Valborg in Ulriksdal Palace Park

Visit Sweden:
"This is the night of the bonfire in Sweden – once believed to scare off witches and spirits, now mostly an excuse to sing, cheer, and burn last year’s garden trimmings.

Walpurgis, or Valborg (short for Valborgsmässoafton), also lovingly referred to as 'the last of April', is one of Sweden’s most cherished spring traditions. Originally, it was a way to mark the changing seasons and keep evil spirits at bay – but today, it’s a joyful community celebration. So why do Swedes still gather around bonfires on Valborg? Simply put: to welcome spring. It's a symbolic farewell to the dark, cold months, and a big, fiery hello to lighter days ahead.

Students embrace it as a preview of summer holidays, while families and friends come together to sing, watch the flames, and enjoy the first true outdoor evening of the year. Expect choral singing, springtime speeches and plenty of people huddling together, slightly shivering – but smiling – in the glow of the bonfire.

You’ll also spot lots of Swedish flags waving – 30 April happens to be the birthday of King Carl XVI Gustaf. And as if one celebration wasn’t enough, it’s followed by May Day, a national public holiday packed with parades and political demonstrations."

Let's meet at metro-station Bergshamra (on the red line to Mörby centrum). From there we follow the waterfront to Ulriksdal Palace which should take about half an hour.

https://www.kungligaslotten.se/english/royal-palaces-and-sites/ulriksdal-palace/ulriksdal-palace-park.html

The bonfire will be lit at 20.30 (the sun sets at 20.39). There will be fika and hot dogs for sale.

(Solna Stad:
"Bergshamra Scoutkår anordnar valborgsfirande med fiskdamm [for kids], korv och fika, där brasan tänds 20.30.")

Please note: part of celebrating Valborg is to be freezing cold so bring lots of warm clothes.

Starting point:
Bergshamra metro-station on the red line towards Mörby centrum, 10 minutes from T-centralen. Exit: Bergshamra centrum/Björnstigen (north, forward