Biikebrennen
Biikebrennen on Sylt
Origin and meaning of the Biikebrennen
A North Frisian tradition on February 21
The Biikebrennen is a traditional North Frisian festival, which takes place not only on Sylt, but also on the North Frisian coast and on the islands and Halligen every year on 21. February is celebrated. However, it was the Sylt chronicler CP Hansen who revived the centuries-old tradition of Biike burning in the 19th century.
The origins of Biike burning date back to pre-Christian times and are likely rooted in pagan customs. Originally, the Biikes served as Germanic spring fires for... Driving out winter and evil spiritsThe word "Biike" comes from Frisian and means "fire beacon" or "beacon." The Biikes were closely linked to the Petriting the following day, one of three court days a year. Contracts were concluded, wills were written, and it was decided when the whalers would go to sea. Today, the Petritanz On February 22nd, a real highlight in all island towns, where young and old celebrate.
Today, the Biikebrennen (bonfire burning) is primarily celebrated as a cultural and communal festival that bids farewell to winter and symbolizes the deep-rooted connection people have to their homeland and history. In 2014, the Biikebrennen was even included in the list of intangible cultural heritage in Germany.
Course of the Biike on Sylt
Traditional rituals
The evening begins with a convivial gathering at the starting point of the torchlit procession in the village. There, fire barrels are set up for the torches to be lit. The procession then marches together to Biikeplatz, often accompanied by a band. Upon arrival at the fire pile, a German and a Frisian speech follow, often addressing political and social issues on the island.
Only with the Frisian cry "Tjen di Biiki ön" is the fire officially lit and the torches thrown onto the bonfire. While the flames blaze, warm punch is drunk and everyone waits with bated breath for the straw effigy, barrel, or cask, symbolically representing winter, to fall into the flames.
Afterwards, the traditional Biike dish is served in the island's restaurants: kale "with everything".
Live stream of the Biike
Can't be there this year? No problem, R.SH will be live streaming a Sylt Biike again this year – so you can experience the Biike feeling at home!
This is what Biike 2025 was like
Want to experience the Biike in Tinnum again from home, or missed it? You can watch the Biike fire here!
Biike on February 21, 2026
When and where the Biikebrennen takes place on Sylt
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Westerland
- 18:00 PM: Departure from St. Nicolai Church, St. Nicolai-Straße 5 in Westerland
- approx. 18:30 p.m.: Lighting of the Biike south of the campsite
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Tinnum
- 18:00 PM: Departure from Tinnum Community Center, Dirksstraße 11 in Tinnum
- approx. 18:30 p.m.: Lighting of the Biike at Tinnumburg
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Keitum/Munkmarsch
- 18:00 p.m.: Departure from the "Alte Turnhalle", C.-P.-Hansen-Allee in Keitum
- approx. 18:20 p.m.: Lighting of the Biike on the railway embankment
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Archsum
- 18:00 PM: Departure at Deichweg, corner of Melnknop in Archsum
- approx. 18:15 p.m.: Lighting of the Biike at the dike path behind the bridge
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Morsum
- 18:15 p.m.: Departure from the Nösse car park, Nösistich in Morsum
- approx. 18:30 p.m.: Lighting of the Biike at the Morsum Cliff
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Rantum
- 18:00 PM: Departure from the spa guest house, Strandweg 7 in Rantum
- approx. 18:20 p.m.: Lighting of the Biike at the sand wall
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Hörnum
- 17:30 p.m.: Torch sale and meeting point at the Hörnum Tourist Service, Rantumer Str. 20
- 18:00 p.m.: Parade to the Biikeplatz at the campsite in Hörnum (Rantumer Str. 31)
- approx. 18:15 p.m.: Lighting of the Biike
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List
- 17:30 p.m.: Candlelight service in the Protestant St. Jürgen Church in List
- 18:00 p.m.: Distribution of torches for the subsequent procession from St. Jürgen Church by the fire brigade
- 18:30 p.m.: Departure to Biikeplatz
- 18:45 p.m.: Speeches and lighting of the bonfire behind the residential area “Am Königshafen”
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Kampen
- Mulled wine and punch will be served from 17:00 PM at the Friesenkaplle in Wenningstedt by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Norddörfer
- 17:45 p.m.: Torch distribution in exchange for a donation at the fire station in Kampen
- 18:00 PM: Departure from the fire station in Kampen, Wenningstedter Weg 2 in Kampen
- approx. 18:30 p.m.: Lighting of the Biike at the lighthouse path at hole 16 of the golf course
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Wenningstedt/Braderup
- From 17:00 PM onwards, torch distribution, meeting and punch service at the Frisian Chapel in Wenningstedt
- 17:45 p.m.: Start of the parade in Braderup, Café Curve, M.-T.-Buchholz-Stich 9
- 18:00 PM: Start of the parade in Wenningstedt, Frisian Chapel at the village pond
- approx. 18:30 p.m.: Lighting of the Biike at the lighthouse path at hole 16 of the golf course
Note on the traffic situation:
The streets Bi Kiar and Kampener Weg will be closed from 16.30:18.00 p.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX p.m. In addition, the streets Norderweg and Gaadt will be closed in the area of Biikeplatz.
Checklist for your unforgettable Biike experience
Tips for preparation
Warm, weatherproof and old clothing
Our tipSturdy boots with thermal soles or warm rubber boots, wool socks, thick trousers, and ideally an old jacket that can handle a few wax stains. Don't forget a scarf, hat, and gloves!
shilly-shally
Anyone wanting to fully enjoy the Biike experience should definitely bring a torch to the bonfire site. It's important, however, to protect the handle with a large piece of cardboard, as hot wax can easily drip down when lighting the torch, especially in windy weather.
Pay attention to wind direction
A bonfire on a windless day? That almost never happens. So always stand with the wind at your back, otherwise you won't see the bonfire for all the smoke. If in doubt, stand where the locals are.
Hot drinks
You'll be well catered for in terms of drinks. The fire department offers hot beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, for a small fee. However, most Sylt residents insist on arriving in style with handcarts and thermoses. The islanders simply like to be self-sufficient.
Patience
The torch may only be thrown into the fire when the speaker gives the signal. Until then, keep your distance and wait patiently. The starting signal is: “Tjen di Biiki on!” (“Light the Biike!”) Patience is sometimes also required for the end of the Biike. Strictly speaking, one may only leave when the pidder or the barrel has fallen.
“Üüs Sölring Lön” song
Üüs Sölring Lön (translated: Our Sylt Land) is the Frisian anthem of Sylt. No one expects you to be able to sing along perfectly.
If you want to warm up a bit beforehand, you can listen to the song here Print it out. The melody is also great for humming along to.
Traditional Biike dish
Kale with everything
After the fire has burned down, the Biikebrennen (Biike burning) is a communal meal. All Sylt restaurants serve the traditional Biike dish: kale with fried potatoes and hearty meat side dishes such as pork cheek, smoked pork, and cooked sausage. Following the meal, aquavit is traditionally served.
Tip: It’s best to reserve your favorite restaurant in advance!
Sylt Biike Box
The Sylt Biike Box conveniently brings the traditional Biike meal to the homes of Sylt fans and islanders.
Each box for two people contains 500g of freshly cooked, locally sourced kale, two slices of smoked pork loin, four cabbage sausages, mustard, and a Sylt-style Frisian bread baking mix. You only need to add the potato side dish yourself.
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49,99 euros plus shipping costs
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Orders must be placed by February 15, 2026; after that, only collection is possible.
St. Peter's Day
Day after Biike on February 22
St. Peter's Day falls on February 22nd, the day after the Biike bonfire on Sylt. Once an important court day, it now focuses on music and dancing.
St. Peter's Day is a special holiday, especially for children and teenagers who have the day off school. Parents and grandparents traditionally give them St. Peter's Day coins, which the young people of Sylt can use to go to the St. Peter's Day dance and buy sweets.
You and your children are very welcome in the island community. Singing and dancing along are expressly encouraged!
Overview of the Petri Dances on Sylt
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Petritanz in the former elementary school, Landwehrdeich 1 in List
For kindergarten and primary school children from 14:30 pm to 17:00 pm -
Petri dance in the Hall am Kliff, Haus am Kliff, Wenningstedt
- For kindergarten children from 11:00 - 13:00
- For elementary school children from 14:30 pm - 17:00 pm
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Petri Dance in the Old Kursaal at the Town Hall Square in Westerland
- For kindergarten children from 10:00 - 11:30
- For grades 5, 6 and 7 from 15:00 PM - 17:30 PM
- For grades 8, 9 and 10 from 18:30 pm - 21:30 pm,
the upper school is cordially invited
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Petritanz in the Westerland Hall at the CCS in Westerland
For elementary school children from 14:30 pm - 17:00 pm -
Petri dance in the Biike restaurant (Hapimag) in Hörnum
For children from 15:00 pm - 17:00 pm -
Petri dance in the Muasem Hüs in Morsum
For adults at 18:00 PM (admission from 17:00 PM)
Events around the Biike season
Biike, storm and promenade magic
Two special events, a true island feeling: At Meeting point Kurpromenade at the Golden Gull is going together with the Sylt Archive Embark on a delightful journey through time along the Westerland promenade – full of stories, pictures, and fitting delicacies. Coaching workshop “Clearly through the storm” with Simone Marwede In contrast, the focus is on the personal compass: Participants find their way using maritime images, new impulses and practical tools. Guidance for turbulent times.
Plan your Biike holiday
Here you will find holiday apartments with crackling fireplaces
to hotels with saunas, suitable accommodation for your Biike break on Sylt.
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The largest selection of accommodation
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best offer at the best price
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book quickly & easily
Biike Specials
Special hotel and restaurant offers for the Biike bonfire festival
The Sylt Biikeplatz
This is where the Biike fires are lit island-wide.
