This is a column. The opinions expressed in the text are those of the writer, not of Studietid.
Since the Middle Ages, Sweden has celebrated Valborg. (Walpurgis night in English.) Named after a German saint, it was the Germans who introduced the tradition in Sweden. On this occasion up and down the country there are celebrations to mark the beginning of spring. These celebrations include bonfires, live music and even a ball at a castle. Read on to find out more.
Now, the place to be on this day is Uppsala, where I myself intend to celebrate Valborg. Uppsala is a short train ride away from Stockholm so you can easily take a day trip there.
This guide will detail the celebrations happening in both Uppsala and Stockholm.
Uppsala
There are so many events happening in Uppsala that it is difficult to mention them all. So I’ll just mention those that seem the most exciting.
If, like me, you’ve never had champagne for breakfast, then this is your chance to try it! Feel ultra sophisticated enjoying the champagne from a riverside restaurant. Meanwhile, you can watch the rafting happening on the river.
A party starting at 10am? Sign me up! All day long Sollerina and Orangeriet will be offering live music with there being a DJ on site. There will also be an ice cream cart giving out home made ice cream.
Valborg is certainly not lacking in live music! If jazz is your thing, then definitely add this to your itinerary. From 2pm there will be a jazz concert, with food being on offer as well.
This was the event that intrigued me the most. A ball at a castle sounds like a Cinderella, fairytale dream. Unfortunately, the price of the ticket does not sound like a dream – I had to give this one a pass. Tickets to this seem to be sold-out but you can add yourself to the waiting list.
Perhaps what Valborg is most famous for, the bonfires. This list shows where in Uppsala you can see the bonfires from 8pm.
Thankfully, you don’t need to leave the city to experience Valborg and there are plenty of activities happening closer to home. Here are some ideas of how to celebrate Valborg in style in Stockholm.
On offer is an exciting programme of fire performers, a market fair, a DJ, magic shows and a lot more. This will all be available from 3pm, with the bonfire being lit at 7pm.
Like everywhere else, there will be live music and a choir. What makes this place stand out is that there will be a “torch train”. I’m not entirely sure what a “torch train” is and a quick google search gives me no answers. Nevertheless, it sounds fun and maybe you can go and find out for yourself just what this is.
Of course, these are just some of the celebrations happening in the capital. For a full list of events happening in and around Stockholm, look here.
