Exploring the North: Best festivals in Norway, Sweden and Denmark

The Nordic countries are known for their unique approach to festivals, blending stunning natural settings with diverse music genres.

In 2024, Sweden and Denmark host an array of standout events that reflect this eclectic mix. From the techno haven of Department Festival in Stockholm to the nostalgic vibes of Vi som älskar 90 & 00-talet, there’s something for every taste.

Not to be outdone, Denmark’s Copenhell promises an intense rock and metal experience, while Distortion transforms Copenhagen’s streets into a massive urban party.

Dive into the Nordic festival scene and discover where the music never stops, even under the midnight sun.

Drömmen Festival 2024, Sweden

Sat, May 25, 3:00 PM Stadion Stockholm, Sweden

This May, get stuck into an all-day party, where schlager and pop meet power ballads and disco. Headlined by absolute legends like Carola, Pernilla Wahlgreen, Bonnie Tyler and Boney M, along with ARVINGARNA, Kate Ryan, Lucianoz and many more, this one's a real treat for anyone in the mood for some serious grooves.

Department Festival 2024, Sweden

Jun 7 – 8 Fållan Stockholm, Sweden

Through smart solutions, a 100% vegan menu, a location accessible without cars and other smart solutions, Department festival aims to become the world's first climate positive festival. A pretty respectable goal, and also, no mean feat! The intimate festival welcomes about 6,000 people per year.

Expect two days filled with techno and house, including a lineup featuring Sofia Kourtesis, Floating Points (Live), and Caribou aka Daphni.

CLSR Boutique Festival, Sweden

Sat, Jun 15, 6:00 PM Stora Sundby Castle Stora Sundby, Sweden CLSR Boutique Festival returns to one of Scandinavia's most beautiful places, the iconic Stora Sundby Castle, outside Eskilstuna. Expect a gorgeous lineup with artists like Solomun, Tale Of Us, and Paul Kalkbrenner.

The festival features an expanded gourmet food area and captivating art installations, all set against the striking backdrop of the castle grounds. We're sold.

What A View 2024, Sweden

Jun 14 – 15 Münchenbryggeriet Stockholm, Sweden

Experience two days of peace and music at Münchenbryggeriet’s beautiful courtyard with Stockholm’s best view.

The 2024 lineup includes top international and local DJs like Folamour, Argy, DJ Koze, Jeremy Olander, Studio Barnhus All-Stars, Julia Sandstrom, and Nassim Mehran.

Enjoy cold drinks, delicious food, plenty of space to dance or relax, and captivating art installations.

Vi som älskar 90 & 00-talet, Sweden

Sat, Jul 6, 11:30 AM, Gärdets Sportfält, Stockholm, Sweden Sat, Jul 13, 11:30 AM, Frihamnen, Gothenburg, Sweden Sat, Jul 27, 11:30 AM, Nyhamnen, Malmö, Sweden

One for the nostalgia addicts, with timeless tunes and good vibes aplenty spread across Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö.

If the 90s and 00s defined your playlist, this festival is your time machine. Touring Sweden this July, Vi som älskar 90 & 00-talet hits Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.

Get stuck into a blast of iconic tracks, live performances, and sweet, sweet throwback energy.

OWL Festival, Sweden

Aug 2 – 4 Haubitsvägen Kristianstad, Sweden

OWL Festival returns to Kristianstad with a relentless lineup of hardstyle, rawstyle, Frenchcore, and uptempo.

This year's roster includes Billx, Cryex, Hyrule War, KRVLTY, Lil Texas, Phuture Noize, and Super Trash Bros, among others. There'll also be appearances from Bellzor, Burle b2b Freddz, Hvrizon, MNO b2b Roxen, Qeela, Radera, Rewilo, Serzo, Svane, and Wizious.

Held at Haubitsvägen, the festival promises not just high-octane music but also top-tier sound, lights, and SFX shows.

Sana Duri 2024, Sweden

Aug 23 – 24, Frihamnen, Gothenburg, Sweden

Sana Duri returns for another year, cementing its place as Sweden's number one hardstyle festival.

Held over two intense days, this year’s lineup features heavyweights like Showtek, Brennan Heart, and Angerfist. Joining them are Dimitri K vs. Noxiouz, Mandy, Radical Redemption, and many more.

Expect something relentless, with noisy brilliance from Warface, Rooler, and Sefa, while Da Tweekaz, Vertile, and Villain keep the energy high. With Sound Rush, Krowdexx, and TNT also in the mix, Sana Duri promises a high-octane experience for hardstyle fans.

Beach Party - Gravity CPH, Denmark

Thu, Jun 13, 2:00 PM, Docken, Copenhagen, Denmark

Sand, pool and the sun setting in the background while you are dancing.

Gravity CPH’s Beach Party at Docken promises an shimmering summer experience. Dance by the pool with sand beneath your feet as the sun sets over Copenhagen. This event combines vibrant music, stunning waterfront views, and a relaxed beach atmosphere. Perfect for those looking to enjoy great tunes and the best of summer vibes in an urban setting.

The 2024 lineup includes DJ Sasha, Amelie Lens, and Honey Dijon, ensuring a day of top-tier electronic music and the best of summer vibes.

Distortion, Denmark

May 29th - June 2nd

Distortion takes over Copenhagen with its legendary street parties and eclectic music lineup. Spanning multiple days and locations, this festival celebrates the city's urban culture with an array of electronic, hip-hop, and indie performances.

The 2024 lineup features acts such as Jamie xx, Peggy Gou, and Skepta. Known for its wild energy and diverse crowd, Distortion is a must-attend event that turns the streets of Copenhagen into an all-out party.

Copenhell, Denmark

Jun 19 – 22, COPENHELL, Copenhagen, Denmark

Brace yourself: Copenhell is Denmark's largest rock and metal festival. It's held in the industrial setting of Refshaleøen, and attracts metalheads from all over the world, offering a lineup of heavyweights in rock and metal music.

The 2024 lineup includes Slipknot, Metallica, and Gojira. With a raw and intense atmosphere, Copenhell is the ultimate destination for fans looking to immerse themselves in the world of heavy music.

Bergtattfestivalen, Norway

4th-6th July, Luster, Norway

Set in the stunning landscape of Luster, Bergtattfestivalen offers a diverse musical experience.

This festival blends different genres against a backdrop of natural beauty, creating a unique atmosphere that highlights the connection between music and nature. The 2024 lineup includes Aurora, Sigrid, and Highasakite.

Ideal for those seeking both musical and scenic enrichment, Bergtattfestivalen is a hidden gem in Norway's festival scene.

Slottsfjellfestivalen, Norway

10th-11th July

Fancy some pop and rock in a historic Norwegian town? Held in the historic town of Tønsberg, Slottsfjellfestivalen is exactly that. Praised for for its picturesque setting and super-strong lineups, the festival attracts music lovers to its stages set on the medieval Slottsfjell hill.

The 2024 lineup features artists such as Billie Eilish, Tame Impala, and Kings of Leon. With a mix of established artists and emerging talents, Slottsfjellfestivalen offers an intimate and engaging festival experience.

Øyafestivalen, Norway

7th-10th August

If you're looking for Norway's biggest music festival, this is exactly that, set in the lush surroundings of Tøyen Park in Oslo.

The festival features a wide range of genres, from indie rock to electronic music, and is known for its commitment to sustainability. The 2024 lineup includes Arctic Monkeys, Robyn, and Tyler, The Creator. With top international and Norwegian acts, Øyafestivalen offers an immersive cultural experience in the heart of Oslo.