Where to celebrate Norway's midsummer festival on June 23

Every year on June 23, Norwegians mark Sankthans, a midsummer celebration whose roots date back to Viking times. The equivalent of St. John's Eve in many Christian countries across Europe, the Scandinavian variety features traditions carried over from the Pagan era, most notably bonfires. These ward off evil spirits and honor the life-giving properties of the sun on the eve of the summer solstice.

• READ MORE: Sankthansaften: The Viking roots of Saint John's Eve celebrations

While the spiritual aspect of proceedings has somewhat diminished in modern times, and we probably can't expect any sacrifices such as would have taken place 1,200 years ago, the prominent role played by fire remains.

Festivities still involve bonfires and corn poles, although dry conditions and strict regulations may put a stop to random get-togethers this June. 

Here's where to enjoy yourself safely this weekend.

Sankthans festivities in Oslo

This year's Sankthans falls on a Friday, and in Norway's capital, Oslo, the most showcase event sees the burning of a huge animal figure on the fjord waters around the panoramic waterside terrace of Sukkerbiten. 

On Friday, this will be set alight at 6.30 PM, so anyone in the vicinity of Sørenga, Operastranda, and Langkaia can also take in the flaming spectacle from the mainland. 

Here is where you find the Opera House, where a special performance by Nagelhus Schia Productions, choreographed by the acclaimed Sasha Waltz, In C, takes place on the roof. Although all tickets have sold out, you can see a trailer for this original work here.

Having started with a family-friendly reggae disco and traditional corn-pole decorating at 4 PM, the festivities continue with a communal sauna, herbal drinks, music, and poetry readings from 8 PM-1 AM. You can book your tickets in English here. The evening is alcohol-free. For a complete schedule of Sankthans at Sukkerbiten, see here.

The other major event in Oslo for June 23 runs all day at the Norwegian Folk Museum (Museumsveien 10, Bygdøy), 10 AM-10 PM, under the general heading of Midsummer. Starting with traditional Norwegian lefse flatbread and old-fashioned sweets, the day segues into midsummer wreath workshops, horse and carriage rides in the open-air museum, an open barbecue all afternoon and evening, and a folk dance at 4.30 PM. Live music continues at 6 PM for children, with two more shows at 7 PM and 8 PM.

Note that due to the dry conditions, a ban has been imposed on bonfires this June, although barbecues in private gardens are permitted.

One of the tallest bonfires in the world - the Slinningsbålet in Ålesund, Norway. Photo: Marek Stuchly / Shutterstock

Sankthans festivities across Norway

All across Norway, midsummer festivals of some kind are usually held, with the common feature of bonfires and dances around the corn pole. 

In the south, these bonfires are often set up by the sea, accompanied by partying and barbecues – although dry conditions may force the authorities to limit these this year.

One of the largest – and certainly tallest – such celebration is at Ålesund, north of Bergen off the West coast. A massive public Slinningsbålet or Burning Fire is set up on Slinningsodden, more than 30 meters tall – in 2016, it reached a world record 47.39 meters. 

Safely measures are quite strict these days, after the Slinningsbålet overturned in 2007 and one onlooker was treated for burns. 

Slinningsbålet is held on the nearest Saturday to June 23 – this year, it is the next day, June 24, from 9 PM.

Midsummer festivities in Bergen once brought sailors and farmers to celebrate around a large bonfire at Sydneshaugen in the town center until fire regulations put a stop to proceedings in 1887. 

Since then, Sankthans has taken place in the once separate community of Laksevåg, where a tower is built from herring barrels, nailed together, and ignited in spectacular fashion for the so-called tønnebålet. Currently, adverse weather conditions may affect this year's occasion – keep a watch on the event's Facebook page for the latest news.

Elsewhere, due to the dry conditions, there are bans on bonfires across great swathes of Southern and Eastern Norway, including Flekkefjord, known for its floating fires of yesteryear.

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