Sweden’s National Day
Sweden marks its National Day on 6 June, a date linked to the country’s history and national flag. It is a public holiday, and its best-known formal celebration takes place at Skansen in Stockholm.[1][2]
A date tied to Swedish history
The date recalls the election of Gustav Vasa as king at Strängnäs in 1523, a turning point associated with Sweden’s separation from the Kalmar Union and emergence as an independent state. It also matches the signing of the Instrument of Government in 1809.[3][4]
The commemoration began at Skansen in 1893, when founder Artur Hazelius chose 6 June as a day to bring the nation together. The observance became Swedish Flag Day in 1916 and Sweden’s official National Day in 1983.[2][3]
Legal status and date
Sweden’s Act on Public Holidays lists National Day as a general public holiday and fixes it on 6 June. The holiday became official in 2005, replacing Whit Monday as a public holiday.[1][3]
Public-holiday status does not by itself tell every resident whether they personally have work off or how their pay is handled. Check your employer or applicable work agreement for those details. The holiday law establishes the day’s status and date, rather than individual work arrangements.[1]
How people mark the day
At Skansen, the traditional celebration brings together the royal family, music, speeches and presentations of banners. The day’s programme also includes activities for visitors of different ages. Skansen has hosted the country’s traditional National Day celebration since 1893.[2]
The Swedish flag became closely associated with the gathering early on, when schoolchildren marched to Skansen carrying blue-and-yellow flags. Flag displays remain part of the day’s public symbolism. Check local guidance for National Day meals and customs.[2]
Planning around the holiday
The law establishes National Day as a public holiday. Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go; opening hours for shops and schools and timetables for public transport can vary, so check with the specific business or transport operator before making plans.[1]
National Day in Sweden: FAQs
When is Sweden’s National Day?
It is on 6 June every year, as set out in Sweden’s Act on Public Holidays.[1]
Is National Day a public holiday?
Yes. Swedish law lists it as a general public holiday. Whether you personally have the day off or receive particular pay depends on your work arrangements, so check your employer or applicable agreement.[1]
Is there a substitute day when 6 June falls on a weekend?
The law fixes National Day on 6 June and does not name a substitute date.[1]
What is open on National Day?
Check opening hours with government offices before you go. Opening hours for shops and timetables for public transport can vary, so check with the specific business or transport operator before making plans.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for National Day in Sweden:
- Lag (1989:253) om allmänna helgdagar- Sveriges riksdag
- National Day of Sweden at Skansen- Skansen
- Nationaldagen den 6 juni som allmän helgdag (Proposition 2004/05:23)- Sveriges riksdag
- Regeringsformen- Riksarkivet