Midsummer (juhannus in Finnish) for Finns means celebration and the long, white night which is said to be the “nightless” one (yötön yö). In the Helsinki region the sun sets at about 22.50 and rises again already around 4.00 o’clock in the morning. In the Northern Finland the sun does not set at all! The nightless night of Finnish midsummer gives a great contrast to the darkness of the winter time.

Many Finns leave the cities for Midsummer and spend time in their countryside cottages. Midsummer celebrations traditionally include bonfires, sauna, good food, possibly swimming and of course spending time together with family and friends!

If you’re in Helsinki but you don’t have the possibility to visit a Finnish summer-cottage, there are also some midsummer events in the city area. You can take it easy or party all night long.

• Seurasaari Midsummer Bonfires will be organized by the Seurasaari Foundation on Friday 23.06.2016.
• Juhannus in Pihlajasaari: Friday 23.6.2016, starting at 21.00 when the bonfire will be set on fire. Also grilled  food  and traditional dance music. Location and how to get there instructions can be found here and timetables here. Please note that the last ferry back from Pihlajasaari to the mainland leaves at 01.45 o’clock in the morning.
• Midsummer in Helsinki at Visit Helsinki website
• Helsinki and summer tips: Top 5 tips for summer in Helsinki at Visit Helsinki 

Practical information for Midsummer
Shops have limited opening hours and the public transportation operates on weekend timetables during the Midsummer weekend.

Hyvää juhannusta, have a lovely Midsummer!