How is Walpurgis Night celebrated in Sweden, and what is known for 2027?
Walpurgis Night, known as Valborg in Sweden, is celebrated on 30 April. In 2027 the eve falls on a Friday. Bonfires, choirs and spring speeches are part of the tradition, but each organiser sets its own programme, admission rules and ticket arrangements. Saturday 1 May is a public holiday. Check opening hours for both dates.
When is Valborg, and how does 30 April differ from May Day?
May Day has its own traditions, including labour movement demonstrations. If you are visiting for a spring choir or bonfire, look for an event on the evening of 30 April and check the year on the organiser's listing. For other spring travel dates, see Choose when to visit Sweden.
Two dates around Walpurgis Night
| Date | What it marks |
|---|---|
| Friday 30 April | Walpurgis Night, a welcome to spring. The eve has no separate public holiday status. |
| Saturday 1 May | May Day, a public holiday in Sweden. |
Check opening hours for both dates.
Why do people sing and light bonfires at Valborg?
You do not need to speak Swedish to enjoy a choir or watch a local celebration. If you want to understand a speech, check whether the organiser offers an explanation or translation. Read about culture and considerate visiting.
Words to look for in the programme
Valborg takes its name from Saint Walpurga. Choirs, spring speeches and bonfires are familiar features of the celebration.
- Majbrasa
- A bonfire for Walpurgis Night.
- Vårtal
- A speech welcoming spring.
- Mösspåtagning
- A ceremony in which participants put on their student caps.
Use the local programme to see which traditions are included.
What is known about Uppsala, Lund and Skansen for 2027?
In Uppsala, start with the city event portal, then consult the specific organiser. In Lund, distinguish the evening programme from a daytime park visit. You can also plan a day in Lund or explore Stockholm areas and trip length. Our directory lists the venue Gamla Uppsala Majbrasa in Uppsala. In Lund you can also visit the museum Kulturen. In Stockholm you will find the open-air museum Skansen.
What the sources show for 2027
| Place | Tradition | Information for 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Uppsala | A student raft race (forsränning), spring songs and a student cap ceremony. | The city portal consulted still shows 2026. Check the 2027 timings with each organiser. |
| Lund | A spontaneous daytime picnic and an evening celebration in Stadsparken. | The municipality says the 2027 evening programme will follow later. |
| Skansen, Stockholm | Spring songs, speeches and a Walpurgis bonfire. | Published opening hours for 30 April 2027 are 10:00 to 21:00. The full 2027 programme is still to come. See Walpurgis Night at Skansen for the event overview and check the updated programme for times and admission. |
How can visitors choose a public event and check admission?
Museum opening hours do not confirm a concert. Check each event listing separately: a public choir and a student-only ceremony may have different admission rules. With children, consider one confirmed event and an option to leave early. Ask the venue about age restrictions, step-free access and entry. You can find more museums in the capital under Museums in Stockholm.
Check admission before you go
- Choose a listing with the correct year, date and venue.
- Check the start time and when doors open.
- Read the ticket, booking and eligibility details.
- If relevant, check age rules and the route from the entrance.
Use the admission details for your chosen event.
What should you check before leaving, and what if plans change?
The map at Krisinformation.se helps you find current local fire restrictions. The organiser's latest notice determines whether a particular bonfire will take place. If you stay for 1 May, check that day's transport and opening hours separately. Explore other Swedish holidays and traditions.
Have a simple backup plan
- Read the organiser's latest update before setting out.
- Check local fire restrictions and your return journey.
- If plans change, choose a confirmed concert, another public event or a walk.
Keep one alternative that fits your evening.
Updated: 09.11.2026.
Questions and answers
Both refer to the last day of April. Uppsala University uses Sista april, while Lund's municipal information also uses Siste april. Add the town and 2027 when searching.
Look for vårsång or körsång with the venue name. Check whether the performance is part of the event and where visitors may listen.
Start with Uppsala University's Sista april page and look for forsränning. Check the raft race organiser's notice for the correct year.
It means the time is provisional. Check the updated listing before buying a ticket or planning a connection.
Flyttat indicates a move or change; inställt means cancelled. Check the revised venue or time and any ticket conditions.
Compare the venue names and full addresses. If they differ, allow travel time or choose one event.
Check the ceremony organiser's rules. Being allowed to watch does not necessarily mean you can participate.
Choose a concert or choir-focused event, ask about the audience area relative to the fire and plan a way to leave if necessary.
Check admission and re-entry rules. The performance start time, entry time and venue opening hours may differ.
Check the local evening forecast. Bring an extra layer and suitable footwear if you expect to stand outdoors for a while.
Search the event name and location on the organiser's or municipality's website. Compare the year and date before relying on the listing.
They can illustrate the atmosphere, but use the current event's information for entrances, barriers and viewing areas.
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