Year after year, the mountains are set ablaze during the time of the summer solstice – for good reason: It’s a true event highlight in the region when the longest day and the shortest night of the year are celebrated with spectacular and fiery designs. Every year approximately on the third Saturday in June, the valley basin of Ehrwald-Lermoos-Biberwier is illuminated by a special kind of light – if the weather allows it. Don’t miss out on taking part in this unique and breathtaking event on the Tyrolean side of the Zugspitze! 

By the way: In 2010, the mountain bonfires of the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena were declared immaterial UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. 
 

Date: June 20, 2026 at 22:00
Duration: approx. 2 hours 
Status: Currently confirmed

Alternative date (only if the original date is canceled due to bad weather): June 27, 2026

Other mountain fires also take place in Berwang on a separate date. Find out more here.

The planning process of the solstice fires in Ehrwald starts several months ahead of the actual event. More than 300 so-called “mountain firers” have made it their mission to ensure that the breathtaking masterpieces illuminate the mountains right on time. This requires taking thorough measurements of the mountain faces, based on which the motives of the spectacular fire sculptures are designed. 

Afterwards, up to 700 bags – filled with sawdust and rapeseed oil – are transported onto the mountains and then neatly arranged to form an image. Anchoring them in the steep terrain at 2,000 metres above sea level as well as descending at night requires extensive mountaineering experience and climbing skills. In total, about 10,000 individual fires are lit. 

By the way: Bonfires during summer solstice have their origin in an old tradition that dates back to the 14^th century. At the time, the fires were believed to protect people from demons and evil spirits.