National Day of Sweden – What to do in Stockholm?

National Day of Sweden is on June 6th, but how do the Swedes celebrate their National Day? What is there to do in Stockholm? The story of the National Day of Sweden, June 6th, dates all the way back to 1523, but wasn’t the official National Day until 1983 and was made a public holiday in 2005. Here’s the story!

June 6th

June 6th is a date that is significant to Sweden. On June 6th, 1523, Gustav Vasa was crowned king and thus laid the foundation of Sweden as an independent state. The date also has a connection to the year 1809 when on June 6th a new, essential constitution was adopted. It’s believed that the day was celebrated as early as in the 1800s and was named “the Swedish Flag’s Day” in 1916, up until 1983 when it became the official National Day of Sweden. In 2005 June 6th was made a public holiday after a parliament vote in 2004.

What to do in Stockholm?

There are several ways to enjoy the day off and celebrate the National Day, here are our top picks:

The Royal Palace 10-17.00 – The west gates will be opened by the Royal Family for the public to enter, free of charge.

Skansen 11-19.30 – On the National Day of Sweden, there are lots of activities for children all over Skansen. The Royal Family will also get escorted from the Royal Palace to Solliden, Skansen to deliver a speech at 17.55. Ticket prices HERE:

Gärdet 11.30-16.30 – Nationaldagsgaloppen will organize a folk-fest at Gärdet with activities for children as well as the annual National Day horse racing. Free of Charge.

Mosquito Beach Party 13-19.00 – A picnic-party will fill the grass of Rålambshovsparken with music and a good mood. Free of charge.

Ballet in Hagaparken 11-16.00 – A Ballet show, picnic, music and more. Here you can relax in the park and enjoy your day. Free of charge.