Midsummer is certainly one of the most important dates of the year for Finns. And there is no other place where you can experience it more authentically than in Lakeland Finland. Called Juhannus in Finnish, the summer solstice celebrations are an event that everyone is looking forward to after the long winter. When it barely gets dark at night, a unique magic lies over the summer landscape that captivates everyone. Enjoy the pure lightness of being, live in the moment and collect memories for eternity.
The origins of Juhannus
The origins of Juhannus, as it is celebrated today, go far back into pagan times. Summer solstice celebrations existed in many human cultures, whether among the Celts, Germanic tribes or the Balts. In Finland, the tradition was later adopted by Christianity, and today it is simply impossible to imagine the calendar without Midsummer. Fun Fact: It is the only flag-raising day on which the Finnish flag is hoisted from 6 p.m. the evening before, allowed to fly all night and not taken down again until 9 p.m. on Midsummer’s Day.
When do Finns celebrate Midsummer?
Midsummer or Juhannus does not have a fixed date in Finland. This means that it is celebrated on a different specific date each year. However, there are clear rules about this: Midsummer is celebrated on the Saturday closest to 24 June (the date of the summer solstice according to the Julian calendar). This means that the holiday can be on 20 June at the earliest and 26 June at the latest. In case of doubt, a look at a Finnish calendar will quickly give you clarity.
Midnight sun and long white nights
The further north you travel, the longer and brighter the nights become. People often talk about the “white nights of the north”, and of course many people think of the legendary midnight sun, which does not set for several months in northern Finland. But even in Lakeland Finland, it doesn’t get completely dark around Midsummer. In fact, as soon as the sun disappears behind the horizon for a short time and a light twilight sets in, it reappears and starts a new summer day. Around Juhannus, the landscape is generally drenched in a wonderfully warm, bright light that you simply have to experience with your own eyes.
Juhannus is traditionally a family celebration
The climax and official start of the Finnish summer is a holiday that Finns traditionally prefer to celebrate with their families. So do not be surprised if you find yourself walking through almost deserted city centres on Juhannus. Most people leave their city homes. They head out into nature, into the forests, to the lakes glistening in the sunlight. And as we know, Lakeland Finland has plenty of lakes to offer, making our region by far the most popular destination in Finland for celebrating Midsummer. To celebrate the day, the mökki – as the Finns call their holiday homes – is decorated with birch branches, you go to the Juhannussauna and then take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the lake. Of course, there is also toasting with the loved ones to mark the occasion and a drink or two can be enjoyed.
Midsummer with your loved ones at a mökki by the lake
Would you like to spend a classic Midsummer at the mökki by the lake, just like the Finns? No problem. Lakeland Finland invites you to choose from a wide variety of accommodation alternatives to suit your needs. Cottages come in all price ranges and amenities, from simple cabins to luxurious waterfront villas. You decide what your holiday home should look like and what it should offer. And you don’t have to worry about whether you can party undisturbed. The nearest neighbour is always far enough away, even in the more populated areas. In addition, privacy has always been a priority in Finland. Here are some suggestions for gottages and villas!
Lakeland Finland invites you to the biggest Juhannus festival
If, instead of peace and quiet and idyllic lakescapes, your perfect Midsummer is more about partying, we have an extra tip for you: Every year, Lakeland Finland is also host to Finland’s biggest Juhannus festival. At Himos Juhannus near the small town of Jämsä in the Jyväskylä Region, the country’s best acts play for three days of dancing. If you want to get in touch with party-loving locals at Midsummer, this is the place to be.