Midsummer in Stockholm 2025
Publish date: 2 June 2025
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 2025 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. So much so that Midsummer's Eve has been proposed as Sweden's National Day!
What's Midsummer?
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 26.
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.
A Midsummer's Swim
Flower wreaths and snaps: Swedish Midsummer traditions
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. 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. But we'll leave that decision up to you!
The most common food items include different kinds of pickled herring, Västerbotten cheese pie, early potatoes, fresh strawberries, gravlax, and a variety of snaps — a strong alcoholic beverage. 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.se webpage.
Museums and attractions open during the Midsummer weekend
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.
- Artipelag
- Avicii Experience
- Gröna Lund's Amusement Park
- Junibacken
- Nordiska Museet
- The Royal Palace
- Skansen Open Air Museum, Skansen's Aquarium and Baltic Sea Science Center
- SkiStar Sports & Adventures
- Skokloster Castle
- Spritmuseum & The Absolut Art Collection
- Stockholm Cathedral
- The Vasa Museum
- The Viking Museum
- World Heritage Skogskyrkogården
A Midsummer in the archipelago
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.
Celebrations in Stockholm
- Midsummer at Skansen has been celebrated since the park's founding in 1886. Join the various games with your children, see how Midsummer has evolved through the centuries, get a taste of traditional Midsummer delicacies, and visit Skansen's animals.
- Midsummer at Hasselbacken is a midsummer smorgasbord, DJ session, and traditional celebration, all rolled up into one!
Midsummer Celebrations Outside of Stockholm
- Hotel Djurönäset (page in Swedish) is situated on Djurö island in the Stockholm archipelago. The Midsummer celebration includes food, music, and dancing around the Midsummer Pole. It is also possible to compete against your friends in the pentathlon booths, or check in at the hotel and take it easy in their spa. Booking in advance is recommended.
- The Grinda island (page in Swedish) lies in the middle of the archipelago, about 75 minutes by boat from central Stockholm. Here, you can celebrate a traditional midsummer, including flower-picking and raising the maypole together, followed by a late-night club.
- At Sandhamn, in the outer Archipelago, the maypole is erected in the middle of the village on Adolf's square. A midsummer procession of musicians and singers tours the village. Sandhamn Seglarhotell serves a midsummer lunch, followed by dancing and partying.
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.
When is Midsummer celebrated in Sweden?
- Midsummer's Eve 2025 is on Friday, June 20.
- Midsummer's Day 2025 is on Saturday, June 21.