Biike burning in Schleswig-Holstein

What does Biike mean?

“Biike” comes from the Frisian language and means sign, sea mark or fire mark. The Biike heaps, which are lit during the festival, usually consist of fir trees, brushwood and twigs.

Origin and history

The origins of the Biikebrennen go back centuries and have various meanings. First and foremost, it symbolizes the end of winter. On a spiritual level, the fire is said to drive away evil spirits and protect the community from harm. In practical terms, it marked the beginning of preparations for the coming sowing season at a time when life was still heavily influenced by agriculture.

Another meaning goes back to the former seafaring families of the region, where the wives of the sailors lit large fires to signal to their husbands at sea. These fires served as a guide, gave hope and were intended to offer protection.

Biikebrennen today

Even though its original purpose has changed over the centuries, the significance of the Biikebrennen remains alive. Along the North Sea coast, on the islands of Föhr, Amrum, and Sylt, as well as in many mainland communities, large piles of wood are set alight. Often hundreds of people gather to light the fire together and welcome—or rather bid farewell to—the winter.

The Biikebrennen is frequently accompanied by speeches in Frisian or Standard German, music, and a convivial atmosphere. In many regions, a traditional kale dinner follows and rounds off the evening in a culinary way.

An experience for visitors and locals alike

For visitors, the Biikebrennen is a special opportunity to experience Schleswig-Holstein in an authentic way. Away from the high season, the coastal region reveals itself as calm, expansive, and unspoiled. The fire in the winter landscape, the scent of burning wood and sea air, and the shared atmosphere make the evening a memorable experience.

Especially for those interested in regional culture and traditions, the Biikebrennen offers a unique insight into life in the north. It is not a staged spectacle, but a living custom that remains firmly rooted in the everyday life of many communities.

Biikebrennen and northern way of life

The Biikebrennen symbolically represents the northern German way of life: clear, down-to-earth, and community-oriented. In a time often characterized by fast-paced living, standing together around the fire has a calming effect. Conversations arise naturally, generations come together, and a sense of belonging moves to the forefront.

These values are precisely what make Schleswig-Holstein such an attractive place to live. A close connection to nature, strong traditions, and a deep sense of community shape many regions of the state and contribute to a high quality of life.

Where the biike fires burn along the north sea coast

Biike fires are lit in almost all towns along the North Frisian coast and on the islands. A selection:

Niebüll/Deezbüll: Biikeplatz Deezbüller Kirchenweg, from 6:00 p.m.

St. Peter-Ording: Erlebnis-Hus, Fritz-Wischer-Str. 1, 6:00 p.m. torch procession / Erlebnis-Promenade, forecourt of the pier, from 6:30 p.m.

Tönning: Multimar Wattforum, from 5:00 p.m.

Husum: Dockkoog, from 6:00 p.m.

In summary

The Biikebrennen is far more than a winter tradition. It is an expression of Nordic identity, a symbol of community, and an emotional highlight of the cold season. Anyone who experiences Schleswig-Holstein in February feels particularly strongly on this evening what defines the north. Warmth here comes not only from the fire, but above all from the people who gather around it.