Midsummer’s Eve (Sankt Hans)
It is a festive evening when people gather to celebrate midsummer, John the Baptist and the shortest night of the year. The celebration typically includes bonfires with a straw-built witch on top, communal singing and speeches – a tradition cherished by many Danes.
The custom of burning a witch originates from old beliefs where the witch symbolised evil, and burning it was thought to ward off darkness. Today, it is commonly said that the witch is sent to Bloksbjerg.
Sankt Hans is celebrated at many public locations across Copenhagen.
We Love Our Land
Midsummer’s Eve in Copenhagen is a magical and much-loved tradition that brings thousands of people together each year to celebrate community and the arrival of summer.
The city’s parks, beaches and waterfront areas transform into festive gathering places, where large bonfires are lit to mark the summer solstice and symbolise the triumph of light. Friends, families and neighbours come together to enjoy music, singing and a unique midsummer atmosphere.
Some of the most popular places to celebrate include Amager Strandpark, where a large bonfire is often accompanied by concerts and family-friendly entertainment. Along the harbour, including Islands Brygge, people gather for bonfires, music and communal singing, while Frederiksberg Gardens offer a greener setting for those who prefer a park atmosphere.
Sankt Hans is an evening filled with tradition, togetherness and summer spirit, where Danes enjoy the light night sky and sing the traditional Midsummer song, famously opening with “We love our land”, written by Holger Drachmann.