Juhannus (Midsummer in Finland) is one of Finland’s most beloved seasonal celebrations, held on the weekend closest to June 24th to honor the summer solstice and the feast of St. John the Baptist. Across the country, Finns retreat to lakeside cottages to light bonfires, enjoy saunas, and celebrate under the midnight sun with music, dancing, and traditional foods. Many towns also host open-air festivals and folk events, while the serene countryside glows with endless daylight. Blending pagan roots, Christian tradition, and deep love for nature, Juhannus captures the essence of Finnish summer and the joy of light returning to the north.
DATES & TIMES
• Dates: 19–20 June 2026 (Friday–Saturday).
• Annual pattern: Midsummer Eve falls on the Friday between 19–25 June; Midsummer Day is the following Saturday (also the Day of the Finnish Flag).
• Programme: Exact timetable publishes annually — major city events (e.g., Helsinki’s Seurasaari bonfires) post details in late spring: Programme.
LOCATION
• Nationwide: Lakesides, coasts and city parks across Finland mark Juhannus with bonfires and concerts.
• Helsinki highlight: Seurasaari Midsummer Bonfires (Seurasaari island). Open in Google Maps.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Mostly free public celebrations: Many local Juhannus events are free to attend.
• Ticketed venue example: Seurasaari closes from 12:00 on Midsummer Eve; entry afterwards is by paid ticket only — see details: Ticket info.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Flag tradition: The national flag is flown from 18:00 on Midsummer Eve until 21:00 on Midsummer Day — official guidance: Ministry of the Interior.
• Bonfire safety: Open fires are prohibited when a wildfire warning is in force — check current warnings: FMI warnings.
• Getting around: For Helsinki local transport use the journey planner: HSL; for long‑distance trains: VR trains; for nationwide buses: Matkahuolto.
• Background: National tourism overview of Juhannus traditions: Visit Finland.
Planning a glow‑by‑the‑water Juhannus? We’ll piece together a city‑to‑cottage plan with rail/bus hops and safe bonfire vantage points — Hire Tripologiste.