Sankt Hans 2026: Where to See in Copenhagen?
CopenhagenThingsToDo contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See Privacy Policy for more information.
Curious to experience Sankt Hans in Copenhagen and wondering where to celebrate one of Denmark’s most beloved traditions? You’ve come to the right place.
After living in Copenhagen and celebrating Sankt Hans myself several times over the years, I’ve put together everything you need to know to enjoy the evening like a local.
From the best places to watch the Sankt Hans Aften bonfires to know what it actually is and how Danes celebrate the Sankt Hans festival, this guide will help you make the most of one of Copenhagen’s most memorable summer traditions.
Let’s go!
What is Sankt Hans?
Sankt Hans brings together two traditions: the midsummer celebration around the summer solstice and the Christian celebration of Saint John the Baptist.
Sankt Hans literally means “Holy Man” in Danish and refers to Saint John, the Baptist. Saint John’s birthday falls on June 24th.
Interestingly, the summer solstice – the longest day and shortest night of the year falls on June 21. However, under the ancient Roman calendar, the solstice was observed on June 24th, which helped connect midsummer traditions with Saint John’s Day.
Sankt Hans is the name used for Denmark’s traditional midsummer celebration and one of the most important summer events of the year. Across Denmark, people gather around bonfires, sing songs, and enjoy the long summer evening with family and friends.
If you are visiting Copenhagen in June, Sankt Hans is one of the best ways to experience Danish culture and local traditions.
When is Sankt Hans in Denmark?
Sankt Hans is celebrated every year on June 23rd, and it is not a public holiday in Denmark.
Sankt Hans Aften
Sankt Hans Aften (Saint John’s Eve) is the evening of June 23rd, when the main celebrations take place across Denmark. It is also known as Midsummer Eve, and this marks the midsummer celebration for Danes.
How is Sankt Hans Celebrated in Denmark?
Midsummer celebrations have existed in the Nordic countries for centuries. In neighbouring Sweden, Midsummer is even a national holiday. Across Scandinavia, this day is still marked by bonfires, community gatherings, and summer festivities.
Historically, people believed that witches, evil spirits, and dark forces were especially active during the shortest night of the year. To protect their communities, they lit large fires to chase them away.
Today, the bonfire remains the heart of the celebration. As dusk approaches on June 23rd, people gather together at beaches, parks, harbours, and lakes across the country.
Many bonfires have a witch doll made from straw or old clothes placed on top. Burning the witch symbolises saying goodbye to evil and welcoming brighter times ahead.
Before the bonfire is lit, there is often a bonfire speech. At larger events, this is usually given by a well-known local figure, such as the mayor.
The crowd then joins together to sing the traditional midsummer song as the bonfire is lit.
Afterwards, many celebrations continue with live music, DJs, food stalls, and social gatherings.
Danes enjoy the long summer evenings with friends and family while taking part in a tradition that has been passed down for generations.
What is the Sankt Hans Song?
One of the most important traditions is singing together “Midsommervisen”, also known by its opening line, “Vi elsker vort land” (We Love Our Country).
The lyrics were written in 1885 by Danish poet Holger Drachmann for the fairy-tale comedy, Once Upon a Time.
As the bonfire burns, people gather around and sing together. I still find it fascinating how an entire crowd joins in, turning a simple song into a shared tradition.
P. E. Lange-Müller did the original music. In 1979, the Danish pop band Shu-bi-dua created a new melody, which quickly became popular. Today, the latter version is sung at bonfire celebrations across Denmark.
Listening to hundreds of people sing Vi elsker vort land around the bonfire is one of the most memorable parts of a Danish midsummer evening.
Where to See Sankt Hans Aften in Copenhagen?
Bonfires are lit all across Copenhagen on June 23rd, but some celebrations are much bigger than others. If you’re wondering where to experience this Danish midsummer tradition, here are some of the most popular and best places to watch.
1. Tivoli
Tivoli Gardens is one of the most popular places to experience a midsummer celebration in Copenhagen.
The bonfire on Tivoli Lake will be lit at 9:30 PM, and the event is included with your Tivoli entrance ticket.
The Danish archer Lars Andersen lights the bonfire with flaming arrows. As the fire burns, visitors gather around the lake to sing the traditional song together.
Expect large crowds, but the atmosphere is fantastic. I witnessed Sankt Hans at Tivoli when I had the annual pass and attended events throughout the year.
2. Nyhavn
Nyhavn is another popular place to experience Sankt Hans Aften.
Expect plenty of people. The festivities usually begin with live music from 7:30 PM, followed by the bonfire and traditional midsummer carol around 10 PM.
The bonfire is normally set up near the Netto Boats area. I recommend the side opposite the bars for a better view.
3. Frederiksberg Have
Frederiksberg Have is a family-friendly place for enjoying a Danish Sankt Hans bonfire.
The park has hosted this tradition for more than 60 years, and the bonfire is lit on the water. People gather along both sides of the lake.
The Children’s programme starts at 16:00 with children’s activities, entertainment, a children’s bonfire, a speech by the mayor, and community singing.
In the evening, lounge music begins at 19:30, followed by the mayor’s welcome speech at 20:30, community songs, concerts, and the traditional bonfire speech.
The big bonfire is lit at 21:40, as everyone sings the midsummer song. The evening continues with live music until 22:30.
4. Kayak Bar
Unlike the traditional celebrations, Kayak Bar feels more like a summer waterfront party, with DJs, concerts, food, and the evening bonfire.
The quayside event is ticketed and includes a seafood dinner and open bar for 650 DKK, but you can still watch the bonfire from the bridge and surrounding areas for FREE.
The programme starts with kayak games and competitions from 16:00 to 18:00, followed by a DJ from 17:00. Traditional Sankt Hans songs are sung at 20:30, and the bonfire is lit at 21:00.
After the fire, the celebrations continue with a live concert, followed by another DJ set from 22:30 until midnight. If you enjoy a more social and lively atmosphere, this is a fun place to spend the evening.
Read Next: Offbeat things to do in Copenhagen (You Never Knew!)
5. Reffen
Located by the harbour, Reffen is a great spot to watch the sunset, grab food from the stalls, and enjoy the celebrations as the evening unfolds.
The programme starts at 15:00 with a children’s bonfire with free s’mores, a flower workshop (at 16:00), live music (17:00 – 18:30), a DJ duo HEJ LEIF (18:30 – 23:00), and a choir concert by UngKlang (20:45 – 21:45).
The Sankt Hans bonfire lights up the harbour at 21:45. The event is free to watch and also attracts a huge crowd.
A shared long-table dinner takes place at 17:30 for 166 DKK (advance ticket booking required). If not, Reffen’s many street food stalls will be open throughout the evening.
6. Ofelia Plads
Ofelia Plads is one of the most popular places to celebrate midsummer in Copenhagen, and after visiting last year, I can see why.
The atmosphere by the waterfront is fantastic, and the energy from the crowd makes the evening feel special.
This event has been running for more than 10 years and includes a bonfire, live music, community singing, and traditional speeches.
Food trucks and bars start serving from late afternoon, even before the programme begins.
The concert starts at 20:00, followed by a bonfire speech from Frederik Cilius at 21:00. The bonfire is lit at 21:15 as the crowd together sings the traditional midsummer song.
Visiting Sankt Hans in Copenhagen for the First Time
If you’re experiencing Sankt Hans Aften in Copenhagen for the first time, here’s exactly what I would do.
Start your evening at Ofelia Plads. Afterwards, take a short walk to Nyhavn for a memorable summer night. For a more relaxed experience, I would spend the entire evening at Frederiksberg Have or Reffen.
Other Places to See Sankt Hans Aften Celebrations
The locations above are some of the biggest and most popular celebrations in the city, but they’re far from the only ones.
Almost every municipality and local community around Copenhagen hosts its own bonfire event, often with live music, speeches, community singing, food stalls, and family activities.
I’ve linked the relevant Facebook event pages below so you can check the latest programme, timings, and practical information before attending.
- Islands Brygge – The bonfire is lit at 21:00
- Seaside Toldboden – The bonfire is lit at 21:00
- Bakken – The bonfire is lit at 22:35. The children’s bonfire is lit at 18:00
- Emdrup Sø – The bonfire is lit at 19:30
- Enghaveparken, Vesterbro – The bonfire is lit at 21:15, the children’s bonfire is lit at 18:15
- Lindevangsparken – The bonfire is lit at 18:00
- Norddyssen, Christiania – The bonfire is lit at 20:00
- Grønningen – The bonfire is lit at 18:40
- Blågårds Plads, Nørrebro – The bonfire is lit at 20:15
- Kingos Kirke – The bonfire is lit at 20:25
- Utterslev Torv – The bonfire is lit at 19:30
- La Banchina
- Amager Strand
- Naturpark Amager
- Halvandet
A smaller event can give you a more authentic experience of how Danes celebrate this special summer evening.
Final Thoughts: Sankt Hans in Copenhagen
Celebrating Sankt Hans in Copenhagen is a wonderful way to experience Danish culture and traditions that have brought communities together for generations.
The evening offers a unique glimpse into how Danes welcome the summer.
If you’re visiting Copenhagen in June, I highly recommend adding Sankt Hans to your itinerary.
Whether you choose a popular bonfire event or a smaller neighborhood gathering, you’re sure to enjoy a special summer night in Copenhagen.
God Sankt Hans Aften! (Happy Sankt Hans Evening!)
