[alligator]

I have a few questions for someone in Sweden about midsommar this year. I'll be there and would like to know where I should be going with my family. Anyone here in Sweden who can help out?

For the rest of you who just clicked this link, it's a party in the summer (although I'll be with my family).

[Oisín]

Well, where in Sweden will you be? It’s a fairly big country—going from one end to the other is about a 1,250 mile/2,000 km drive …

Midsommar is a pretty big party everywhere in Sweden, though, so I don’t think your exact location will matter all that much (though actual Swedes may know of particular big ‘happenings’ in certain places). Depends on whether you want big urban parties or traditional rural shindigs, too.

[voodoo]

Party.. all I remember is a bunch of saft och bullar

There's more to it?

[alligator]

We will be in Gothenburg, but I'll have my family with me (including kids) so I can't have TOO much fun . . .

I'm really looking for a city about 1-2 hours from Gothenburg to see a traditional midsummer festival.

Also, what can I expect? I'm not very familiar with what this tradition is about.

[P]

I'm from Gothenburg, so... Welcome!

Midsummer is celebrated everywhere, really, but the biggest "traditional" parties are further north. Usually it's of course celebrated with friends and family, but there are public events. If you are Gothenburg, the easiest thing by far is to go to Slottsskogen. It's a big park, and there is always a big traditional family-friendly Midsummerparty there.

The city has a website for visitors at goteborg.com and you can search for events in the calendar. There are many others, of course, but since I've never been to any of them it's hard to recommend one.

Traditional celebration is dancing (around a pole), eating (herring, etc) and drinking (kryddat brännvin - basically shots of flavored vodka - along with beer). Various silly games. A public party would probably only be the dancing bit, as it would be earlier in the day.

[mattyb]

IIUC, its one of the most impressive displays of blondes on the planet.

(I used to work for Volvo and often travelled to Gothenburg, but never during the summer months.)

[alligator]

That's funny. I'm buying a Volvo, picking it up in Gothenburg, and am looking for fun stuff to do while we are there.