To Saalfelden Leogang for the summer solstice

When the nights are at their shortest, the mountains burn in Saalfelden Leogang. At nightfall on 23 June, the locals light countless fires on the ridges, peaks and in the valleys, making the mountains seem almost mystical. The custom of mountain fires dates back to the 12th century and is said to ward off evil demons and promote growth and fertility.

 

Centuries-old traditions and a glowing edelweiss from 800 fireplaces

In Saalfelden Leogang, these fires are considered to be particularly beautiful and elaborate. Members of the Alpine Club, the mountain rescue service, the fire brigade and the Friends of Nature use the many fires to set the scene for the Leoganger Steinberge and the Steinerne Meer. From the valley, the glowing outlines of the mountains and the many fire pictures are particularly beautiful to watch. One of the most famous mountain fires is the Edelweiss in the snow pit of the Steinernes Meer, between the Persailhorn, Mitterhorn and Breithorn. For over 50 years, the Saalfelden fire brigade has been drawing the 100 metre wide and 180 metre long edelweiss in the snow pit at over 2,000 metres with around 800 fires. The exact size of the image always depends on the current snow conditions.

 

Watch thousands of fires from the summit of the Asitz

On the evening of 23 June 2018, there are three different events in Saalfelden Leogang to celebrate the summer solstice: In Leogang, the Asitz cable car runs from 5 pm until midnight and takes guests up to the mountain station at 1,760 metres for the "Fest am Berg - Berge in Flammen". After just under half an hour's walk, you reach the summit of the Asitz, from where you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the many midsummer bonfires. This year, a concert with choral and instrumental music will be held in Leogang parish church to mark the Silent Night anniversary year, after which all guests can sing together at the village fountain. In Saalfelden, the railway town band organises a midsummer festival at Lake Ritzensee with musical entertainment and culinary specialities. The mountain ridges around the Saalfelden basin and in the Schneegrube also light up.

 

Farmers' rules and meteorologists: the summer solstice determines the weather

The summer solstice has been important for rural weather forecasts since time immemorial and is the background to customs and superstition. St John's fires, for example, are said to keep storms away and plants harvested at this time are said to have special healing powers. And even today, meteorologists keep a particularly close eye on the weather at this time of year. Because when an Azores high builds up around St John's Day, dormouse and Peter & Paul (24, 27 and 29 June), this is a guarantee for a stable and beautiful summer in Europe.

 

Spending the night at the solstice

The solstice bonfires in Saalfelden Leogang are a favourite occasion for many guests to visit the region. The "Mountains in Flames" holiday package includes two nights in a double room from 22 to 24 June 2018 and the event at Ritzensee in Saalfelden. Depending on the accommodation category, the package costs from 62 euros per person in a private room to 130 euros in a 4-star hotel with half board.

 

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