Summer in Scandinavia

The Scandinavian Midsummer festivities reel in thousands of tourists every year, all keen for a taster of traditions that stem from pagan times. It seems the defeat of darkness and victory of the sun is reason to celebrate year after year, so here are a few tips to ensure you make the most of it.

May there be music

Scandinavia in May is a great time to visit. The parks are lush in spring bloom and airfares tend to be cheaper, plus the weather is generally milder than in the summer months.

There are also plenty of music festivals in Scandinavia in May, including the two-day SPOT Festival (May 4-5) where international music fans are bound to discover the next best thing. For something funky, the Pop Revo (May 18-19) in Denmark’s second largest city, Aarhus, offers musical diversity in a wonderful venue.

Midsummer’s Eve in June

Most Midsummer’s Eve celebrations occur on the Saturday that falls between June 20 and June 26. Celebrating the Summer solstice, Midsummer is a national holiday for locals and June 21 is traditionally the longest day of the year.

Walking various neighbourhoods means you’ll find houses decorated inside and out with flower garlands and pretty wreaths. You might even encounter some Swedes dancing around the decorated Midsummer pole with traditional folk songs blasting out in a general air of infectious happiness.

Traditional foodie highlights you might find at this time of year are potatoes with herring or smoked fish, lots of fresh fruit and perhaps some fruity schnapps or beer.

Skinny dipping in Scandinavia

Scandinavia in June also promises nicer weather, causing the inviting sea to beckon you in. You don’t even have to wear your clothes if you don’t want to. Skinny dipping is encouraged in many parts of Scandinavia. In fact, 4500 kilometres of coastline welcomes it, and four ‘free beaches’ are dedicated only to naturists.

Look for the signs before you strip, but why not take the opportunity if you’ve never tried it before? Norway itself boasts over 20 clothes-free beaches, and Sweden has over 60 clothes-optional beaches.

Jazzy July

July is a very popular month for tourists in Scandinavia, but if you’re a jazz fan you might want to make a beeline for the very best. Copenhagen Jazz Festival (July 6-15) is a week of jazz in the capital that promises a buzzing atmosphere wherever you go. Electronica right through to traditional jazz plus free concerts galore are reason enough to make this your musical stopover in Scandinavia.

For more information on trips and tour packages to Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Norway or Finland, don’t hesitate to contact Concierge Traveller: the specialists in Scandinavian attractions on 1800 047 047.