Today (June 25, 2010) in Stockholm, the sun came up at 3:32 in the morning and will go down at 10:09 p.m. That is a whole lot of daylight.

It is the difference between the summer and winter months that makes Midsummer such a special holiday in Sweden. Celebrating the summer solstice is actually a public holiday in Sweden, although not necessarily on the actual Midsummer day. Instead, the Friday and Saturday of the summer solstice are celebrated, ensuring that every year, everyone gets the day off.

Midsummer celebrations

A small maypole. Photo: DeCyner

Traditionally, the day begins with the dressing and raising of the maypole. This involves collecting shoots, green branches and flowers to decorate the pole before it is finally raised.

If you find yourself at a traditional midsummer celebration, you may notice people wearing what is referred to as folkdräkt, the traditional folk dress. These vary for each area of Sweden and differ between men, women and children. Before the festivities really begin, though, you need to be sure that you have collected enough green (and bendable) twigs and flowers to create a crown to wear while dancing around the pole.

Once your crown is complete, you’ll be ready to celebrate the summer. Dancing around the maypole is surprisingly easy, even for those, like me, who have no rhythm whatsoever. Songs include “Små grodorna” (The Small Frogs) which involves hopping around the maypole like a small frog. Easy enough really. Of course, it’s not always that easy and often times a group of dancers will demonstrate the traditional dances associated with the celebration.

The midsummer meal is also a big part of the celebration and often times (depending on weather, of course) is eaten outside. Various types of sil (pickled herring) and potatoes make up the majority of the menu, followed usually by strawberries and cream. Akvavit, a strong Swedish liquor, flows freely, along with beer.

Skansen in Stockholm

Each year, Skansen, the outdoor living museum in Stockholm, plays host to a three-day Midsummer celebration (minus the midsummer meal with akvavit).

This year, the celebration starts on June 25, 2010 and will be complete with the raising of the maypole, dancing, singing and even traditional folk dress. The event is popular with Swedes and tourists alike and is a great way to experience a traditional Swedish midsummer. Visit the Skansen Midsummer site for the schedule.

Getting there:
Bus: Line 47 from Finland or line 44 from Karlaplan
Ferry: From Slussen to Djurgården

The post Stockholm: Celebrating the sunny Swedish Midsummer appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Where to go, you ask? Well, read on, because we’ve got you covered with some Cheapo-friendly ways to soak up the sun in Helsinki.

Suomenlinna Fortress
Web site
Open year-round (last ferry leaves from Suomenlinna at 2 a.m.)

The Suomenlinna sea fortress, a popular tourist attraction year-round, is ideal for a summer outing. Once a military base used by first the Swedish and then the Russians, today the sea fortress is best known for its museums and its open-air theater. However, you don’t need to spend a euro to enjoy Suomenlinna’s expansive views of the Baltic.

Take a ferry or waterbus to reach the fortress and then wander around among the stony walkways and look out at the sea. Bring a picnic to enjoy outside or stop by one of the restaurants or cafés on the island.

Getting there: Take the Suomenlinna ferry (€3.80 for a 12-hour ticket) from Market Square or the J-Line waterbus near Esplanadi Park (€6.50 for a round-trip ticket).

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum
Nervanderinkatu 13
Hours: Varies throughout the year; see site for details
Admission: €6 (€ 5 reduced)
Web site

Seurasaari Island is a green, peaceful area located a few kilometers from the city center. The island’s main attraction is the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, which boasts 87 well-preserved Finnish cottages from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Among the museum’s highlights are a wooden church and a manor house from south-western Finland. A leisurely stroll past these rustic buildings, combined with the mild summer weather, is a perfect way to escape the urban environment for a few hours.

Midsummer celebration
Seurasaari Island and throughout Helsinki

Seurasaari is also known for the annual Midsummer bonfire held off its coast. Midsummer in Finland falls on the first Saturday after June 19 (for 2010, June 26). If you’re lucky enough to be in town on this date, make sure to head out to the island to take part in the celebration.

The Swimming Stadium
Hammarskjöldintie 1
Admission:€3.80
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. (pool open May 10-September 19)
Tram: 3B, 3T, 4, 7A, 7B, 8, 10
Web site

We love the indoor Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall for its 1920’s architecture and its authentically local vibe, but we think Helsinki’s outdoor pool, located on the north side of town near the Helsinki Olympic Stadium, is the perfect summertime option. The Swimming Stadium is part of a larger athletic complex, and it offers plenty of lanes for some leisurely laps.

Tell us

Have you been to any of these attractions? Tell us about your experience — or recommend another budget-friendly activity in Helsinki.

The post Helsinki: Cheapo-friendly summertime attractions appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.