June 6 is a public holiday in Sweden, which was officially introduced in 2005. June 6th marks the end of Danish rule for the Swedes 501 years ago. The Swedish War of Liberation (1521–1523; in Swedish: Befrielsekriget) was a significant historical event in Sweden, fought between the Swedes and the Danes. Gustav Vasa, a Swedish nobleman, initiated a rebellion and civil war against King Christian II of Sweden, and the Danish nobles also rebelled. In 1523, Christian II fled to the Netherlands, thereby losing the throne, and Gustav Vasa was elected king. This effectively ended the “Kalmarunionen” which Sweden withdrew as a result of the war, gaining independence from Norway and Denmark.
One of Sweden’s most famous and exciting events is the Vasaloppet, which is linked to King Gustav Vasa. Each year, it attracts thousands of cross-country skiers from around the world! This 90 km long cross-country ski race starts in Sälen and ends in the town of Mora. In 1521, Gustav Vasa fled along this route from the Danes to gain support for starting the Swedish War of Liberation. The first Vasaloppet was held in 1922, and it has been held annually since then to commemorate this historical event.