Midsummer is celebrated with a week of music, drama, dance and literature against the backdrop of the magnificent Ring of Brodgar on Orkney. June 16-21. stmagnusfestival.com; visitorkney.com.

2 Reykjavik

There'll be strange goings-on in Europe's northern-most capital - people rolling naked in the dew, midnight trips to the zoo and Saga tales from wandering elves. Downtown Reykjavik bars (including Damon Albarn's Kaffibarinn) will be open until 5am or 6am. This year's celebrations take place on June 23. visiticeland.com.

3 Sweden

Young Swedes tend to shun the full-on traditional experience in favour of beach parties. Some of the wildest are on Oland, four and a half hours by train from Stockholm, where crowds drink vodka and construct midsummer poles out of beer cans. June 23. visitsweden.com.

4 Paris

Every year on June 21, musicians take to the streets and perform free concerts across the city. fetedelamusique.culture.fr.

5 Finland

In keeping with tradition, join the locals in the sauna, then head to Seurasaari, an open-air island museum, 15 minutes from Helsinki, where folk singers and dancers perform. visitfinland.com.