In Dalarna, Midsummer is a public celebration and the very essence of the Swedish summer. In the Siljan region, some of Sweden’s largest celebrations take place, featuring maypole raisings, music, traditional costumes, folk dancing, bright summer nights, and flowers in your hair.
Midsummer in Leksand is widely renowned. It all begins with choirs and fiddlers arriving by church boats along the Österdalälven, from the priest’s jetty below the church to the bridge abutment in the town center. From there, a procession makes its way to Gropen to the sound of singing and music, carrying the wreaths that will later adorn the maypole. Then it’s time for the rowing team Brudpiga, with support from the crowd, to raise the 26-meter pole—weighing close to 800 kilos—by hand.
Once it is finally in place, to cheers and applause, it’s time for the highlight of the evening: the ring dances! Leksand’s own “Mr Midsummer” takes the stage to guide enthusiastic participants—young and old, though perhaps mostly old—through classics like Små grodorna (The Little Frogs), Karusellen, and Vi äro musikanter.
Extend the celebration with the Midsummer Festival
For those who want to continue celebrating even after the last little frogs have danced away, head to the Midsummer Festival in Leksand. Over three days, music, togetherness, tradition, and joy take center stage as visitors from across Sweden gather at Arenatorget near Gropen to celebrate Midsummer—with flower crowns in their hair.
The festival area will feature some of Sweden’s hottest artists, including Bolaget, Soppgirobygget, Lovet, Joakim Lundell, Hoffmaestro, and many more. There will also be activities, food trucks, amusement rides, and a wide selection of food vendors.
Photo: Erik Kilström
5 Midsummer celebrations
During the Midsummer weekend, celebrations take place all around Lake Siljan. Here are five locations where you’re guaranteed to experience a truly authentic Midsummer:
- Björkberget, Siljansnäs – A festive procession with banners and musicians travels from the parish hall through the village up to the celebration grounds at Björkberget, where the maypole is raised with a magnificent view.
- Rättviks Gammelgård, Rättvik – A procession with decorated wagons, flag bearers, and musicians moves from Enåbron to Gammelgårdarna, where the pole is decorated and raised.
- Våmhus Gammelgård, Mora – Celebrations take place on Midsummer Day and begin as the folk dance group carries in the floral garland.
- Hembygdsgården, Sollerön – On the “Island of the Sun” in Lake Siljan, enjoy a traditional celebration with folk musicians, ring dances, and games.
- Orsa Hembygdsgård, Orsa – Also celebrated on Midsummer Day, and this year marks the 100th anniversary. The pole was first raised here in 1922 at the newly built homestead.
