Best Places to Celebrate Midsummer in Sweden

Midsummer is one of the most beloved holidays in Sweden, celebrated with joy, traditional songs, and plenty of good food. Swedes mark Midsummer to celebrate the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Rooted in ancient pagan rituals that honored fertility and the power of the sun, today’s festivities bring family and friends together for dancing around the maypole, singing, and enjoying traditional foods like herring and strawberries.

As a tourist, finding the best places to celebrate Midsummer in Sweden can be challenging. As a Swedish native who has celebrated countless Midsummers in various locations, I’ve put together this guide to help you discover the best spots for experiencing this joyful holiday.

Unlike many other traditions, cities in Sweden are often quite empty during the Midsummer weekend. The best celebrations take place in nature, with Swedes heading to the countryside, often to family summer houses by lakes or in rural areas. Coastal islands and archipelagos are also popular destinations, offering a beautiful and relaxed atmosphere. These natural settings perfectly complement the essence of Midsummer: celebrating summer and the longest day of the year. They provide the ideal backdrop for traditional activities like dancing around the maypole, enjoying outdoor picnics, and participating in various games and festivities.

Continue reading to discover the best places to celebrate Midsummer in Sweden.

Dalarna

Dalarna is often considered the heart of Midsummer celebrations in Sweden, and for good reason too! This region, located in central Sweden, is famous for its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage and long history of upholding Swedish traditions. The area surrounding Lake Siljan is where you will find the most charming towns and also the best places to celebrate midsummer in Dalarna and perhaps also in the whole of Sweden. Four towns in particular—Rättvik, Tällberg, Mora, and Leksand—stand out as top destinations for experiencing an authentic Midsummer celebration.

Leksand

The small town of Leksand hosts one of the most famous Midsummer events in Sweden. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to Leksand to witness the festivities, making it the largest midsummer celebration in the world!

The Midsummer festivities in Leksand vary but have historically begun with a concert at Leksand’s hembygdsgård, featuring performances by local music groups. This is followed by a small maypole raising for children and adults, accompanied by traditional folk dancing. Later in the day, church boats decorated with flowers and carrying musicians, folk dancers, and the church choir row down the river, landing at the southern bridge of Leksand.

The musicians and folk dancers then parade through the town towards “Gropen”, where the main maypole is raised. The event includes performances by various music and dance groups, as well as traditional dances and ring games. The evening continues with a concert in Leksand’s church and concludes with a lively barn dance at Leksand hembygdsgård.

Rättvik

Known for its long wooden pier extending into Lake Siljan, Rättvik is a smaller town than Leksand, but Midsummer is equally important here. Celebrations take place in Rättviks Gammelgård, a park with traditional old buildings. Like in Leksand, a parade of musicians and folk dancers makes its way from Rättvik to Gammelgård, where the festivities occur. There is a small entrance fee to enter Gammelgården. The celebrations in Rättvik are traditional, starting with the raising of the maypole. Compared to Leksand, the festivities in Rättvik are less crowded but just as authentic. I highly recommend it.

Tällberg

Tällberg, a picturesque village overlooking Lake Siljan, and another great place to celebrate midsummer. Tällberg is known for its charming wooden cottages and stunning views over Lake Siljan. The village’s Midsummer celebrations are intimate and traditional, offering a more relaxed and serene experience compared to the larger events in Leksand and Rättvik.

One of the best things of celebrating Midsummer in Tällberg is the opportunity to stay in one of the village’s charming hotels or guesthouses. Åkerblads is one of the most popular hotels here, which also offers a buffé on the midsummer eve with traditional Swedish foods. Furthermore, many of these accommodations offer beautiful views of Lake Siljan, creating a perfect setting for a peaceful and memorable stay. If you want to go for a swim in the lake, Tällberg also has a small beach down by the lake which is perfect for a cooling dip.

Mora

Mora, a charming town located around Lake Siljan, is mainly famous for being the finish line of the world’s largest cross-country skiing race, Vasaloppet. However, like other towns around Lake Siljan, Midsummer celebrations are central to its culture. These celebrations are held at Våmhus Gammelgård, just outside Mora, a charming oasis by the small lake Lintjärn.

The Midsummer celebration begins with the Våmhus folk dance group bringing in a flower garland and performing traditional dances. Here, you can enjoy “kulning,” a traditional folk music genre, making for a very authentic Midsummer experience. The only downside is that you need a car to reach Våmhus Gammelgård.

Stockholm City

As mentioned above, cities are not typically the first places that come to mind for Midsummer celebrations, and the capital of Sweden is no exception. However, if you find yourself in Stockholm during the Midsummer weekend, there are still some great options for celebrating.

Skansen

If you prefer to stay in the city center of Stockholm, one of the prime spots for Midsummer celebrations is Skansen, an open-air museum located on Djurgården island. Skansen is a living museum that showcases Swedish history, culture, and traditions, making it a must-visit for anyone in Stockholm.

During Midsummer, Skansen continues its tradition of showcasing Swedish history and culture, making it the best place to celebrate Midsummer in Stockholm. The celebrations at Skansen include traditional music, dancing, and activities for all ages. Visitors can watch folk dance performances, participate in workshops, and learn about Swedish customs. The museum’s historic buildings and beautiful gardens provide a charming setting for the Midsummer festivities.

Sigtuna

Sigtuna, located just north of Stockholm, is one of Sweden’s oldest towns and offers a historic and charming setting for Midsummer celebrations. The town, founded in the 10th century, is known for its medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and rich history.

The Midsummer celebrations in Sigtuna are traditional and also family-friendly. Just like all midsummer celebrations, festivities include maypole dancing, traditional music, and games. The town square, with its historic buildings and picturesque setting, provides a beautiful backdrop for the celebrations.

The advantage of celebrating your midsummer in Sigtuna is that you have the opportunity to visit Sweden’s oldest town and explore its many historic sites, such as the Sigtuna Museum, St. Olaf’s Church ruins, and the old town hall. The town’s location by Lake Mälaren gives you the possibility to go for a swim or enjoy a picnic in one of the many green areas.

Stockholm Archipelago

Another popular location for Midsummer celebrations in Stockholm is the Stockholm Archipelago. Consisting of over 30,000 islands, the archipelago is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Many Swedes, myself included, escape to the archipelago during Midsummer to enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of the islands.

One of the best ways to experience Midsummer in the Stockholm Archipelago is to rent a cottage or stay at a guesthouse on one of the islands. Many islands host traditional Midsummer celebrations, complete with maypole dancing, music, and feasting. One of the more famous islands is Möja, where I have celebrated Midsummer myself. I recommend staying in the Berg area, as it has most of the restaurants and accommodations. The Midsummer celebrations take place in the small community of Löka, just a 20-minute walk from Berg. A popular tradition for many young people has been to celebrate Midsummer on Möja and then take the boat to Sandhamn the following day, a larger island with a higher population.

If you are looking for a Midsummer celebration closer to town, I suggest taking the boat to Fjäderholmarna, just 20 minutes from Strömkajen, or to Grinda, about an hour and a half away. Both offer charming settings for traditional Midsummer festivities.

If you are looking for the BEST island to visit in the Stockholm Archipelago, be sure to check it out here.

Gothenburg

Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, is located on the west coast and also offers great Midsummer festivities. Similar to Stockholm, Gothenburg’s city center is not the typical place where Swedes choose to celebrate Midsummer. However, if you prefer to stay in town, one of the central spots for Midsummer celebrations in Gothenburg is Slottsskogen, the city’s main park. With its lush greenery and picturesque landscapes, Slottsskogen becomes a popular destination for families and friends during Midsummer, offering a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

If you are however willing to get out of town for a bit there are some very charming places around Gothenburg that offers some traditional and authentic midsummer celebrations:

Gunnebo Slott of Trädgård: This 18th-century estate hosts a grand Midsummer celebration with traditional music, dancing, and games in its beautifully landscaped gardens.

Tjolöholm Castle: Located south of Gothenburg, Tjolöholm Castle offers a picturesque setting for Midsummer festivities. The celebrations include maypole dancing, music, and traditional Swedish food.

Nääs Castle: North of Gothenburg, Nääs Castle’s Midsummer celebrations feature traditional folk dances, music, and activities for all ages in the castle’s scenic parkland.

Bohus Fortress: This medieval fortress provides a dramatic backdrop for Midsummer celebrations. The festivities include traditional music, dancing, and historical reenactments.

Hälsingland

Just like Dalarna, Hälsingland is another region in Sweden known for its lush forests and picturesque countryside, which will give you a midsummer celebration that you won’t soon forget.

Järvsö: A charming little village in Hälsingland, Järvsö’s Midsummer celebrations includes the usual festivities (as found in Dalarna) such as raising of the maypole, traditional folk dances, and music. Celebrations take place at Stenegård, located in Järvsö. The village is also home to the Järvzoo, where you can see native Scandinavian animals.

Hälsingegårdar: The region’s famous decorated farmhouses, known as Hälsingegårdar (translated as Hälsinge farms) often host Midsummer events. Hälsingegårdar are traditional large timber farmhouses in Sweden’s Hälsingland region, known for their elaborate architecture and richly decorated interiors. Some of these farmhouses were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites because they are the best-preserved examples that showcase exceptional craftsmanship, cultural significance, and historical integrity. Although not UNESCO world heritage sites, the following Hälsingegårdar host annual midsummer celebrations:

Arbrå Fornhem

Bergsjö hembygdsgård

Kämpens i Bollnäs

The advantage of celebrating your midsummer in Hälsingland is that you can combine it with a visit to Högakusten or a trip to the Swedish mountain range, known as the Scandinavian Mountain Range.

Småland

The region of Småland, where many of the famous children’s author Astrid Lindgren’s stories are set, is another charming part of Sweden. Its picturesque countryside makes Småland an ideal destination for those seeking a traditional and authentic Midsummer celebration in the southern part of Sweden, rather than in the northern regions of Dalarna and Hälsingland.

Vimmerby: In Vimmerby, you can experience a traditional Midsummer celebration with all the classic elements – maypole dancing, flower crowns, and local delicacies. The town is also home to Astrid Lindgren’s World, a theme park dedicated to the beloved Swedish author, which makes it a perfect place to visit if you are traveling with kids.

Eksjö: This well-preserved wooden town offers a quaint and historic setting for Midsummer celebrations. The festivities include traditional music, dancing around the maypole, and enjoying local food and crafts.

Gränna: Located along the Vättern lake, Gränna is known for its charming streets and being the birthplace of the polkagris (candy cane), Gränna celebrates Midsummer on top of Gränna Berget (Gränna mountain) with traditional dances, music, and a picturesque setting by Lake Vättern. Gränna is a great place to celebrate midsummer if you want to continue your journey to Gothenburg or explore the many small and charming towns around Lake Vättern.

Final Thoughts On The Best Places To Celebrate Midsummer

So there you have it! My best tips for celebrating Midsummer in Sweden. In conclusion, Midsummer is celebrated in many different places throughout the country, so you can find a celebration no matter where you are. My biggest tip is to stay out of the cities, as the most memorable celebrations are found in the Swedish countryside. Enjoy the festivities and make the most of this joyful tradition!

Tips for Enjoying Midsummer

• Dress Traditionally: Wearing a flower crown is a must. Traditional Swedish folk costumes add to the festive spirit and are often worn during Midsummer celebrations. If you don’t have a traditional costume, a simple white dress or shirt with a flower crown will do.
  
• Learn the Songs: Singing along to traditional Midsummer songs is a must when dancing around the maypole or drinking schnapps at the lunch table. Some of the popular songs include “Små Grodorna” (The Little Frogs) and “Helan går” (a traditional schnapps song). You can find the lyrics online and practice before the celebration.
  
• Join the Dancing: Dancing around the maypole is a highlight of the Midsummer celebration. Don’t be shy – join in and have fun! The dances are usually simple and easy to learn, and there are often people leading the dances to guide you.
  
• Try the Food: Enjoy traditional Midsummer foods like pickled herring, potatoes, strawberries, and schnapps. Other popular dishes include gravlax (cured salmon), meatballs, and Västerbotten cheese pie. Don’t forget to try some traditional Swedish desserts, such as strawberry cake or cinnamon buns.
  
• Plan Ahead: Midsummer is a popular holiday in Sweden, and many places can get crowded. Plan your trip in advance and book accommodations early at least 2 months ahead!