totally Swedish. And yes, you’re expected to join in. If you feel ridiculous, you’re doing it right.
The Best Places to Celebrate Midsummer in Sweden
Heading to Sweden for Midsummer equals full-blown cultural immersion.
You'll be eating pickled herring like it's going out of fashion and attempting folk dances that require more coordination than you probably possess.
But where exactly should you go to experience the best of Swedish Midsummer?
Dalarna County
Adobe Free Stock / Jarmo V
If you want the full Swedish Midsummer experience without modern distractions, Dalarna County is your best bet.
Known as the heartland of Midsummer celebrations, towns like Leksand and Svärdsjö host some of the largest and most authentic festivities.
Here, you'll witness maypole raisings passed down through generations, along with folk costumes that could have stepped out of a fairytale.
Expect music, dancing and unwavering commitment to tradition.
Skansen, Stockholm
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Skansen, a popular, much-loved open-air museum in Stockholm, offers all the traditional elements of Midsummer within walking distance of the city centre.
The attraction usually offers a packed Midsummer itinerary for visitors to the Swedish capital. This includes Maypole dancing, wreath making, folk dancing and special concerts.
Basically, it's perfect for families or travellers who want to celebrate in the city.
Gothenburg Archipelago
Adobe Free Stock / Gunnar E Nilsen
The islands of the Gothenburg Archipelago, especially Vrångö, add a coastal twist to Swedish Midsummer.
Celebrating the solstice by the sea adds natural beauty to traditional customs.
These celebrations are often more relaxed, perfect for those seeking authenticity without the crowds.
Skanör, Skåne - The Famous Goose‑Ski Race
Wikimedia Commons / Susanne Nilsson
Skanör in Skåne has a Midsummer tradition that you won’t find elsewhere - the Gåsaloppet - or the Goose‑Ski Race.
Every Midsummer Eve at around 12:30 pm, teams of six brave souls climb onto oversized wooden skis designed for six pairs of feet.
And of course, they race through town streets cheered on by locals and tourists.
The goal? Get to the finish line first and preferably upright. It's as hilarious and chaotic as it sounds.
In 2025, the race's 40th anniversary will be celebrated Skanör's beloved folk‑fest.
After the race, the celebration continues with maypole dancing, flower crowns, folk music and traditional sill‑lunches at community venues like Gästis parken.
It’s a perfect blend of playful competition and Skanör’s festive spirit, making it a great option for tourists seeking something a bit different from the usual Midsummer fare.
What Do Swedes Eat During Midsummer?
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As with every major celebration or festival, food takes centre stage during Swedish Midsummer.
If you're heading across the North Sea to immerse yourself in our Scandi neighbours' culture and traditions this summer, you might expect to see plenty of the following.
- Pickled herring (sill) - The star of the Swedish Midsummer table, often served in multiple flavours like mustard, dill and onion.
- Boiled new potatoes with dill - Served warm with butter, sour cream and chives, these fresh seasonal potatoes are a must-have dish.
- Gräddfil with chives - A Swedish-style sour cream dip that perfectly complements herring and potatoes.
- Gravlax or cold-smoked salmon - A delicious alternative to herring, this cured or smoked salmon is typically served cold with dill sauce.
- Swedish meatballs - A comforting and familiar option on the buffet, often served with creamy sauces or lingonberry jam.
- Knäckebröd, i.e., crispbread - A crunchy staple in Swedish cuisine, topped with cheese, butter, or herring.
- Västerbotten cheese pie - A rich and savoury cheese tart made with Sweden’s beloved Västerbottensost.
- Fresh strawberries and whipped cream - The essential Swedish Midsummer dessert, light, sweet and in-season.
- Snaps and schnapps songs - Tiny glasses of flavoured spirits served with traditional Swedish drinking songs. Cheers! Or, as Swedes say, 'Skål!'.
- Jjordgubbstårta - A fluffy sponge cake layered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries - the taste of Swedish summer.
Adobe Free Stock / Pixel-Shot
Fun Fact: Midsummer in Sweden
About 96 % of Swedes eat strawberries during Midsummer weekend. 🍓
Strawberries are a core part of the traditional Swedish Midsummer festival, with sales skyrocketing during the week, making it Sweden's top-selling berry holiday of the year.
Tips for Celebrating Midsummer in Sweden
- Plan Ahead - Midsummer is hugely popular. Book your stay early, especially in places like Dalarna or Stockholm.
- Embrace the Traditions - Join the dancing, try the food, wear a flower crown. Get involved.
- Respect Local Customs - Remember it’s a family celebration. Be respectful and soak in the culture.
- Dress Appropriately - Folk costumes are great, but comfy summer clothes with layers are totally fine.
- Learn Basic Swedish - Phrases like 'tack' go a long way, even though most Swedes speak excellent English.
Adobe Free Stock / jozefklopacka
Stay Connected During Swedish Midsummer
Don’t let roaming charges ruin your Midsummer magic.
While you're busy dancing around the maypole and taking selfies in your flower crown, you'll want reliable mobile data.
Download an eSIM for Sweden from Airalo before you travel.
It can offer you seamless connectivity across Sweden, whether you're celebrating in Stockholm, Dalarna or Vrångö.
An eSIM for Sweden lets you stay connected without scary roaming bills, so you can upload those flower-crown selfies in real time.
FAQs
1. What is Midsummer in Sweden?
Midsummer is a traditional celebration of the summer solstice in Sweden, marked by maypole dancing, folk music and traditional foods.
2. When is Midsummer celebrated?
Swedish Midsummer is celebrated on the Friday between 19 and 25 June. Although Midsummer Eve is the main day of festivities.
3. What Should I Wear to a Midsummer Celebration?
Wear a flower crown and comfortable summer clothes. Folk costumes are encouraged if you have them, but not required.
4. Can Tourists Participate in Midsummer Celebrations?
Yes, tourists are welcome to join public celebrations. It's one of the best ways to experience authentic Swedish culture.
5. Are There Any Customs I Should Be Aware Of?
Join the dancing, try the traditional food and, as always, show respect for family and local traditions.
