Today is National Sweden Day: 5 top tips on how to celebrate it like a real Swede

On June 6, Sweden celebrates National Day in honor of two historical events: the election of Gustav Vasa as king (1523) and the new constitution (1809). It has been a public holiday since 2005. As summer approaches, anticipation grows for one of Sweden’s most beloved traditions: midsummer.

Second only to Christmas in importance, this vibrant festival marks the start of the summer season and takes place on a Friday between June 19 and 25. In 2024, Midsummer’s Eve – the longest day of the year – falls on June 21, and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in Swedish culture than by taking part in the festivities.

Why Dalarna is the place to be

During the midsummer weekend, Swedish cities are usually quiet, as most local people head to the countryside and celebrate the midsummer holidays with their family and friends. No one and no place in Sweden celebrates Midsummer better than Dalarna in Central Sweden. If you picture typical images of Sweden – charming, brightly colored wooden horses, red houses with white facades and people dancing around the midsummer maypole – they all come from Dalarna.

Discover more celebrations across Sweden

Although Dalarna offers the most traditional experience, Midsummer is celebrated throughout Sweden. Here is a list of ten locations, each adding their unique charm:

Leksand, Dalarna

Leksand in Dalarna hosts the world’s largest midsummer celebration, attracting almost 30,000 visitors every year. Experience the heart of Swedish tradition at Gropen in Leksand, where the community comes together for an unforgettable celebration of joy and cultural heritage. Fiddlers, folk dancers, choirs and Sweden’s tallest maypole come together for the classic ring dance.

Rattvik, Dalarna

Rättvik’s fantastic Midsummer Festival attracts many visitors every year. The celebration starts with a parade with horses, flags, streamers, folk musicians and decorated floats. Highlights include the lighting of the maypole, folk music, speeches and especially dancing and games around the pole.

The Gothenburg archipelago

Experience Midsummer among the archipelago’s beautiful islands and sparkling seas. Midsummer festivities are held on several islands in the Gothenburg archipelago. Don’t miss the fun at Björkö, Vrångö and others.

Gunnebo House and Gardens, Gothenburg

Midsummer Eve is traditionally celebrated at Gunnebo House and Gardens, one of the most popular midsummer events in the Gothenburg region. Enjoy ring dancing and dance performances all day long.

Slottsskogen, Gothenburg

At Gothenburg’s Slottsskogen Park you will experience a lively midsummer festival, complete with traditional dancing, games and a lively atmosphere, perfect for families and solo travelers alike.

Visby, Gotland

In Visby on Gotland, Midsummer is celebrated with a true folk festival. Enjoy entertainment, singing along with a traditional Gotland accordion band, dancing around the maypole and even horse-drawn carriage rides. It is a lively and authentic celebration that captures the spirit of Swedish Midsummer.

Sofiero Palace, Helsingborg

Sofiero Palace in Helsingborg organizes a traditional midsummer gathering in a flourishing setting. Enjoy singing and dancing around the maypole, games for the whole family and a wonderful royal atmosphere.

Stockholm archipelago

What could be more idyllic than celebrating Midsummer on the beautiful Stockholm archipelago? You can choose from various festivities organized on the islands. Fjäderholmarna, Grinda, Vaxholm and Sandhamn all host classic gatherings, each with a unique charm.

Skansen, Stockholm

Join the festivities at Skansen in Stockholm, where you can enjoy traditional midsummer celebrations in an open-air museum. Dance, music and cultural displays ideally introduce Swedish heritage.

Riksgränsen, Swedish Lapland

For a unique twist, celebrate midsummer on skis in Riksgränsen. Traditionally open during the midsummer weekend, weather permitting, Riksgränsen offers fantastic skiing under the midnight sun.

Swedish Midsummer in New York

If you can’t make it to Sweden, take part in the largest official Midsummer celebration outside of Sweden in New York City. On June 21, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Rockefeller Park in downtown Manhattan will host the annual Swedish Midsummer Festival, presented by the Consulate General of Sweden, New York, and Battery Park City Authority. Enjoy traditional music, dancing and the chance to make your flower wreaths from flowers representing the flowers that bloom in Sweden during the solstice, and enjoy delicious Swedish treats from a variety of vendors present at the festival.

5 tips to celebrate Midsummer like a real Swede

Dance around the maypole: Join merry Swedes in the traditional dances around the decorated maypole, a central part of any midsummer celebration. Make sure you join the dance “Små Grodorna” (The Little Frogs) and jump away from all worries.

Sing traditional songs: Sing along to Swedish songs, often accompanied by accordion music.

Wear a flower wreath: Make a floral wreath, a beautiful and essential accessory for the festivities. Choose seven types of flowers and place them under your pillow to dream of your future husband.

Enjoy a traditional feast: Enjoy a typical midsummer menu with different types of pickled herring, boiled new potatoes with fresh dill, sour cream and chives, and strawberries with cream for dessert. The traditional accompaniment consists of cold beer and schnapps, preferably spiced. Every time the glasses are refilled, another song breaks out.

Stay up for the midnight sun: Experience the magic of the long, clear nights by staying up and enjoying the light of the midnight sun.

The origin

In agricultural times, midsummer celebrations were held in Sweden to welcome summer and the season of fertility. It was only in the twentieth century that this became the most Swedish of all traditional festivities. Midsummer’s Eve, one of the lightest of the year, was considered a magical night because it was the best time to predict people’s future. It was also said that night that water turned into wine and ferns into flowers. Many plants were given healing powers on that one night of the year.

How do you get there from North America?

During the summer of 2024, Stockholm Arlanda Airport will have non-stop connections between Stockholm Arlanda Airport and New York (EWR and JFK), Montreal and Toronto.



In addition to Scandinavian Airlines’ (SAS) daily service from New York, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines serve New York several times a week. Air Canada will operate routes to Toronto and Montreal (starting June 12 and 14 respectively) in addition to the routes Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) already serves to Toronto.



Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for over 30 years. He is a winner of WIRED magazine’s Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award. Among other awards, the blog has also been named ‘one of the best travel blogs in the world’ and ‘best in luxury’ by The Daily Telegraph.

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