🥳 Die schönsten Mittsommerfeste

In Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark, the summer solstice is celebrated in a really exuberant way! The days are super long - in northern Norway the sun even shines at night! In addition, the festival of John the Baptist is also celebrated. That's why only the Swedish party is called «Midsommar», while in Denmark and Norway it's called «Sankthans» (Saint John) and in Finland «Juhannus» (John). Either way, there will be plenty of celebrations here between June 20 and 26 - with music, dancing, tasty snacks and lots of fun. So, cheers to the sun!

In Sweden, Midsommar revolves around the «majstång», which is striped with blue and white and decorated with multicolored flowers - it is the maypole of the North, so to speak! It is surrounded by dancing and partying. The girls and women impress with cool flower wreaths in their hair, consisting of at least seven different flowers or birch branches. Their outfits? Usually, flowery dresses or even traditional costumes. So, get ready for a blooming party full of fun and color!

In Denmark and Norway, large and small bonfires are a must at «Sankthans» - and there are also torchlight and lantern parades! The beaches are filled with people celebrating, dancing and singing to the last spark. Those with a boat sail out to sea or into the fjords to watch the whole spectacle from the comfort of the water. And the best part? In Denmark, large straw dolls representing witches are put on the pyres. They represent the forces of evil and darkness, and their burning symbolizes the cleansing and renewal associated with the summer solstice. Sometimes there are even howling fireworks that sound like the witches’ shriek as they go up in flames!

One thing is clear: whether you're in Norway, Sweden, Finland or Denmark - the party is always super lively! Here, beer and aquavit in particular flow in torrents. However, there are a few differences when it comes to eating habits. Norwegians love potato pancakes, potato salad and grilled sausages. In Sweden, herring, potatoes with sour cream and strawberries with whipped cream are the order of the day when it comes to the midsummer buffet. Finland raves about new potatoes, pickled herring and grilled salmon. And the Danes? They go for sausages, sandwiches and Danish meatballs. So, grab yourself a cool drink and enjoy!

In Norway, the Norsk Folkemuseum in Oslo is the setting for a lively midsummer festival for the whole family! For young people, St. Hanshaugen Park is the place to be for picnicking and partying. In Sweden, the biggest midsummer festival in the world takes place in Sammilsdal in Leksand. There's everything here: musicians, boats, magnificent flower wreaths and, of course, the Midsummer tree! It only gets even more traditional in Rättvik. In Helsinki (Finland), a big Midsummer festival is celebrated on the museum island of Seurasaari according to old tradition. But the biggest Finnish midsummer festival of all, «Raumanmeren juhannus», is a real giant party that has been taking place in Rauma for years and lasts for three days! So, grab your good mood - and have fun celebrating!