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Where to celebrate the summer solstice

Summer solstice marks the longest day of the year, when it feels like the sun just won't go down. And in some places it actually doesn't! Here are the best places to celebrate the light nights.

Stonehenge | UK

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13th
Stonehenge | Summer solstice

Stonehenge has a unique prehistoric connection to the solstice, which is believed to have been celebrated here as early as 3100 BC. This makes it one of the most ancient party spots on the planet.

The atmosphere as the sun rises behind the heel stone and its rays illuminate the circle is said to be electric. Expect to see all kinds of unique and wonderful rituals and ceremonies taking place, with some attending in full druid get-up.

English Heritage, which manages the Stonehenge site, allows open access to the stones on the summer solstice, so you'll be able to walk among the stones and get closer to these ancient relics than most other times of year. There are a few rules to bear in mind (you won't be allowed to set up camp for example), but you can be sure to soak up good vibes as the crowd joins together like their ancestors did thousands of years ago.


Sommarstuga | Sweden

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3rd
A Swedish sommarstuga

Midsommar is Sweden's second biggest festival besides Christmas, and it's a time when friends and family come together to dine al-fresco and enjoy a glass or two of schnapps. You'll see beautiful flowers and garlands decorating homes and gardens all over the country from Midsummer's Eve onwards.

Most Swedes head to the countryside and stay in a sommarstuga – a summer house by the lake. Around half of Swedes either own a summer house or have easy access to one through family, so if you're lucky enough to be invited to one by Swedish friends that's the perfect way to do it. If not, there are plenty on Airbnb that you can simply book yourself.

Or, you could head to one of the many parks and other public spaces holding traditional midsummer celebrations where you can see a maypole dance. Big cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg are a safe bet for catching the festivities too.

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Seurasaari | Finland

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6th
Seurasaari | Finland

Midsummer is a national holiday in Finland, and joyous celebrations take place across the country to mark the arrival of warmer weather. June is also the height of the Midnight Sun when days and nights blur into one, and the Finns take full advantage of the never-ending daylight with all-night parties.

As well as being a popular time for boating, barbecues and bathing in saunas, huge bonfires known as kokkos are lit to celebrate the most uplifting time of the year. One of the best places to enjoy them is Seurasaari, a beautiful green island just a few kilometers from Helsinki. It plays host to many of the more traditional Finnish midsummer activities every year, including folk dancing, games, spells and even weddings.


Iceland

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5th
Reykjavik | Iceland

At this time of year Iceland's gorgeous landscape is lit up by the haunting rays of the midnight sun. The sun barely dips below the horizon, giving everything a lovely ethereal glow.

On 24th June every year it's Jonsmessa, the annual celebration of John the Baptist. On this night it's said that the human and magical worlds collide, giving cows the power of speech, seals the ability to walk on hind legs, and causing rocks to float on water. We can't confirm this though, so you'll have to see for yourself.

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