Midsommar 2022 hotell
Publish date: 29 August One of the most characteristic and beloved Swedish traditions of all is Midsummer's Eve. It's the longest day of the year — when the sky never darkens — and in it's celebrated on Friday, June 20th. Midsummer, or at least holidays resembling it, are celebrated in many European countries. But nowhere is Midsummer a bigger deal than in Sweden.
Since the Midsummer is tied to the summer solstice, dates vary from year to year. But generally, Midsummer's Eve takes place sometime between June 19 and Midsummer's origins in Sweden have been debated: Was it a pagan ritual predating Christianity, or a Christian holiday, that over the centuries morphed into a secular festivity? Regardless, modern Midsummer is basically a celebration of summer, light, and warmth.
As it happens, many Swedes also start their summer vacation in conjunction with — or the weeks just after — Midsummer. So, in a way, it's also the start of the Swedish vacay season. The most common Midsummer traditions are raising and dancing around a maypole, various family-friendly pentathlons and games, Midsummer buffets, and maybe even a late-night skinny dip. Ideally, you'll also want to make a summery and colorful flower wreath.
Midsommarpaket
A traditional flower wreath is made from at least 7 types of flowers 9 in some parts of Sweden. The flowers should be picked in silence, walking backward be sure not to pick any protected flowers! According to some, pickers also have to walk over 7 fences still backward. Some traditions go even further, saying that the flowers should be picked after the sun has set, by a graveyard or church since the ground is consecrated , and preferably naked.
Midsummer in Stockholm
But we'll leave that decision up to you! The most common food items are different kinds of pickled herring, Västerbotten cheese pie, early potatoes, fresh strawberries, gravlax, and a variety of snaps. As in most cases, when small shots of snaps are involved, a short snapsvisa drinking song is sung before downing the glass. More info on the food can be found on the Sweden.
Feel like doing something more beyond celebrating Midsummer? While many museums and attractions are closed during the Midsummer holidays, we've listed some that are open. Since Midsummer is a national holiday, opening hours might be reduced. Visit the respective homepages for detailed info. Usually, most Stockholmers leave for the archipelago or the countryside during the weekend, to celebrate Midsummer with their friends and family.
However, there are still many ways to celebrate Midsummer in Stockholm. See the list under the guide for more tips. This guide is currently under review. Check back closer to Midsummer's Eve for more tips. Categories : Activities.
How to celebrate an Authentic Swedish Midsommar
To main content. Photo: Rania Rönntoft. Save Bookmark icon Save. What's Midsummer? Flower wreaths and snaps : Swedish Midsummer traditions Yanan Li The most common Midsummer traditions are raising and dancing around a maypole, various family-friendly pentathlons and games, Midsummer buffets, and maybe even a late-night skinny dip.
Museums and attractions open during the Midsummer weekend Feel like doing something more beyond celebrating Midsummer?