Celebrating the Summer Solstice at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen

Celebrating the Summer Solstice at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen

Unintentionally last year, we booked our trip to Copenhagen during the Summer Solstice. I so many times do not follow my own advice to check for local holidays before booking a trip! However, this time we truly benefited enjoying a moving experience. We planned to visit Tivoli Gardens the evening of Summer Solstice and were treated to a bonfire!

Enjoying a meld of gardens, international flare and frivolity at Tivoli Gardens.

We actually visited Tivoli Gardens first earlier in the day to validate our tickets, eat a little lunch and walk around. For the middle of the day, we traveled on a tour to Sweden to explore Malmo and Lund. After a pleasant afternoon in Sweden, we headed back to Copenhagen.

The Summer Solstice Pyre is ready to go!

During our morning visit, we noticed the pyre in the large pool. So, we knew that there would be a summer solstice bonfire in the evening! We easily deduced that it would be popular and should head straight over after our tour ended. Fortunately, our tour ended not far from Tivoli Gardens so we made it with plenty of time.

Tivoli's pagoda in the waning sun.

When we arrived, the sun was still pretty brilliant and we knew that it would be awhile before the celebration. So, we sauntered around taking in the sights and sounds of Tivoli! Eventually, we settled in for German fare which was delicious! Part of the fun of Tivoli is to enjoy tastes and sights from around the world melded with frivolity and fun as well as stunning floral displays.

Prost with German fare!

We walked around absorbing the jovial surroundings savoring the beautiful day. We dotted in and out of shops eventually settling on a few postcards printed in Denmark with depictions of Danish art. We also savored a variety of licorice candy. When in Denmark you must try the licorice! Eventually, we settled down an incredibly decadent chocolate cake.

Delicious chocolate cake!

Soon, we gathered close to the pond. There certainly was quite a crowd so it was difficult to get a spot where we could see! Fortunately, there are only three of us so as the crowd shifted we were able to move up. In order to save a spot, we did need to wait quite a bit before the ceremony started. The excitement of the sommersolhverv celebration floated in the air as everyone around us began to sing as the pyre was lit.

Lighting the Summer Solstice Pyre at Tivoli Gardens.

Soon, the pyre was fully ablaze. The scene brought renewal, celebration and joy. We were captivated by the moment.

Sommersolhverv at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.

As we walked out, we marveled at the park all lit up. Our hotel was nearby, so we had a short walk which was fortunate because we had an entirely complete day!

For me, fire generates a sense of renewal. Here in the Midwest I love prairie burnings. Each year they provide me with a moment to reflect and renew bringing in new ideas and appreciation for the Earth around me. Sommersolhverv at Tivoli Gardens generated a similar effect. We were so fortunate to savor this experience!