Sweden National Day
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- 1523Gustav Vasa crowned
- 1809New constitution
- 2005Became public holiday
The story behind the day
6 June marks two defining moments in Swedish history: Gustav Vasa was elected king in 1523, ending Danish rule and founding modern Sweden. On the same date in 1809, Sweden adopted a new constitution that reshaped the country's governance.
The day was first celebrated as Swedish Flag Day in 1916. It became an official public holiday in 1983, and was renamed National Day in 2005. The main ceremony takes place at Skansen in Stockholm, where the royal family participates in flag-raising and folk dancing.
Today it is a day for Swedes to reflect on their identity — marked by blue-and-yellow flags across the entire country, from Lapland to Skåne.
- 20266 June 2026 · Saturday
- 20276 June 2027 · Sunday
- 20286 June 2028 · Tuesday
The Swedish flag uses the Nordic cross shared by the region's flags. The blue field is commonly associated with Sweden's sky and lakes, while the yellow cross is associated with light, generosity and the historic national colours.
National Day falls at the start of Swedish summer, so the table reflects the season. Traditional food and drink on 6 June usually means fresh, simple and easy to share.
What to eat
GravlaxCured salmon with dill and mustard sauce — a Swedish staple at celebrations
New potatoesEarly summer potatoes with butter, dill and chives
Pickled herringInlagd sill — mustard, dill or onion varieties served cold
StrawberriesJordgubbar — early Swedish strawberries with cream mark the season
KnäckebrödSwedish crispbread with butter and cheese, on every Swedish table
PrinsesstårtaGreen marzipan layer cake — a classic Swedish celebration cakeWhat to drink
CoffeeFika anchors the day: coffee with buns, cake or strawberries.
Elderflower cordialA cold summer drink for family tables and outdoor gatherings.
Beer or snapsFor adults, especially with herring, potatoes and crispbread.Swedish culture on National Day
The day is usually quiet rather than loud: flags outside public buildings, local ceremonies, folk music, fika tables and small signs of craft and tradition. It feels more like a shared civic summer day than a single fixed ritual.
Local ceremoniesMunicipal gatherings, speeches and flag-raising give the day its public shape.
Folk musicFiddle, accordion and folk dress often appear at local celebrations and public programs.
FikaCoffee, buns and simple summer tables make the celebration feel social and everyday.
Craft symbolsObjects such as the Dala horse bring Swedish craft and regional identity into the scene.