Sweden's Midsummer's Eve Festival
 

I will be traveling through Europe this summer and would like to visit Sweden. Do you think I should try timing my visit to Sweden with it's Midsummer's Eve? Where in Sweden should I go? I will be relying on trains. Thanks

Having just answered your earlier post, I have now arrived at this one. If you will be there on MidSummers Eve, I can elaborate a bit more. <BR>I was in Copenhagen for Midsummers Eve, or Day, I can't remember which, and had a great time. Floating Bonfires in the Nyhaven and jazz bands all over the place. Packed with people all having a good time. I stayed at the Admiral Hotel, which is a short walk from the Nyhaven area. Don't overlook the Tivoli Gardens either; more of a culture park than a normal theme park. Great Dining, and good music everywhere.

Midsummers Eve - isn't that some kind of feminine hygiene product?

I was in Stockholm for Midsummer's Eve last year. Was in the Djurgarden area and though I saw a few people with flowers in their hair I really didn't see much that was organized. Just seemed like bunches of people enjoying being outdoors.<BR><BR>I did ask a hotel clerk about the holiday and she said, &quot;It's just an excuse for Swedes to get drunk.&quot;

When does this event take place?

ec, Midsummer is the time of summer solstice (21.6., the longest day of the year). It is a festival that dates from pagan times. Celebrated at least in Finland, Sweden, Estonia and Latvia. People celebrate the light and greet the sun which in the north does not set at all. That is the &quot;nightless nigt&quot;, and in Finland that is the second biggest celebration of the year, only slightly smaller than Christmas.<BR><BR>I don´t know about Sweden, but in Finland it is more private than public festival. There are public occasions with bonfires in towns, but the majority of people disappear to forests and lakes to their summer cabins. There is good eating, drinking, huge bonfires, old magic is performed, and so on. Nobody sleeps. Towns are almost empty.<BR><BR>quebeck, if you are in Sweden at Midsummer, go to the local tourist office and ask do they have a traditional public party somewhere.

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I have been in Sweden for midsommar. It is a VERY important holiday for Swedes. It is a private affair for the most part. People get away to their summer cottage (sommar stuga)and have a traditional meal of salmon, potatos, snaps, beer, strawberries and cream. People do wear flowers in thei hair. Dancing in the country town squares. My hosts and I did that. Also swimming in the Baltic - I passed on that. If you are in Stockholm and can't get an invitation to a stuga - go to Skansen for traditional festivities. Lovely place. HAVE FUN!!

I was thinking about heading to Dalarna because they have events going on. Has anyone been to there area of Sweden?