Summer solstice, music and Midsommar:

An ode to the longest day of the year

When the day won't end, Europe dances.
In Berlin, music can be heard on every street corner, in Sweden people dance around flower-decorated poles and the sun barely touches the horizon. At the summer solstice, nature, culture and joie de vivre come together in a celebration. And a special moment opens up for travellers: pause, enjoy and let yourself drift. Summer begins.

The summer solstice is an ancient ritual in a modern guise
On 20-22 June, the sun reaches its highest point, the longest day, the shortest night. We long for it. For many cultures, this has been an occasion for celebration, gratitude and reorientation for thousands of years.
Today we celebrate with festivals, concerts, picnics, campfires or quiet walks in the evening light.

Spiritual impulse for travellers:
The solstice also invites you to take stock of your inner position:
What can grow?
What can be let go?
Travelling can become a mirror of your own development, and music is a great accompaniment.

Midsommar is “the” Scandinavian attitude to life to take with you
In Sweden, Norway and Finland, Midsommar is one of the most important festivals of the year.

Nature is in full bloom and night turns into day.
Wreaths of flowers, strawberry cake, fresh fish, schnapps songs and dancing around the Midsommarstång are just as much a part of it as being together with family and friends.

Tip for your next hideaway:

• Dalarna, Sweden - where Midsommar is particularly original and traditional.
• Gotland or the Åland Islands - for those who prefer a quieter holiday.
• Midsommar feeling to go: organise your own little festival, wherever you are. It's all about the light and sharing it.

Fête de la Musique: Berlin makes music and dances the day and into the night
On 21 June, Berlin transforms into one big concert. Since 1995, the capital has been celebrating the Fête de la Musique, inspired by the French original. Bands, choirs, soloists, professionals and amateurs perform everywhere, in squares, courtyards, parks and galleries. Admission? There's hardly any. Just music, encounters and a city in a state of emergency.

Insider tips for 2025:

• The State Opera for everyone on 21 and 22 June on Bebelplatz, with free admission to Roméo et Juliette by Charles Gounods and live concerts by the Staatskapelle Berlin conducted by General Music Director Christian Thielemann.
• There's plenty of nature, art and accompanying music in the Späth'sche Baumschulen.
• Mauerpark naturally remains a classic for spontaneous sessions.
• In Kreuzberg & Neukölln there are extraordinary small stages, from electro to indie.
• For gourmets: combine music with an open-air dinner, e.g. at Klunkerkranich with a view over the city.

Midsommar idea for you
Why not plan a long weekend in Berlin? Or straight to Robbie Williams at the Waldbühne? We still have exclusive tickets. Combine music, culture and the city's unique summer atmosphere. Simply ideal for anyone looking for new musical discoveries.

Your packing list for your Midsommar or Fête de la Musique experience

• Light clothing in natural colours
• Flowers for your hair (or heart)
• Small Bluetooth box for your own soundtrack
• Favourite snack & favourite people
• A note or question to accompany you: Which song will make my inner light shine this summer?

Summary: We celebrate the beginning of summer with a festival of music and light
The summer solstice is much more than just a turning point in the calendar. It is an invitation and inspiration. Whether in an enchanted garden in Uppsala, on Berlin's rooftops or in a hidden café with guitar sounds... you decide where and how you want to celebrate the light, Music Travel Hideaways will take you there and accompany you with stories, places, sounds and ideas that will be remembered.
Let's go out and celebrate musical diversity - with each other and for each other.