Your ultimate guide to the best Nordic festivals of summer 2024

Music festivals are the best part of any summer, and no one does it quite as well as the Nordics. With our endless summer nights, there is no better setting to celebrate music. The region, which is known for its incredible contribution to pop music across the globe, is ready to host some of the biggest artists of the world.

From local legends MØ and Aurora to Doja Cat and Fred Again.., the best of the best for the last couple of decades are all coming to celebrate in Scandinavia this summer. So, to ring in the warmer months here's your need-to-know on the most notable music festivals across the five countries.

Nestled in Stockholm's idyllic Djurgården, surrounded by towering trees and blossoming nature, Rosendal Garden Party returns for its third year in 2024 with three full days of international acts, mouthwatering food, art and experiences. Each for the three days has its own unique identity, with curated headliners – from Grace Jones and Massive Attack to The Cardigans and Saint Levant – complemented with newcomers and timeless favourites.

Roskilde is one of Denmark's oldest towns, going all the way back to the Viking era when it was an important hub for trade. These days, however, it is home to one of the coolest, most important music festivals in the world. Spanning over a whole week, Roskilde is the heart of Scandinavia's live music scene. Doja Cat, Tyla, Aurora, SZA and Foo Fighters are just some of the many artists ready to take on this week-long music extravaganza.

What do the Steve Aoki, The Chainsmokers, and Bebe Rexha all have in common? They are all playing Palmesus festival in Kristiansand in Norway come end of June. Dubbed 'Scandinavia's Largest Beach Party,' the main stage is set right on the beach. Switch out your rain boots for sandals as you take a dip in the North Sea and enjoy your favourite artists from across the globe.

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This Finnish festival's motto is: "Ruisrock exists to make the world a happier and more joyful place." If that is not reason enough to go, then the line-up, including everyone from Stormzy, MØ, J Hus and Louis Tomlinson, in the midst of the beautiful Finnish summer is unbeatable. Get your dancing shoes ready – you are going to need them.

Known since 2001 as ”Scandinavias Reggae Mecca," Uppsala Reggae Festival is Scandinavia's first (and biggest) Reggae Festival. After a few years of hiatus, the festival has once again returned. This is where the best of the best of Reggae artists gather, both international as well as stars from the local scene. Whether you are a Reggae expert or not, this festival is a celebration of music at its very best.

Since 1999 when Øyafestivalen first launched, it has become Norway's biggest and most important music festival. Taking place in Tøyen Park in Oslo, the festival is a whopping four nights of music, dancing and cheer. Covering all kinds of genres, from electronic to rock and punk, there is certainly something for everyone. André 3000, Janelle Monáe, Jorja Smith and Pulp are just some of the few that stick out on the jam-packed line-up.

One of Sweden's biggest music festivals takes place on the country's west coast in Gothenburg. And the Way Out West line-up is one you won't want to miss this summer as Fred Again.., PJ Harvey, The National and Sampha all take to the stage in the second weekend in August. A staple in Swedish summer festivities, it is as exciting as it is a relief that WoW is back on the schedule.

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Undoubtedly one of Finland's most hotly-anticipated summer events, Flow Festival is celebrated in unique, urban settings in the heart of bustling Helsinki. Featuring an array of music genres from pop and rock to hip hop and techno, Flow caters for all kinds of music tastes – this year's enticing line-up boasts artists such as Raye, Pulp, The Smile and Fred Again.., amongst others. The cherry on top? The fascinating art sprinkled across the festival area, and the tastiest food offered by the city's hip restaurants.

Held in Aarhus, the second-largest city in Denmark, NorthSide has firmly cemented its spot as one of Denmark's most popular festivals. With its four stages and a lineup that promises to satisfy fans of a range of genres, this year's spectacle features artists like Kaytranada, Troye Sivan, Loyle Carner, and 070 Shake, among others, taking the stage. In addition to offering a vibrant event, NorthSide is one of the pioneering festivals when it comes to sustainability, from the electricity it harnesses to offering only plant-based food at the site

If you're into dance music and breathtaking nature, then Solstice Festival is for you. Organised in Rukatunturi, one of the most renowned fjelds in Finnish Lapland, Solstice, as its name suggests, is held during the magical time of the midsummer solstice. With the sun that never sets, the dramatic mountainous landscapes, and the endless deep forests combined with the hottest dance music artists plucked from around the world, the festival creates an unparalleled mood, transporting guests to an enchanted universe. And Solstice isn't just about great music: with carefully curated art, delicious food, and scenic hiking trails beckoning to be explored, the festival is truly a one-of-a-kind gem.

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Another must-visit Danish festival is Tinderbox, taking place at the end of June in the historic city of Odense. With a line-up featuring artists ranging from Avril Lavigne and Benjamin Ingrosso to Camila Cabello and Lenny Kravitz, the event caters to a diverse audience. Ensuring to create the most epic summer weekend for its guests, the festival offers much more than just performances. From a ferris wheel and top-notch food to stand-up comedy and a nostalgic '90s party, there's lots to experience at Tinderbox.

Amongst of the magical surroundings of Egeskov on the island of Funen, Heartland is best described as a contemporary culture combining live talks, contemporary art and a sense of community with the very best of the music and food scene. That's not to say the live music element isn't the focal point of the three-day event: this year's line up boasts no less than Nile Rodgers, Ms Lauren Hill, Phoenix and Kasabian.