Sankt Hans in Nordjylland
Photo: Peter Jørgensen
Crackling warmth from the fire, beautiful singing and a breathtaking sunset - Sankt Hans is a day where traditions are upheld and new memories are formed.
Midsummer is about community and traditions. We celebrate the beautiful midsummer in eastern North Jutland with bonfires, singing and shared fun - and everyone is welcome! So find a midsummer bonfire near you and come and join us!
Sankt Hans by the vippefyret, Skagen
Head to the iconic Sankt Hans on Sønderstrand, where author and former editor-in-chief of Ekstra Bladet - Poul Madsen will give a bonfire speech. The Unique Trio and members of the Klitkoret will provide the musical entertainment.
Sankt Hans in Musikkens Hus, Aalborg
True to tradition, you can celebrate Midsummer in Musikkens Hus and on Musikkens Plads when Musikkens Hus invites you to a midsummer speech and concert with Signe Svendsen.
Celebrate Sankt Hans at Lindholm Høje
Nordjyske Museer invites you to an atmospheric Sankt Hans Eve in the scenic area at the Viking Museum Lindholm Høje. The event starts at 16:00 with an author talk with author Johannes Andersen - separate ticket required. Guided tour of the ancient monument Lindholm Høje. Food in the café at Camillo's Kitchen. Campfire speech by Johannes Andersen. Midsummer carol sung with the chamber choir Coro Misto conducted by Søren Birch.
Saint Hans in the Rhododendron Park, Brønderslev
Come to the blooming rhododendron park and make a witch for the bonfire.
Sankt Hans at Lundby Kultur og Forsamlingshus
True to tradition, you can celebrate Midsummer together with Lundby Kultur og Forsamlingshus. Headmaster Jakob Autzen from Nordjyllands Landbrugsskole, Lundbæk gives this year's bonfire speech. Coffee and cake will be served afterwards, where you can participate in their cake competition and perhaps win the title of best cake baker of the year.
Also come to Sankt Hans in Sæby, Hals, Hou or Asaa
Come and join the celebration of Sankt Hans on June 23, when the midsummer atmosphere spreads with bonfires, community and fun in several places in the area:
- Frederikshavn Marina
The tradition continues when the Skur- og Jollelauget invites you to Midsummer's Eve at Frederikshavn Marina.
The bonfire will be lit at 19:15, but already from 17:30 the harbor master will provide hot grills at the harbor office, where guests are welcome to prepare their own food. - Sæby Havn.
In collaboration with Lions Club Sæby and Sæby Borgerforening, we invite you to a traditional Saint Hans evening at the harbor. Experience the bonfire, the cozy atmosphere and the community by the water. - Hou Mole
In Hou, the bonfire is lit at 19:45, and Midsummer's Eve is celebrated with bonfires, singing and fun at the pier. Everyone is welcome - bring the family and enjoy a wonderful evening together. - Væddeløbsbanen in Asaa
Asaa Borgerforening welcomes you to Sankt Hans with a bonfire speech by Mogens Dalgaard. The YMCA scouts create an atmosphere with snow bread and community singing.
Are you going to Sankt Hans in Skagen?
Then there are several options for an enjoyable evening.
When is Sankt Hans Eve?
Stankt Hans Eve is celebrated on June 23, and like Christmas Eve, Sankt Hans Eve is a relic of pagan customs that celebrated the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice, and the longest day of the year, the summer solstice. Today, Sankt Hans is typically celebrated with a Sankt Hans bonfire with a figure resembling a witch, a bonfire speech and the song Midsommervisen - a Danish song written by Holger Drachmann.
Here is a wide selection of Sankt Hans events in North Jutland, where you can enjoy an evening with bonfires, bonfire speeches and evening fun.
Why do we celebrate Sankt Hans?
Sankt Hans is an amalgamation of many traditions. Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist, is said to have had his birthday on June 24, and since we in Denmark celebrate holidays the night before, we celebrate John's birthday on Sankt Hans. It is also John's name that has been shortened to Sankt Hans. In addition, St. Hans is celebrated on Midsummer's Eve, which is the shortest night of the year. Folk stories tell that this night brought special powers to life, which, among other things, were utilized for healing on this night.
In the past, the bonfires that were lit on Sankt Hans Eve were used as a wake to warn that the days were getting shorter and to keep evil forces away. One of the evil forces that could be found on this magical night were witches. Until 1693, men and women were burned at the stake if they were suspected of being sorcerers. However, it wasn't until the 1900s that the tradition of making a witch for the pyre emerged.
The list of Sankt Hans bonfires is continuously updated. If you know of a Sankt Hans bonfire that is publicly accessible, you are welcome to contact us at: info@destination-nord.dk