Midsummer, or Midsommar, is Sweden's most beloved celebration. After the long, dark winter, Swedes welcome the lightest days of the year with flower crowns, maypole dancing, folk music, and long tables of herring, new potatoes, and strawberries. Here is everything you need to know about Midsummer in Sweden, including the traditions, the food, and the best places to celebrate.
When Is Midsummer in Sweden?
Midsummer Eve (Midsommarafton) is celebrated on the Friday between June 19 and 25, and it is the main day of festivities. Midsummer Day follows on Saturday. Many shops and offices close on Midsummer Eve, and lots of Swedes head to the countryside or their summer houses.
Why Midsummer Matters
Midsummer celebrates the summer solstice and the start of summer. In the north of Sweden, the sun barely sets, and even in Stockholm the night stays light. The festival is all about nature, community, love, and making the most of the light, with roots in old fertility and harvest traditions.
Swedish Midsummer Traditions
- Flower crowns: Everyone, from children to grandparents, wears a crown of fresh wildflowers and greenery.
- The maypole: A tall pole (midsommarstång) decorated with leaves and flowers is raised in village greens and parks.
- Dancing: People dance in rings around the maypole, including the famous "Små grodorna" (The Little Frogs), where everyone hops like frogs.
- Folk music: Fiddles and accordions accompany traditional songs, especially in rural areas.
- Outdoor feasts: Long lunches are served outside, weather permitting.
- Snaps and songs: Small glasses of flavored aquavit are raised with traditional drinking songs, called snapsvisor.
- Games: Lawn games such as kubb, a Viking-inspired throwing game, are popular.
- Flowers under your pillow: According to folklore, if you pick seven kinds of wildflowers and sleep with them under your pillow, you will dream of your future partner.
Best Places to Celebrate Midsummer in Sweden
Dalarna
Dalarna, in central Sweden, is the heartland of Midsummer traditions. Towns around Lake Siljan, such as Leksand and Rättvik, host large, traditional celebrations with folk costumes, music, and maypole raisings that draw big crowds.
Skansen, Stockholm
The world's oldest open-air museum celebrates Midsummer with a decorated maypole, folk dancing, music, and flower-crown making. It is a great option for families and travelers staying in the capital.
The Stockholm and Gothenburg Archipelagos
Celebrate by the sea on the islands. In the Gothenburg archipelago, car-free islands such as Vrångö host relaxed local festivities, while the Stockholm archipelago is perfect for a summer-house-style Midsummer.
Skanör, Skåne
In this seaside town in southern Sweden, Midsummer Eve features the Gåsaloppet, a goose-themed race where teams share giant skis and race through the streets, followed by maypole dancing and traditional lunches.
What Swedes Eat at Midsummer
- Pickled herring (sill): The star of the table, in flavors such as mustard, onion, and dill.
- New potatoes: Boiled with dill and served with butter.
- Sour cream with chives: Gräddfil, served with the herring and potatoes.
- Gravlax and smoked salmon: With mustard and dill sauce.
- Swedish meatballs: With lingonberry jam.
- Crispbread and Västerbotten cheese pie.
- Strawberries: The essential Midsummer dessert, often in a strawberry cream cake (jordgubbstårta).
Tips for Celebrating Midsummer
- Plan ahead: Book accommodation and transportation early, especially in Dalarna and the archipelagos.
- Check opening hours: Many shops, restaurants, and Systembolaget liquor stores close or have reduced hours on Midsummer Eve.
- Join in: Public celebrations welcome visitors, so make a flower crown and join the frog dance.
- Pack layers: Swedish summer weather can be cool and rainy, especially in the evening.
- Bring mosquito repellent for evenings by lakes and forests.
- Learn a few words: "Tack" means thank you and "skål" means cheers.
Stay Connected During Midsummer
Whether you are celebrating in Stockholm or on a remote island, an egoViet Sweden eSIM keeps you online for maps, ferry times, and photos, and our Sweden eSIM guide helps you choose a plan. Visiting more of Scandinavia? Choose a Europe eSIM, and read our fun facts about Norway.
FAQs: Midsummer in Sweden
When is Midsummer in Sweden?
Midsummer Eve is celebrated on the Friday between June 19 and 25, and it is the main day of festivities.
What do people do at Midsummer in Sweden?
They wear flower crowns, dance around the maypole, sing, play games, and share a feast of herring, new potatoes, and strawberries.
Can tourists join Midsummer celebrations?
Yes. Public celebrations, such as those at Skansen and in Dalarna, welcome visitors.
What should I wear to Midsummer?
A flower crown and comfortable summer clothes with a warm layer for the evening. Folk costumes are welcome but not required.