As one of the biggest celebrations of the Finnish holiday calendar, midsummer, is already lurking behind the corner, many people are already planning their getaways to summer cottages or, truthfully, anywhere away from the city. Traditional Finnish midsummer would normally consist of swimming in a lake, going to the sauna, grilling lots of food and drinking alcoholic beverages, all the while hanging out with friends and family. Should one be forced to spend their midsummer in the city, it is considered a tragedy. However, that does not necessarily have to be true. Granted, Helsinki practically turns into a ghost town during midsummer, but these days there are a lot of activities and events aimed for those spending the holiday in the city. Here are our picks for the most interesting ways to spend a city-midsummer!
Midsummer at Allas Sea Pool
In the middle of Helsinki, Allas Sea Pool provides free access to a midsummer sauna and even for a swim in their pool on midsummer day (23 June) from 14-17, after which people are free to stay for a traditional midsummer dance, a disco, grilled sausages and, of course, the must-have midsummer bonfire. More info here: http://www.stadissa.fi/tapahtumat/71220/allas-sea-poolin-juhannus
Midsummer weekend at Löyly
If you’re more into delicious cocktails and a trendy terrace scene, then head to Löyly. They offer DJs and summery drinks to make your midsummer weekend a blast! More info here: http://www.stadissa.fi/tapahtumat/65254/loylyn-juhannusviikonloppu
Stadin Juhannus at Lonna
For a full-on music festival, set your course to the island of Lonna. The event slash festival starts already on Thursday (21 June) and lasts the entire weekend, with new performers everyday. And if this hasn’t convinced you yet, there’s also a waffle bar! More info here: http://www.stadissa.fi/tapahtumat/65205/stadin-juhannus-lonnassa
Seurasaaren Juhannusvalkeat
To experience a traditional (or as good as) Finnish midsummer, make your way to Seurasaari. There you will find not only the classic bonfire, but also Finnish folk music and dancing as well as food representing traditional Finnish cuisine. More info here: http://www.stadissa.fi/tapahtumat/57602/seurasaaren-juhannusvalkeat