What Is Juhannus?
If you visit Finland in late June, you will notice something special in the air. The days are incredibly long, the forests are green, and people are preparing for one of the most beloved celebrations of the year — Juhannus, the Finnish Midsummer festival.
Juhannus is celebrated every year around the time of the summer solstice, when Finland experiences its brightest days and the famous “nightless night.” For many Finns, it is a time to escape busy city life, relax in nature, and enjoy the beauty of summer with family and friends.
Traditionally, Juhannus was connected to celebrating the arrival of summer, fertility, and the power of nature. Today, it has become a holiday filled with Finnish traditions although in some areas, it is less celebrated. Many people travel to their summer cottages, known as mökki, near lakes or forests. They enjoy swimming, fishing, grilling food, going to the sauna, and spending peaceful moments surrounded by nature. We are lucky that this year, we got to experience the Midsummer pole or better known as the Juhannussalko, that is heavily decorated.
In addition, one of the main symbols of Juhannus is the bonfire, called juhannuskokko. Large fires are often built near lakeshores, especially in rural areas, creating a beautiful sight during the bright summer evening. Some people also decorate their homes with birch branches and flowers to welcome the summer season.
For many Finns, Juhannus is more than just a holiday — it is a feeling. It represents freedom, relaxation, connection with nature, and the simple joys of life. It is a moment to slow down, breathe fresh air, and appreciate Finland’s beautiful landscapes.
If you are new to Finland, experiencing Juhannus is a wonderful way to understand Finnish culture. Whether you spend it at a lakeside cottage, join a local celebration, or simply enjoy the peaceful summer evening, Juhannus offers a glimpse into the Finnish way of life — close to nature, calm, and full of quiet happiness.
Today is the fifth year that I celebrate Midsummer Fest but quite in a different way. In the small village of Uusikaupunki, Finland, we got to see how people cooperate to have the pole lifted to stand. The pole is heavily decorated with flowers, wreaths and garlandsmade by the locals. It is a significant event with a deep rooted cultural value.
The Midsummer pole called juhannussalko or sometimes midsommarstång in Swedish-speaking Finland, is one of the traditional symbols of the Finnish Midsummer celebration, Juhannus. It represents summer, fertility, nature, community, and the connection between people and the land.
Unlike the famous Swedish-style dancing maypole, which is common in Sweden, the Finnish version is especially preserved in Swedish-speaking coastal areas of Finland, although similar traditions can be seen in some Finnish communities. However, in the small village of Leppäinen, I was lucky enough to witness this activity. Although I expected a lot more of dancing, music, food and drinks, there wasn’nt much of these. Perhaps, time has changed and the way people celebrate it but seeing the pole lifted and be part of it was great.
My First Juhannus Experience in Finland
Looking back 5 years ago, the thing I remember about Juhannus was bonfires on the lakes, drinks music and dance by a group of people along the lakeshores in their summer cottage backyards or docks. Even at night, people go boating and during the day they enjoy water sports with friends and families. It feels great to see with your own eyes how different this occasion is from what I used to know. Seeing is believing as they say.
In general, these are among the activities you will find or see people doing when they are celebrating Juhannus or Midsummer Fest.
1. Visiting a Summer Cottage (Mökki)
One of the strongest Juhannus traditions is spending time at a summer cottage. Many Finns leave the cities and travel to cottages near lakes or forests. It is a chance to relax, enjoy fresh air, and spend quality time with family and friends away from everyday routines.
2. Lighting a Juhannus Bonfire (Juhannuskokko)
A large bonfire is one of the most recognizable symbols of Juhannus. People gather near lakeshores to watch the flames, socialize, and celebrate the arrival of summer. The bonfire tradition is believed to bring good luck and protect against negative forces.
3. Enjoying Sauna
No Finnish celebration is complete without sauna. During Juhannus, many people enjoy a relaxing sauna session, often followed by a refreshing swim in a lake. For Finns, sauna is a special place for relaxation, cleanliness, and connection with nature.
4. Picking Flowers and Making Decorations
A traditional Juhannus custom is collecting flowers and decorating homes with birch branches. According to old beliefs, young people could place flowers under their pillows on Juhannus night to dream about their future spouse.
5. Grilling and Eating Summer Foods
Food is an important part of Juhannus celebrations. Families and friends often gather around a grill to prepare sausages, fish, meat, salads, and other summer dishes. Fresh berries and traditional Finnish treats are also enjoyed during this festive time.
6. Spending Time Outdoors
Because Finland has almost endless daylight during Juhannus, people take advantage of the beautiful weather. Common activities include boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and enjoying music outdoors.
7. Enjoying Music and Dancing
Many communities organize Juhannus events with traditional music, dancing, and celebrations. Some people attend summer festivals, while others simply enjoy playing music together with friends at their cottage.
If you are invited to spend Juhannus in a Finnish mökki, consider yourself lucky and enjoy the feel of a local tradition. It is also a good time to bond with friends and families in a cool and quiet nature.
As for us, we are celebrating our Juhannus this year fishing. We got a license to fish using a rod and we have the high hopes of catching some fish for grilling. Sounds too optimistic? You got to be! 😉
Finnish Words Related to Juhannus
Juhannus – Midsummer
juhannusaatto – Midsummer Eve
juhannuspäivä – Midsummer Day
kesä – summer
kesäloma – summer holiday
kesämökki – summer cottage
mökki – cottage
luonto – nature
järvi – lake
metsä – forest
sauna – sauna
uiminen – swimming
veneily – boating
kalastus – fishing
grillaus – grilling / barbecue
makkara – sausage
juhannuskokko – Juhannus bonfire
kokko – bonfire
koivu – birch tree
koivunoksat – birch branches
kukat – flowers
seppele – wreath
keskiyön aurinko – midnight sun
yötön yö – nightless night
aurinko – sun
valoisa – bright / light
loma – holiday
ystävät – friends
perhe – family
juhla – celebration
perinne – tradition
perinteinen – traditional
rentoutua – to relax
nauttia – to enjoy
viettää juhannusta – to celebrate Juhannus
mennä mökille – to go to the summer cottage
olla luonnossa – to be in nature
uida järvessä – to swim in a lake
tehdä kokko – to make a bonfire
paistaa makkaraa – to grill sausages
nauttia kesästä – to enjoy summer
Discover more from Moving to Finland
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.