Biike Burning (Spring Bonfire)Biikebrennen

Biikebrennen is a historic spring-fire festival held every 21 February along the North Frisian coast of Schleswig-Holstein (including Husum and the islands) 1 2. Large bonfires are lit to ‘ward off winter’ and celebrate hope for spring. The night’s fires chases away the cold, following ancient pagan custom (including Viking-era and whaling legends). Husum’s fires draw locals and visitors who then enjoy traditional kale meals on the following Petritag 1 2.

The festival is an expression of Frisian heritage. In the 19th century it also became a symbol of regional identity under Danish rule 1. Today it is in Germany’s national heritage register (immaterielles Kulturerbe) and remains one of the first big local events each year 1.