The traditional fires in Saalfelden Leogang can be admired at various events. Either you enjoy the solstice festival at the Ritzensee in Saalfelden or ride the Asitz cable car high to 1870 m above sea level in Leogang to see the mountain fires up close. In a 360 degree radius, you can see thousands of solstice lights. The Alte Schmiede offers culinary specialities and live music.
Centuries-old traditions and a luminous noble white made of 800 torches
In Saalfelden Leogang these fires are considered particularly beautiful and unique. Club members of the Alpenverein, the mountain rescue service, the fire brigade and the nature lovers stage the Leoganger Steinberge and the Steinerne Meer every year with the many fires. From the valley you can easily see the luminous outlines of the mountains and the many fire pictures. One of the most famous fire pictures is the Edelweiss in the snow pit of the Steinerne Meer, between Persailhorn, Mitterhorn and Breithorn. For more than 50 years, the Saalfelden Fire Department has been drawing the 100-meter-wide and 180-meter-long Edelweiss with about 800 torches into the snow pit at over 2,000 meters. The exact size of the effigy depends on the current snow conditions. At 22.00 o'clock three red balls are fired from the valley as a starting signal for the ignition of the fires and the mountains are illuminated.
The origin of this ancient tradition dates back to the 14th century and according to the Pinzgau folk belief, the solstice fire expels evil demons that cause disease, livestock or hail damage. As a symbol of the sun, fire should also bring growth and fertility to meadows and fields.
Sunturn Festival at the Ritzensee
At the picturesque Ritzensee, Saalfelden inspires guests and locals alike with a solstice festival. Countless fires are lit on the ridges around the Saalfeld Basin. The huge edelweiss in the middle of the snow pit of the Steinern Sea provides a glowing floral greeting. This year, the Fire Brigade Youth at the Ritzensee will also light the year 2023.
Programme:
18.00 Start of the event at the Ritzensee
From 19.30 o'clock Musical framing by the small cast of the Eisenbahner Stadtkapelle Saalfelden
From 10 p.m. the mountain fires burn out
Free entry!
The event takes place only in good weather
Sunturn light at the seat
The mountain ridges are on fire! In a radius of 360° degrees you can admire thousands of solstice lights from the Asitz (1,870m above sea level).
Programme:
Special ride of the Asitzbahn throughout from 17.00 – 24.00 (uphill and valley ride: é 21,- (special price from 17.00) Children up to 15 years free!HOUSE OF COMMONS
Culinary specialities (hat and fondue food on pre-order) and live music are well catered for in the Altenschmiede.
For the youngest visitors there is a bouncy castle at the mountain station.
from 9 p.m.: Hike to the small asitz (20 – 30 minutes)
From 10 p.m.: Burn out the solstice fires! (Fuel is available! Solid footwear and warm clothing is recommended.)
