Three Unique Scandinavian Summer Festivals

Summer festivals are the highlight of every year, especially in Scandinavia. Dozens of new artists and talented individuals are introduced, and amazing numbers of people come out to join the fun. From the most sensational to the lesser known, scheduling in a unique Scandinavian festival for your summer travels is a great way to take in the festivities and experience the unique culture of the Nordic countries. If you are looking for fun and authentic Scandinavian festivals this summer, then consider these three in the top ranks. Whether you are looking for extreme sports, gay pride, or music appreciation, these festivals offer everything you need to have the time of your life.

Distortion (Copenhagen, Denmark)

Copenhagen Distortion is one of Europe's largest annual gatherings, boasting more than 100,000 attendees per day. Designed to celebrate international club culture and Copenhagen street life, the festival offers 30 stages per day in the Vesterbro and Norrebro districts; they work their way to the final celebration areas in Copenhagen Harbor. After officially adopting the tagline of "A Week of Emerging Dance Music and Orchestrated Chaos" in 2013, Distortion has solidified their concept of a vast mixture of all genres. This massive mobile festival is a music lover's paradise and has been going strong since its founding in 1998.

Extreme Sports Week (Voss, Norway)

Extreme Sports Week was also established in 1998 and has grown to become one of the world's largest extreme sports festivals. Drawing competitors from all over the world, "Horgi Ned" is a multi-sport race that encompasses kayaking, biking, and skiing. In addition, there are many activities that include whitewater kayaking, rafting, BMX, mountain biking, longboarding, climbing, kitesurfing, hang-gliding, paragliding, parachuting, and BASE jumping. With such a wide variety of extreme sports, people from all over the world travel here to experience the unique identity that they have created for themselves as extreme sports enthusiasts.

Stockholm Pride (Stockholm, Sweden)

Recognized as Scandinavia's largest pride festival, Stockholm Pride welcomes the LGBT community and their allies to celebrate LGBT rights and diversity. In 2014 the event saw more than 600,000 attendees and 60,000 participants in the parade. Stockholm Pride offers an amazing array of exhibitions, lectures, seminars, workshops, and performances in every style. With thousands of temporary shops and stalls built, it is easier than ever to find something for everyone.

What's the most unique festival you've ever attended?

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Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.