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Summer in Stockholm. A blue and yellow Swedish flag is swaying in the wind. Behind it in the distance is central Stockholm.

Photo: Visit Stockholm

Categories: Activities

Celebrate Sweden's national day in Stockholm

Publish date: 16 May 2023

Traditional celebrations or fun activities for both young and old – here are some ways to spend June the 6th in Stockholm!

National day in Sweden (also called "Svenska flaggans dag" which literally translates to "Day of the Swedish Flag") is celebrated for a number of reasons. Firstly, it was on June 6th, 1523, that Gustav Vasa was elected king of Sweden after having led an uprising against the invading Danes. Secondly, both the current and previous constitution of Sweden was adopted on June 6th (in 1809 and 1974 respectively). It wasn't designated as Sweden's National day until 1983 though and became an official holiday in 2005.

Many say that the tradition of celebrating June 6th started at Skansen Open Air Museum in 1893. What is essentially the official celebration still takes place at Skansen to this day. Besides various family-friendly activities all day long there's an annual concert and ceremony at the Solliden-stage.

A somewhat newer tradition is The National Day Galopp. Since 2013, Gärdet in Stockholm is turned into a giant horse track for a day of exciting races, music, and fun activities for the whole family.

Here are some more tips on how to spend the 6th of June.