The summer solstice occurs in each hemisphere annually, when one of the earth’s poles has maximum tilt toward the sun. The result is the sun reaching its highest position in the sky, causing the longest day of the year. For thousands of years, the solstice has drawn people together for ancient celebrations, from gatherings at Stonehenge to romantic rituals in Belarus.
In the Northern Hemisphere, many cultures celebrate Midsummer around the time of the summer solstice, which often falls on June 20, 21, or 22. Sweden is perhaps the most well-known destination for Midsummer celebrations (and even more so among Americans since Ari Aster’s 2019 film, Midsommar hit theaters). But travelers can join in on solstice festivities across the globe, including in the Catalan region of Spain, the Austrian Alps, and Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Below, see eight places worth visiting during the summer solstice 2024—plus when the local merrymaking takes place and what to expect.
