Midsummer in Stockholm 2025

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 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.se webpage.

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!
• Mosebacketerassen (link in Swedish), with a spectacular view over the water, hosts a family-friendly midsummer celebration. In addition to the usual menu, there are sausages and ice cream and there will be singing – and dancing!

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 tour the village. Sandhamn Seglarhotell serves a midsummer lunch, followed by dancing and partying.
• In Vaxholm, the maypole is dressed by partygoers collectively before the dancing starts. There will also be a performance by local traditional dancers and folk music groups.

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.