Roskilde has been and gone for another year. So if you’re suffering from withdrawal symptoms and haven’t quite acclimatised yet to running water and clean linens, then no fear – we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up the best of the fests in Denmark and beyond.
The summer months of July and August are rammed with live music to suit all tastes, from electronica to art-pop. And festivals are taking place up and down the country – from Jutland to the little island of Bornholm – played out in some of the most scenic spots imaginable.
With so much choice available, narrowing it down might seem daunting – but we’ve made it easier for you with our handy guide to this summer’s music.
Vig Festival
July 7-9; Ravnsbjergvej, Vig; festival pass: 1,275kr; vigfestival.dk
What began as a single concert by Danish folk legend Kim Larsen back in 1994 has now grown into a popular summer festival attracting over 13,000 guests to its Northern Sjaelland location. The program boasts a mix of Danish and foreign acts; this year’s line-up include Phlake, Oh Land and Christopher. There’s also Viggo’s Children’s World where the kids have their own stage with lots of entertainment and fun for the little ones and those young at heart.
Musik i Lejet
July 21-23; 125 Tisvildeleje; festival pass: 595kr; musikilejet.dk/
Initially started as a summer beach party back in 2009 by twins Andreas & Kristian Thomas Grauengaard, Musik I Lejet has since morphed into a three-day musical spectacle. The site is handily placed along the sea shore, so festival-goers can build sandcastles and play volleyball in-between shows. Turbo Weekend, Sivas and Kasper Bjørke are our top picks.
Langelandsfestival
Jul 23-30; Rudkøbing, Langeland; festival pass: 1,780kr (kids 880kr), one-day tickets 680kr (kids 340kr), billetnet.dk; langelandsfestival.dk
With a slogan of ‘100% family festival’ you can really expect nothing but fun for all the ages at Langelandsfestival. Positioned in the south of picturesque Funen – close by to the beach – means the kids can play in the sand or explore ‘children’s land’ whilst the parents check out the music on offer. This year’s program highlights include Anastacia, Kim Larsen and Rasmus Seebach.
Emmaboda Festivalen (Sweden)
July 25-30; Emmaboda, Sweden; festival pass: 1,295kr; emmabodafestivalen.se/
Since its fruition in 1988, this festival has moved from a one-day wonder to become an impressive five-day festival featuring some 70 artists over three different stages. The program features a mixture of Swedish and international artists. Highlights include Dutch DJ Oliver Heldens, Swedish rapper Elliphant and French electro group Dirtyphonics.
Nakkefestival
Jul 27-30; Søndervangsvej, Rørvig; festival pass: 550kr, one-day tickets: 180kr; nakkefestival.dk
An intimate community-based festival spread over four full days of music, entertainment and belly dancing in amongst brightly coloured tipis and tents.
Into The Valley (Sweden)
July 28-30; Dalhalla Rättvik, Rättvik; festival pass: 1,259kr, one-day tickets: 594kr; intothevalley.se
Just bring the club to the quarry! Said no one ever. Apart from the bright-sparks behind Sweden’s spectacular rave fest, Into The Valley, based in the stunning surroundings of Dalhalla a former quarry. Partying amongst the pine-trees and limestone will leave you feeling a bit like you’ve joined a rogue geography field trip (just with a little more Ket). Highlights include Four Tet, Joy Orbison and Nina Kravitz.
