Why Midsommar in Sweden belongs on your bucket list
Have you ever dreamed of experiencing the midnight sun, wearing wild flower crowns and dancing around a maypole while the days seem endless? If not, then it's high time you put Midsommar in Sweden on your bucket list.
Midsommar, or Midsummer, is one of the most important and popular festivals in Sweden, and the Swedes really know how to celebrate it properly. Here you can find out why you should definitely experience this festival and get specific tips for destinations, accommodation, experiences and how to get there from Germany.
What is Midsommar?
Midsommar is celebrated on the summer solstice, usually on the weekend around June 24. This year it falls on June 22, 2024, making it ideal for anyone who wants to travel spontaneously. It marks the longest days of the year and is a festival full of traditions that is deeply rooted in Swedish culture. People get together with family and friends to celebrate outdoors, whether in the garden, on a meadow or by a lake. Typical customs include decorating the maypole, singing traditional songs, dancing, wearing wreaths of flowers and, of course, enjoying Swedish specialties such as pickled herring, new potatoes with dill, strawberries and schnapps.
Why you should experience Midsommar?
1. A feast for all the senses: Midsommar offers a unique blend of tradition, nature and Swedish hospitality. The colorful flowers, the fresh summer air and the endless days create an unforgettable atmosphere.
2. Natural spectacle of the midnight sun: During Midsommar, you can experience the magic of the midnight sun. In the northern parts of Sweden, the sun barely sets and it stays light all night long - an experience you won't soon forget.
3. Authentic Swedish culture: At the Midsommar festival, you will get to know Swedish culture at its best. It's the perfect opportunity to meet new people and experience traditional dances and songs.
Tipps for destinations and accommodation
1. Stockholm: The capital is a perfect starting point for your Midsommar trip. Here you can experience the festival at the Skansen Open-Air Museum where traditions are celebrated authentically. Accommodation is plentiful, from charming boutique hotels to cozy vacation apartments
2. Dalarna: This region is considered the heart of Midsommar. In towns like Leksand and Rättvik, the most traditional and largest celebrations are held. For an authentic experience, we recommend staying in one of the typical red wooden houses, the so-called "stugas".
3. Gotland: The island of Gotland not only offers beautiful landscapes, but also a special Midsommar experience. Celebrate in Visby, a charming medieval town, and spend the night in one of the many idyllic guesthouses.
Experiences you shouldn't miss
1. Raising the maypole and dancing: No matter where you celebrate, raising the maypole and the traditional dance around it are a must. It is often accompanied by singing and music, and there are special dances such as the "frog dance" ("Små grodorna"), which involves jumping and croaking around the maypole.
2. Making flower wreaths: An important part of preparing for Midsommar is collecting flowers and making wreaths. Many municipalities offer workshops where you can learn how to make the most beautiful wreaths.
3. Traditional food: Try the typical Midsommar dishes. In addition to pickled herring, smoked salmon and new potatoes, crispbread, köttbullar (who doesn't know meatballs from the Swedish furniture store) and strawberry cake are also included. And don't forget the aquavit 'Snaps' and the songs to go with it!
Take the night train to Sweden
There are train connections from Hamburg and Berlin to Stockholm via Copenhagen - recently also overnight again with the night train. This way you can sleep peacefully on the way and enjoy the scenery in the morning while reducing your carbon footprint.
In addition to the plane, another attractive option is to travel by car and ferry. There are several ferry connections from northern Germany to Sweden, for example from Kiel to Gothenburg or from Rostock to Trelleborg. This allows you to travel flexibly and reach more remote places easily.
A celebration for your bucketlist
Midsommar in Sweden is more than just a festival - it's an unforgettable experience that you should definitely have on your bucket list. The mix of traditional customs, breathtaking nature and warm hospitality makes this festival unique. Pack your IMPACKT your suitcase, grab a wreath of flowers and get ready for a trip you won't soon forget.
Vi ses i Sverige - see you in Sweden!
